1. VCE Outdoor & Environmental Studies Unit 4 the decision-making processes followed by land managers and/or governments or their agencies relating to conflicting interests over the use of outdoor environments

2. Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments
When conflicts occur over the use of natural environments, a decision must be made to resolve the conflict and decide on the use
The government makes decisions over the use of public land (National Parks) and they establish statutory authorities (Parks Victoria) to implement the decisions
Governments and Statutory Authorities are NOT interest groups, they are decision makers
The ideal resolution to any conflict is a compromise between two opposing interest groups where all groups are heard and can live with the decision – this often does not happen
Some processes are more effective than others at resolving conflict

3. 4.2.3 – Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments
Key Concepts
When conflict occurs over the use of natural environments, interest groups and decision makers become involved in a process to resolve the situation
A range of processes may be utilised to resolve conflict over the use of natural environments
Some processes are more effective than others in resolving conflict
There are six (6) processes involved in resolving conflict.
1. Formation of a consultative group
2. Legislation
3. Management plans
4. Litigation
5. police Action
6. Referendum

4. 4.2.3 – Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments
Consultative Groups Gather information and data and make recommendations
Process
Explanation
Advantages
Disadvantages
Consultative Group
Government forms group of experts and representatives from all interest groups to recommend appropriate use
All group’s views are heard and valued
Promotes compromise and a possible win/win situation
Time consuming
Expensive
May result in no agreement at all
Requires skilled and respected mediator
Example – Victorian Environment Assessment Council VEAC (2001)
The role of the Council is to conduct investigations that are requested by the Victorian Government relating to the protection and ecologically sustainable management of the environment and natural resources of public land

5. Process Explanation Advantages Disadvantages
Adversarial is a legal system where two advocates represent their parties' positions before an impartial person or group of people, usually a jury or judge, who attempt to determine the truth of the case
Process
Explanation
Advantages
Disadvantages
Legislation - Create new laws
Creation of a new law that bans one use and promotes another
Clear decision is made
Quick decision avoiding a drawn out dispute
One interest group gets what they want while the other doesn’t
May strengthen the fight against the law promoting further conflict
A win/loose situation
Example – ALPINE grazing is a breach of federal law and won't continue in Victoria's Alpine National Park
Federal government’s creation of new laws in 1986 putting all world heritage areas under the control of the federal government, allowing it to halt damning of the Franklin River

6. Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments
Adversarial - the regulations established become same status as Law
Process
Explanation
Advantages
Disadvantages
Management Plans
Authorities create guidelines for natural environments to prevent conflict
clearly outlines how natural environments can be used
Makes conflict resolution clearer
ensures land is used in a sustainable way by all users
can restrict hw people use the natural environment
may restrict access to pristine natural environments
Example – All Victorian National Parks have a management plan in place, which looks at zoning p245

7. Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments
Adversarial
Process
Explanation
Advantages
Disadvantages
Litigation - Use of court system
The conduct of a law suit
Use of court system to clarify existing laws regarding the legal and appropriate use of an environment
Often used when one law contradicts another
Results in clear decision
Court process can take a long time
Expensive
After decision made government can change laws creating more uncertainty
A win/loose situation
Example – The Franklin River issue was presented to the High Court because the Federal Government attempted to over rule the State Government.

8. Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments
Consultative
Process
Explanation
Advantages
Disadvantages
Referendum
Vote by all registered voters in Australia on whether or not the people accept or reject a proposed change to the constitution
Democratic process where everyone has their say
Very expensive
Outcomes can be manipulated through media groups with lots of money
Example – A Referendum was used in the Franklin River campaign, however it was assembled quite poorly by not giving people a legitimate say in the matter.

9. 4.2.3 – Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments
Summary
The most effective process for resolving conflict and making decision over the use of natural environments are CONSULTATIVE:
Consultative group
Direct negotiation
Referendum
The key advantages of consultative processes are:
All group’s views are heard and valued
Attempts to find a solution/ compromise
Promotes compromise and a possible win/win situation
The key disadvantages of consultative processes are:
Time consuming
Expensive
Requires skilled and respected mediator

10. 4.2.3 – Processes followed in making decisions over use of natural environments
Summary
The quickest and most decisive processes for resolving conflict and making decision over the use of natural environments are ADVERSARIAL:
Litigation
Legislation
The key advantages of consultative processes are:
Clear decision
Quick decision
The key disadvantages of consultative processes are:
Only one group gets what it wants - win/loose outcome
May strengthen fight against decision