Forestry across management and knowledge systems Reviewing Canadian experiences in harmonizing Aboriginal and industry interests Stephen Wyatt 1 , Jean-François Fortier 2 , Solange Nadeau 3, David Natcher 4 , Ron Trosper 5 , Peggy Smith 6 , Luc Bouthillier 7 , Martin Hébert 7 , 1 Faculté de foresterie, UMCE, 4165 boulevard Hébert, Edmundston (N.-B.), [email protected] 2 Laurentien Forest Centre, 1055 du P.E.P.S., C.P. 10380, Québec (QC), Canada G1V 4C7 3 Atalnatic Forestry Centre, Fredericton (N.-B.), 4 University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon (SK) 5 University of British Columbia, Vancouver (C.-B.), 6 Lakehead University, Thunder Bay (ON), 7 Université Laval, Québec (QC) Project objectives This project seeks to synthesise the state of knowledge concerning ways to harmonize Aboriginal and forest industry interests in Canada, as well as experiences with mapping and studies of Aboriginal use, occupation and knowledge of forestlands. A review of the various studies, research and projects across Canada should allow us to identify best practices to assist people on the ground to develop and implement their own collaborative mechanisms for sustainable management of forestlands. A meta-synthesis This research uses an approach called the meta-synthesis. This method enables us to compare and analyse a range of different qualitative case studies by integrating and re-interpreting the results, concepts and models (Finfgeld, 2003). We collect existing studies and documents, take a sample of these using a set of criteria, and develop a framework which covers the variety of different concepts and conclusions from the existing work (Bondas & Hall, 2007 ; Padgee et al. 2006 ; Beierle & Cayford, 2002). It is a research method that is appropriate for reviewing knowledge about harmonization and collaboration processes for Aboriginal peoples involved in forest management in Canada. The meta-synthesis allows us to use information from different sources: Success or failure ? What makes the difference ? Although we do not yet know all the factors that can lead to the success or failure of a project, here are some of those that we will be examining. Collaboration and harmonization projects There are hundreds or thousands of projects across Canada. We know about some of them, but we would like to learn of others. If you are involved in a project, or if you know of an interesting or innovative project, please provide us with some information and the details of a person we could contact ? State of Knowledge report Collaboration and harmonization A State of knowledge report on collaboration and harmonization will present a synthesis of Canadian experiences organised around a number of key themes that are common to a number of cases. We hope to identify an analytical framework that will show the links between these themes and potential ways of supporting collaboration, as well as the barriers that exist. The report will also consider possible contributions for all groups, propose policy options and identify future research needs. State of Knowledge report Landuse and occupancy studies Over the years, numerous landuse and occupancy studies have been carried out across Canada. However, the results have not always met expectations of the groups involved. This report will examine both success stories and problem cases in order to identify best practices for collecting, mapping and using traditional knowledge, as well as the traps to avoid. We also hope to better understand the links between such studies and other approaches to collaboration and harmonization. This report will also propose policy options and identify ides for future research. Results et outputs With such a diversity, how can we recognise the key factors which contribute to successfully harmonizing Aboriginal and industrial interests. • What helps or harms collaboration ? • What is “harmonization”, what is “consultation” ? • Which is better - co-management, tenure or a joint venture ? • How do we judge the success or failure of a project ? I’m even more confused now... Co-management Tenure Traditional knowledge Consultation MoUs Harmonization Partnerships Specifically, we will : • Establish a databank of case studies and existing research. • Identify links between different approaches to collaboration and develop a common framework. • Validate this framework with experts from Aboriginal Nations, industry and government. • Describe the lessons learned and propose appropriate policy options. • Scientific studies • Reports and working papers • Existing syntheses • Experiences and views of on-ground experts • Case studies Databank The databank of case studies and experiences will firstly be a tool for documenting and comparing cases across Canada in order to complete the two State of Knowledge reports. However, we believe that this information will also be an important resource for Aboriginal nations, forestry companies and governments who wish to learn from the experiences of others, to improve their own processes or to develop new ideas. We hope to be able to make this databank available on the internet for the benefit of all. Introduction Recent years have seen a multitude of new initiatives involving Aboriginal peoples in the management and development of Canada’s forests. We are seeing new opportunities for collaboration between Aboriginal Nations, the forest industry, federal and provincial governments and other groups. Often, each project is adapted to its specific situation and the interests of those who are participating. There are, of courses, successes and failures, whether for one party or another. Objectives Institutions Relations Context Are objectives and expectations compatibles? •Rights and responsibilities for forestlands. •Sharing benefits •Improving management practices •Occupation of the land. What are the processes ? Who has the power to make decisions ? What resources are available ? Who is participating ? How can we build harmonious relations ? Is there mutual confidence and respect ? What is the history of relations between the groups ? Are there existing : • treaties, agreements ? • industry or government policies ? • conflicts between Nations and others ? • Pressures to develop or use the land ? We need your help ! Working papers and reports Internal reports, working papers and project evaluations often contain important information that can help us to understand why a project succeeded or failed. If you, or someone else, has such information and you are prepared to share them, we ask you to contact us. We would like to learn from your experience, while also respecting the confidentiality of your information. Workshops Much information always remains in the heads and hearts of people involved and on-ground experts - whether they are Aboriginal, from the government, in the industry or academics. We will be organising several workshops to enable these experts to discuss and compare their ideas and explanations and to check the ideas of the research team. If you have particular experiences with a number of collaboration cases, please let us know and we will discuss how you can contribute to our workshops.