Resolving Ecological Conflict

Conflict between stakeholders can often threaten land-use change and the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. Much of our research at CEH is aimed at resolving ecological conflicts between stakeholders over the use of resources.

We play a key role in resolving conflicts by engaging in dialogue with stakeholders, improving ecological understanding by providing relevant scientific information, and building effective partnerships to implement and monitor resolution measures and policies.

A strategy for Conflict Resolution

The science undertaken at CEH is crucial to the resolution of many high-profile ecological conflicts in Scotland, the rest of the UK and across continental Europe. These conflicts occur in habitats ranging from the uplands to the North Sea, but we have adopted a common strategy for their resolution:
Process Outcome
1. Stakeholder-scientist dialogue Identifies the ‘problem’
2. Provision of relevant scientific information Improves our understanding of the conflict
3. Scientist – stakeholder dialogue A two-way exchange of information
4. Effective partnerships Implementation and monitoring of resolution measures and/or policies