The Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plan: An evaluation of collaborative planning in British Columbia

Resolving conflict over allocation of natural resources is a significant challenge facing resource managers. Collaborative planning (CP) recently emerged as one approach to solving such conflict. This case study presents findings from an evaluation of the Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plan, one of multiple CP processes completed in British Columbia since 1992. Results indicate CP provided stakeholders of the Central Coast with a powerful tool to resolve conflict and develop a shared vision for resource management. Benefits of CP went beyond the final land use plan to create knowledge and increase social capital. However, power imbalance at the negotiation table left certain sectors out, First Nations were not fully engaged, and public accountability was lacking. Nonetheless, the final land use plan far exceeds what would have resulted from previous approaches to planning and new relationships formed; supporting results from previous CP research.