Conflicts Between Farmers and Conservationists: The Role of Communication in the Management of Natural Resources

Abstract

The importance of communication in conflict situations between conservationists and farmers about problems related to agricultural practices such as erosion, biodiversity loss, and water quality has been highlighted frequently. However, in the Czech Republic, there is a very limited amount of scientific data about this issue. This article presents a literature review summarising evidence on how conflicts between farmers and environmentalists proceed; steps that can be taken to achieve progress in face-to-face communication and there is also a case study of a specific collaborative partnership from a small parish in South Moravia that focuses on improving natural values. Recommendations on how to build more constructive dialogue and develop cooperation between various groups are analysed, and principles that enhance dialogue and may contribute to overcoming disagreements through partnership are indicated. The collaborative partnership in the case study involves a farmer working together with a municipality and other stakeholders on a local level to improve nature conservation and ecosystem services. The majority of the general principles of collaboration and communication for conflict resolution that were identified in the literature review were fulfilled; nevertheless, the partnership currently has limited outreach as the two agribusiness companies which manage the majority of the land in the parish have not been included.

Keywords

• nature conservation communication
• conflicts between farmers and environmentalists
• collaborative natural resource management
• collaborative partnership