This paper, a collaborative review by associates of the Sol i Dar Co-op (Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Profesionales para la Solidaridad Social R.L., or in English, Self-managed Cooperative of Professional Services for Social Solidarity R.L.), analyzes the spreading phenomenon of co-management of protected natural areas in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean. Co-management of these areas is a joint responsibility between states and civil society that aspires to more democratic and sustainable forms of natural resources use and conservation. The purpose of this article is to share lessons learned from co-management cases studied throughout the region, and to contribute to the formulation of a conceptual framework for better understanding and advancement of the phenomenon.

While analysis and recommendations are provided, examples of diverse cases of co-management constitute the paper's main content. The authors note that a single, technical definition of co-management is lacking and certain international definitions disregard the important contributions of community conserved areas. A universal concept of co-management will help to identify its duties and limitations and to establish norms that guarantee fair participation of actors at all levels. For the construction of a conceptual framework, identification of co-management objectives, ethics, and beneficiaries are necessary.

The regional context of the state of environmental management as the authors see it is offered at the outset of the article: 1) the well-being of poor people merits higher priority, 2) economic policies must offer incentives for conserving natural resources, 3) social equity and poverty reduction programs are at times threatened by investments in human capital and natural resources, 4) stronger links are needed between government institutions and civil society, 5) states are generally interested in involving NGOs in co-management projects and 6) many different schemes to integrate government and civil society exist.

Lessons learned from the authors' analysis of co-management in the region lead to the following recommendations: 1) the complex process should include planning, identification and assignment of rights and responsibilities as well as the declaration of a common code of ethics; 2) changes in government attitude and policy are needed in order to fully involve Mesoamerican civil society; 3) concepts of national heritage should be promoted that view protected natural areas as the rightful homes of local people; 4) promotion of equity, transparency and solidarity is fundamental; 5) capacities of marginalized actors, especially women, should be assessed and strengthened; 6) creative, participatory methodologies should be innovated and used; 7) traditional land management practices must be recovered, recognized and modified in line with current conservation and community development goals; 8) just forms of participation must respect the right to information, access to information, previous informed consent, and cultural objection; 9) fair and equitable distribution of the benefits of in situ conservation is necessary; 10) technical, financial and administrative capacities of local actors must be built and 11) along with recognizing the unique, non-universal aspects of each case, their analysis should culminate in the design of new national policies and legal and institutional frameworks.

Contact information for actors involved in co-management projects in the region is annexed.

Prepared by Megan Glore