Assessment of a Public Participation Tool by Experts: A Case Study of Quebec, Canada

Document pages: 24 pages

Abstract: In theory, sustainable forest management (SFM) puts public participationat the epicenter of the decision-making process. However, in reality, thesituation is different. The growing importance of public participation seemsessential for the implementation of sustainable forest management. The aim ofthis study is to assess the implementation of a theoretical concept closelyrelated to SFM, integrated land and resource management (ILRM). This Canadianconcept aims to integrate many forest functions using participatory tools.Using semi-structured interviews with experts, we clarify our theoreticalconcept and adapt it to reality. Our results show that better communicationbetween stakeholders is necessary. It is also important to increase theflexibility of the timber harvest system and adapted forest zoning should beconsidered. A new concept, the forest culture, seems to be a key element thatneeds to be considered upstream of forest management. A new definition of ILRMis proposed in order to better reach social values.