Participation

This report discusses the role of some social approaches in contributing to biodiversity conservation options. Conflict management, participation, social learning and attitudes, particularly the gap between attitudes and behaviour, are defined and described. Linkages between these issues are discussed and a mental map is provided to illustrate the complexity of potential interactions between these issues and external factors. The need to include social science theory and practice as well as approaches from the natural sciences for biodiversity conservation is highlighted. The report is an outcome of ALTERNet work package R4, “Biodiversity conservation options” and results from the first year of activities. The editorial team is responsible for the text. The report was enhanced by input from participants at workshops in Helsinki, Grenoble, Wageningen and Nitra. Participants included: Erika van den Berg, Geert de Blust, Dave Carss, Anke Fischer, Peter Gajdos, Mari Ivask, Kinga Krauze, Ad Olsthoorn, Juliua Oszlanyi, Maria Papp, Terry Parr, Eeva Primmer, Caspian Richards, Jukka Simila, Tarja Soderman, Clive Spash, Herwig Unnerstall, Sylvie Vanpeene, Frank Wätzold and Allan Watt.