Bridging Dimensions: Participation and Natural Resource Management Principles in the Tapestry of Governance

Public engagement is attractive for decision-makers to make governance more participatory and legitimate. Arnstein (1969) defines participation as a categorical term for citizens’ power that includes/excludes them from political and economic processes. This is relevant in the context of natural resources governance when analyzing i) how different actors exercise their powers and ii) the roles played by both governmental and non-governmental actors. However, governance principles for natural resources management (Lockwood et al., 2010) do not go deeply enough into how varying participation impacts governance design and vice versa. This paper delves into the interplay between these two analytical tools, with an emphasis on circular synergies and potential trade-offs. Synergies are mostly identified starting at the middle levels of participation, with potential trade-offs emerging at the highest levels. This discussion provides insights on the sustainable governance of natural resources and public spaces where citizen influence is most needed and asked.