ABSTRACT
Stakeholders who can be part of collaborative management, such as the private commercial sector, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, and local communities, contain considerable variability as well as important potential to contribute to various aspects of protected area management. NGOs have been major contributors to protected areas in virtually all countries, providing funds and expertise, building public support, promoting action, and advocating conservation interests. Powersharing between stakeholders in a comanagement arrangement can be promoted through free exchange of information, clear identification of the visions of the various stakeholders, and developing a shared vision through negotiation. The critical advantage of collaborative management is in establishing a formal agreement that establishes a durable, verifiable, and equitable form of participation that involves all relevant and legitimate stakeholders in the management of the protected area. Social and economic incentives can be used to reward landholders and private sector industries that contribute effectively to protected area management.
