Community based management is most
likely to solve uncertainty issues of natural
resources. Carlsson and Berkes (2005) argued
that community based management has potential
to become a governance system consisting of
networks among different levels of stakeholders
and directs attention to the process of problemsolving. On the other hand, the adaptive
management approach has also been suggested
to address the complexity and uncertainty problem
(Fennell et al., 2008). Armitagea et al. (2008)
stated that the strength of adaptive community
based management is that it links groups and
fosters knowledge synthesis across vertical
(local, regional, national) and horizontal (local
organisation to local organisation) scales. Local
communities have different site knowledge, local
experience and approaches towards resources
management to address the complexities
and challenges of water resources conditions
as well as uncertainty (Snelder and Persoon,
2005). Learning by doing, experimentation, and
collaboration among stakeholders is an important
outcome of the adaptive and collaborative
management process for natural resources, in
which an integrated approach is developed both
horizontally and vertically.
Although there are different emphasis,
conceptualization of IWRM and community based
management have some common underpinnings.
For better visualisation, the similar characteristics
listed below are shown in Figure 1.
●●
Participatory approach and recognise
different roles of stakeholder management
system.
●●
Adaptive governance and management
is applied to deal with uncertainty and
dynamic issue.
●●
Stakeholder’s capacity built-up to
strengthen an efficient and confident
decision making.
●●
Economic valuation of natural resources.
Conclusion
In looking beyond the conventional concept of
IWRM, effective operational IWRM always requires
the understanding of local conditions and its human
needs (demand and cultural). Policy makers need
Figure 1
Characteristics of IWRM and community based natural resources management approach
Integrated water
resources management
Water resources
management should be
applied at river basin
Recognise and apply
reliable economic
instruments
Adaptive water
governance
Capacity built-up
Economic valuation
Adaptive
management
Social capital
building
Recognise different roles
of stakeholders in water
resources management
Partnership; power and
responsible sharing
Community natural
resources based
management
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