Engaging Peri-Urban Landholders in Natural Resources Management

Abstract

Engaging landholders in natural resource management (NRM) is a challenge in any landscape; however, it can be inherently more diffi cult in peri-urban landscapes. This chapter investigates why this is so and proposes practical options for addressing some of these challenges. It is proposed that current approaches to engage peri-urban landholders in NRM are in many cases based on conventional methods used to engage rural landholders. It was found that whilst the principles underpinning this approach are sound, the design and delivery of engagement must be modifi ed in order to be effective in peri-urban landscapes. Importantly, such modifi cations have implications for the planning, management, cost, and delivery of peri-urban NRM projects.