Advantages of interactive…

Advantages of interactive land use management. Improvement of government support services Land use planning through stakeholder interaction results in rapid identification of priorities requiring government action. Government needs to respond flexibly in allocating resources, in assigning responsibilities and, above all, in exchange of information and creation of linkages among institutions. Government will also need to improve its information services and provide training at grass roots level. Maximization of stakeholder objectives The new approach to sustainable land resources planning and management stresses three things above all: information, involvement and joint decision making by all stakeholders. When people are informed and involved, they are half-way to being satisfied. When they participate in decision making they are three quarters of the way to being satisfied. When they understand that they have negotiated the best result possible, they are almost always satisfied. When they are part of a development partnership, they are usually enthusiastic and more than satisfied. Increased production Interactive land resources management means that priority is placed on removal of production constraints and provision of incentives to produce, within an overall framework that maximizes the benefits to all those stakeholders making use of land and water resources. Since the program is people based, and developed in consultation with all those concerned, these constraints and priorities are identified clearly and rapidly. Maximum conservation Decision making must be based on adequate information on the amount and condition of the resources available, including the status of plant and animal populations, natural habitats and the environment. Information for decision making must also include the likely impact on the environment of the range of possible-use options, both in the short and long term. Institutional structures for discussion and negotiation must ensure representation of all stakeholders. In this way, the results will ensure the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Maximum use of local knowledge, enthusiasm and resources Government resources are limited, even in the wealthiest countries. In least-developed countries, they are often very limited. When the people themselves are empowered to initiate and manage their own local development programs – within an overall framework that caters for the needs of society as a whole – then far greater resources are mobilized than are normally available to governmental role of government is then to facilitate, provide information, advise and ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are taken into account. More rapid development through automatic integration of actions,inputs and objectives At present, almost all development initiatives are “top-down” in character. Apart from other disadvantages, this means that they represent what officials think the people want. Thus technology is frequently developed but not underutilized the starting point for development is the needs of the people, a demand-driven situation is created that automatically identifies priorities and integrates requirements