Why consider social & economic aspects in planning?
Download a printable version of this fact sheet (PDF, 195 kB)*
Regional social and economic information is invaluable for decision makers doing evidence-based planning. In weighing up the pros and cons for alternative actions within a natural resource planning proposal, consideration of social and economic data will help determine the best way to avoid negative impacts and increase the benefits of change.
Social, economic and environmental factors are inter-dependent
When helping groups with different priorities in a regional community to work together, it soon becomes clear that social, economic and environmental factors are completely inter-dependent and cannot be considered in isolation.
The condition of a region's natural resources can greatly determine the social and economic sustainability of a community. For example, salinity and drought have driven whole communities from many regions. Alternatively, abundant natural resources ensure a strong local economy, as seen in mining towns.
The community's involvement in and attitudes toward regional natural resources can also affect the way a region's natural resources are managed.
How does NRM affect the community?
Changes in NRM can affect employment and the type and number of social groups within a community. Changes may not affect everyone, however, and the strength of a community's parts make up its whole and can determine how cohesive the community is and also how sustainable it will be in the future.
For example, in towns where agriculture, tourism and residential development compete for land, water restrictions and allocations may determine the social and economic structure of the town. If water restrictions became a financial barrier to farm irrigation, landholders may have to sell out to residential development and tourism.
How do social factors affect the success of NRM?
A community is not homogenous. Individuals and groups (such as business, industry or community organisations) within a community are likely to differ in opinions, interest, financial dependency and locality to a proposed management activity. When planning NRM changes, consider the following questions:
- which groups will participate in the planned changes and what is the proportion of representatives from the community? Is it high enough?
- are the groups cohesive or divisive, and what are their values, traditions and expectations?
- without disengaging other groups, what can you do to encourage participation of the group you most want to change practices?
How do economic factors affect the success of NRM?
Economic factors will also determine the success of environmental practice change. These include business profitability, diversity and size of the local economy, and the flexibility of business practices.
Small businesses with limited cash flow and staff may find it more of a challenge to implement changes than a larger company.
The extent to which a business relies on the condition of local natural resources will also determine its interest in cooperating. For example, in a coastal town, hotel owners who depend on a steady stream of tourists might be more interested than the local electrician in helping to improve the condition of sand dunes.
Useful resources
- Cavaye, J (2004) Integrating social and economic factors in regional NRM planning: a framework for regional NRM bodies. Queensland Department of State Development
- Richards, C, Aitken, L (2004) Social Innovations in Natural Resource Management: a handbook of social research in natural resource management in Queensland. Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water
Related topics
- How do you integrate social and economic factors into NRM planning?
- How do you create social and economic profiles for a region?
- How can you use social and economic factors in funding proposals?
- What are the policies supporting effective NRM planning?
*requires Adobe Acrobat Reader
Last updated 05 January 2009