Human Dimensions Of Community-Based Conservation Of Endangered Sea Turtles On Shell Beach, Guyana Research Paper

In this report I investigate Human Dimension aspects of community-based sea turtle 
conservation on Shell Beach, Guyana with special emphasis on stakeholder conflicts. 
Based on personal observations, literature review, personal comments and unpublished 
data I identified the project conditions as being characteristic of a wicked problem. 
Further analysis revealed 5 key conflict situations (traditional subsistence use of sea 
turtles vs. conservation, local fishing and farming vs. sea turtle conservation, poaching, 
stakeholder interests and conflicts, alternative income development) arising from 
different values, beliefs and attitudes among stakeholders. I found the current 
management approach to be in a transition stage from Scenario Planning towards 
Adaptive Management. I discuss technological, cognitive and structural fixes as 
responses to the existing conflicts. Four aspects (clarification of management structure 
and stakeholder roles, permanent presence of PAC representative, improving 
community support for turtle conservation and building of national and international 
awareness) which should be addressed with priority and recommended measures to be 
taken are suggested

Area of interest: Guyana

Year: 2014