Genuine Community Engagement in Remote Dryland Regions: Natural Resource Management in Lake Eyre Basin |
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Authors: | THOMAS G. MEASHAM CAROL RICHARDS CATHERINE J. ROBINSON SILVA LARSON LYNN BRAKE |
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Affiliation: | 1. CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, GPO Box 284, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.;2. Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200;3. School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4103, Australia.;4. CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, Qld 4103, Australia.;5. CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Davies Laboratory, Aitkenvale, Qld 4814, Australia.;6. University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia. |
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Abstract: | Remote dryland regions are characterised by sparse populations and socially marginalised voices which pose particular challenges to natural resource management. This paper considers the issue of how to achieve community engagement in regions with these characteristics. In doing so, the paper contributes to an expanding international research agenda focusing on the distinct characteristics of arid and semi‐arid regions under the heading of ‘dryland syndrome’. The paper draws on government liaison officer and local community perspectives of successful engagement in the case‐study region of Lake Eyre Basin, Australia. The results demonstrate that widely recognised characteristics of successful engagement are required but insufficient for genuine engagement in remote dryland regions. In addition to building trust through community ownership, being inclusive, effective communication, and adequate resources, genuine community engagement in drylands also requires respecting the extreme conditions and extraordinary variability of these areas. Residents of dryland regions seek genuine engagement yet engage opportunistically when seasons are conducive and when tangible outcomes are visible. |
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Keywords: | Community‐Based NRM dryland development paradigm desert environments deliberative democracy community participation |
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