This project focuses
on the interdisciplinary interface between people and wildlife and seeks
to tackle confrontations between wildlife and human interests, and reduce
their impact on animal welfare using a multi-disciplinary approach. We
want to extrapolate our worldwide experience, and that of many other field
projects, to develop guidelines and 'operating' manuals that could be
used more widely. The ultimate objective of the project is to develop
a dynamic and flexible 'blueprint' to address ways to humanely reduce
the conflicts arising between the needs of people and the requirements
of wildlife populations.
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Understanding
the issues
Through consultation with people on the ground and a thorough review
of accounts published in journals, books and grey literature we attempt
to summarise the main perceived problems and approaches to resolve conflict.
We also organize think-tanks to seek novel ways of tackling conflict.
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Developing case
studies
We are currently developing a series of case studies across the globe.
The experiences and lessons learnt by each of them will be exchanged
through the CRP. Case studies will test the success of specific approaches,
using rigorous scientific methods, while at the same time address the
source of conflict and seek its resolution.
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Rapid Assessment
Teams
One of the services CRP provides is the assembling of Rapid Assessment
Teams which evaluate an emerging conflict situation and assist stakeholders
steer towards a lasting resolution of the conflict.
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Protocols for
conflict resolution
We hope that from our work several generalisations will emerge and lessons
will be learnt. These will be presented in field manuals for specific
animal groups, which will be made available to field users.
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Conflict
resolution requires strong partnerships, shared goals for both wildlife
and human communities and shared responsibility. Each solution must
be worked on a case-by-case basis, to fit a unique set of ecological,
cultural and economic circumstances. There is no universal panacea,
but similar principles do apply to most problems.
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