Using systems thinking to inform natural resource governance

Abstract

We examined the decision‐making processes in transboundary conservation as found in two southern African case studies, the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, and the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. Using systems thinking to approach the model of transfrontier natural resource governance and management provided insights at the landscape scale, particularly regarding the absence of a physical institution that can be evaluated and consequently improved. The overall objective of the research project was to consult with all layers of decision and policy makers involved in order to: synthesize the current state of knowledge, identify the range of potential incremental effects of management responses on natural and human systems, and determine the range of values that drive decision‐making processes. The methodology involved analyses of semi‐structured interviews with community members, park officials and managers at various levels, local government officials, national policymakers and NGOs involved in the TFCAs; and scrutiny of relevant policies and treaty documents. A value system framework was developed as a result, and each dimension received an aggregated score at country level. The findings particularly in the governance and decision making sphere were analysed using Capability Maturity Model theory and the NATO Network Enabling Capability model theory. The main recommendations suggest improving involvement in decision‐making processes from the grass‐roots or community level, developing communities of practice between the different countries and core protected areas, prioritizing policy harmonization, and establishing a physical TFCA unit with dedicated staff over longer periods of time than the current brief rotational cycle.