Time for tools: A review on geospatial tools and their role in co-management

The overall goal of this study was to conduct an extensive literature review to characterize how geospatial tools are being applied in co-management contexts globally. This was accomplished through two objectives: (i) to investigate the use and applications of geospatial tools in cases of natural resource co-management; and (ii) to identify benefits and challenges associated with the use of these technologies. A total of 26 articles met the inclusion criteria for review; these encompassed a range of contexts, but were predominantly focused on co-management of fisheries, protected areas, and forests. Case studies were analyzed through the lens of four tool-based categories: participatory mapping, spatial data collection, remote sensing, and modelling. Findings suggest a wide range of applications, demonstrating the versatility of these tools including those used to measure the efficacy of co-management. Frequently cited geospatial tool benefits included identifying space-use patterns, determining the state of resources, capacity building, and monitoring change over time. Challenges with geospatial tools included issues of scale and generalization, data uncertainty, incomplete or poor data, and lack of trust. A primary conclusion from this study is that geospatial tools tend to be used in a participatory fashion, thereby contributing to key elements of co-management such as trust building and knowledge co-production.