How can you use social & economic factors in funding proposals?
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An understanding of how the social and economic make-up of a community can impact on and be affected by natural resource management change can add depth and support to funding proposals.
What are social and economic factors?
Social and economic factors are aspects of communities, social groups and individuals that may be affected by environmental, industry or landscape policy changes. Inextricably linked, they include regional employment, income, production, cultural life, community values, political systems, environments, and general health and well-being.
Why use social and economic factors in funding proposals?
By considering social and economic factors in NRM planning, you can mitigate negative impacts and increase benefits of change, thereby increasing the likelihood of communities accepting NRM change.
Social and economic information is also invaluable when weighing up the pros and cons of alternative actions within a proposal.
The impacts of NRM on the natural resource condition may in turn influence the social and economic characteristics of the region.
How do you identify the social and economic factors in your region?
A social and economic profile presents a detailed view or map of the complexities of the region and its community sectors.
It can support funding proposals by documenting the potential and actual impacts of NRM actions with rigorous, predictive, informed, transparent, and accountable evidence.
For more information, see How do you create social and economic profiles for a region?
How do you assess the social and economic impact of a proposed management change?
A Social and Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) can assess the potential impacts of a proposed or current management action on the social and economic factors identified in a regional profile. It details which actions should be taken to reduce possible negative impacts and promote positive impacts.
A detailed SEIA is not always essential. For a checklist to determine whether you need an SEIA, see step 3, page 6 of the report, Conducting social and economic impact assessment: a practical guide for regional NRM bodies.
How can you use social and economic data to attract commercial partnerships?
Being able to provide evidence of social and economic benefits is great leverage when developing local partnerships, including commercial partnerships. Economic gain, improved natural resource condition, and corporate social responsibility are valuable incentives to any commercial partner. You can present evidence of how these might be achieved using social and economic data. It is particularly beneficial to target those most dependant on natural resources. Tourism operators are a good example. See also, Who should regional bodies develop partnerships with?
How can you use social and economic factors to leverage funding?
By promoting the economic and social benefits of change, regional NRM bodies can gain the confidence of landholders and help them through the change process. Landholders who are willing to become more involved in NRM activities have access to a number of funding opportunities.
Visit the Queensland Government's NRM incentives database for more details.
Useful resources
- Social innovations in natural resource management: a handbook
- Stanley, J, Clouston, B and Binney, J (2004) Compiling regional and economic profiles: a practical guide for regional NRM bodies 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?
- What are the policies supporting effective NRM planning?
- Why consider social and economic aspects in natural resource planning?
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Last updated 05 January 2009