Strategic planning involves decision makers at different levels discussing key issues of an organization in a structured manner. The structured steps include developing initial agreement for the strategic plan effort which provides the role and responsibilities of the team, the timing of reporting, processes and membership of the team. With the plethora of actors with different roles and responsibilities to ensure a successful production and implementation of an organization strategic plan; the need for collaboration, cooperation and coordination (3Cs) is imperative which must be champion by a sponsor. Protected areas for wildlife conservation found themselves in the category of organizations operating in a shared environment. Community collaborative wildlife management has emerged as one of the strategies to ensure wildlife resource sustenance (Larsen, 2006; Jachmann, 2007) because it is difficult to have on the spot policing. Gbele Resource Reserve (GRR) is a wildlife protected area in an environment of fringe communities having competing stakes with wildlife resources through poaching amidst wildlife law enforcement by the managers of the reserve.
Key Words: collaboration, cooperation, coordination, conservation, poaching, wildlife
Table of Contents
1. Collaboration, Cooperation and Coordination in Protected Area Strategic Planning
2. Gbele Resource Reserve (GRR) Profile
3. GRR Mandate, Mission, Vision and Activities
4. GRR Major Stakeholders
5. GRR Internal and External Factors Effects on Strategies
6. Strategic Issues and Adoption in GRR
7. Strategies Development and Adoption
8. Vision of Success and Strategy Implementation of GRR
9. Monitoring and Evaluation of GRR Strategies
10. Reflective Conclusions on GRR Strategic Plan
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this work is to explore the necessity of collaboration, cooperation, and coordination (the 3Cs) within the strategic planning processes of wildlife protected areas, specifically focusing on the Gbele Resource Reserve in Ghana, to ensure sustainable management amidst competing stakeholder interests.
- Integration of the 3Cs (Collaboration, Cooperation, Coordination) in strategic organizational management.
- Stakeholder analysis and the challenges of managing protected areas in shared environments.
- Implementation of SWOT/C analysis to assess internal and external factors affecting wildlife conservation.
- Application of technology and community-based strategies to mitigate illegal activities like poaching.
- Performance measurement and feedback loops in strategic planning for resource sustainability.
Excerpt from the Book
GRR Internal and External Factors Effects on Strategies
In a complex shared environment such as those of protected areas; GRR looking forward to survive must undertake a rigorous assessment of its external and internal environment. Bryson (2004) gave the objective of undertaken an assessment (SWOT/C- strength, weakness, opportunities and Threats/challenges) is to evaluate the present strengths and weaknesses (internal) and the future opportunities and challenges/threats (external). Lee, Lo, Leung, and Ko (2000) asserted changes in external factors such as government policies, export demands and changes in technology affect strategic planning. External factors of protected areas have changed as methods of poaching have change significantly: With changes in weaponry and accessibility to protected areas improved; poached products have gain a greater market value. Also farming intensity both in scale and seasons have increased-inching into pristine areas of wildlife habitats.
According to Bryson (2004) benefit of assessing the internal and external conditions of the organization is to place it in a proper context to determine its survival and prosperity. GRR main strength is based on its mandate as a regulatory body for wildlife resources utilization that is established by law. It is only the Parliament of Ghana that can repeal and cause cessation of GRR existence. There are trained and dedicated employees (though inadequate) who undertake law enforcement activities. The weaknesses in GRR are inadequate staffing to have effective patrol coverage; inadequate budgetary allocations and limited application of appropriate technologies in natural resources management and patrolling. The external opportunities can be derived from the conservationists’ movement and interest both in Ghana and internationally. The combination of law enforcement with collaborative management backed by democratic and human rights forces; presents other external opportunities. This can be derived from effective use of traditional authorities’ councils and working with the Police and the Judiciary Services. Threats of poaching, cattle invasion, wildfires and farming are still lingering on for wildlife managers’ considerations. GRR’s presents intangible products of environmental services to the country and the world—making benefits sharing difficult to external stakeholders.
Summary of Chapters
Collaboration, Cooperation and Coordination in Protected Area Strategic Planning: Discusses the theoretical necessity of strategic planning and the role of leadership in coordinating efforts within shared organizational environments.
Gbele Resource Reserve (GRR) Profile: Provides an overview of the reserve's geography, establishment, staffing, and the specific illegal activities threatening its ecological integrity.
GRR Mandate, Mission, Vision and Activities: Outlines the formal objectives of the reserve and the importance of aligning operational activities with socio-ecological needs and sustainable development.
GRR Major Stakeholders: Analyzes the diverse group of actors influencing the reserve and the importance of stakeholder commitment to strategic processes.
GRR Internal and External Factors Effects on Strategies: Evaluates the reserve's operational environment through a SWOT/C framework, identifying key strengths, weaknesses, and external threats.
Strategic Issues and Adoption in GRR: Defines core strategic challenges for the reserve, framed as questions regarding sustainability, poaching, and technological integration.
Strategies Development and Adoption: Explores the evolution from purely enforcement-based strategies to collaborative benefit-sharing models involving local communities.
Vision of Success and Strategy Implementation of GRR: Describes the ideal scenario for the reserve and the management requirements for successfully implementing new collaborative and technological strategies.
Monitoring and Evaluation of GRR Strategies: Examines frameworks for monitoring organizational performance and the necessity of measuring the effectiveness of collaborative agreements.
Reflective Conclusions on GRR Strategic Plan: Emphasizes the iterative nature of strategic planning and the need for continuous feedback loops to adapt to identified challenges.
Keywords
Collaboration, Cooperation, Coordination, Strategic Planning, Protected Area, Gbele Resource Reserve, Wildlife Conservation, Poaching, Stakeholder Analysis, Sustainability, SWOT Analysis, Law Enforcement, Community Resource Management, Biodiversity, Environmental Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work focuses on the application of strategic planning processes within wildlife protected areas, specifically examining how the '3Cs'—collaboration, cooperation, and coordination—can enhance management efficacy.
What are the central themes covered in the text?
Key themes include stakeholder management, the transition from strict law enforcement to collaborative conservation, environmental assessment, and the integration of technology in patrol and management tasks.
What is the primary research goal?
The primary goal is to provide a structured strategic approach for the Gbele Resource Reserve to overcome external threats and ensure long-term resource sustainability through better engagement with stakeholders.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The author utilizes a goal-based strategic planning approach, incorporating SWOT/C analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats/challenges) and stakeholder analysis to evaluate organizational performance.
What is covered in the main body of the document?
The main body covers the profile of the Gbele Resource Reserve, its legislative mandate, internal and external environmental assessments, the identification of strategic issues, and proposed strategies for monitoring and evaluation.
Which keywords characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as strategic planning, protected area management, wildlife conservation, community collaboration, poaching prevention, and stakeholder engagement.
How does the author propose to improve anti-poaching measures?
The author suggests combining traditional law enforcement with modern technology for tracking patrol performance and illegal activities, alongside fostering community collaboration to create sustainable, shared benefits.
Why is the concept of '3Cs' considered imperative for GRR?
The 3Cs are considered imperative because the GRR operates in a shared environment where numerous actors have competing stakes; without active collaboration and coordination, the reserve cannot effectively achieve its conservation mission.
What role do fringe communities play in the strategy of the reserve?
Fringe communities are viewed both as potential threats (due to poaching) and as vital partners; the strategy emphasizes shifting their role towards collaborators through benefit-sharing systems and community-based management.
How should the strategic plan be reviewed according to the author?
The author argues that the strategic plan should not be a static document but an iterative, learning-based process where feedback from implementation is continuously used to refine strategies and address new challenges.
- Citar trabajo
- Nana Owusu-Ansah (Autor), 2014, Collaboration, Cooperation and Coordination in Protected Area Strategic Planning, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/283070
