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determined. It is fluid and can change over time, particularly in the context of new threats or
opportunities (see Box 7 for an example). Individuals can also have multiple roles, identities, and alliances.
Outsiders should thus assume that they cannot meaningfully define a community on behalf of others.
Nevertheless, ensuring clarity about who and what
comprise the community is integral to the process
of documenting, developing, and using a biocultural
community protocol (see Box 8). Above all, the
community must define itself and determine how to
address external issues. As a facilitator, you should
guide this process but not engage in defining its
Box 8: Two themes that are the foundation of
content. Any descriptions of internal processes or
community protocols
characteristics must accord with the community’s
values and perspectives. They should also be framed in a way that external actors can understand. In
other words, the protocol must strike a balance between meaningful representation of the community’s
culture, livelihoods, traditional knowledge, and customary laws, and the need to engage with state legal
systems and procedures.
a) Internal dynamics and values that bind a
community together
b) Procedures for engaging with neighbouring
communities, visitors, government officials,
and other external actors
A2. Cultural and Internal Dynamics
Culture will play a critical role in the protocol process. It should also help define the approach and tools
that you use as a facilitator. Much like identity, it can only be fully understood and meaningfully conveyed
by the community itself. If you are from an outside organization, you should first establish a working
knowledge of the culture and internal dynamics, for example, by informally exploring key topics of
importance to the community. Topics may include natural resource management practices, customary
laws and values, perceptions of ownership and stewardship, traditional authorities and governance
systems, gender and family structure, dance, music, folklore, and spiritual beliefs. Many of these will be
discussed in more detail when documenting and developing the protocol (see Part II: Section II). The aim
is not to document them for the sake of it, but to eventually focus on the most foundational and pressing
issues that the community would like to address in the protocol.
Every community has unique internal dynamics that are
determined by relations between individuals and groups.
Pretending that there are no politics or tensions may seem
easier at the beginning, but is a short-sighted approach likely to
backfire. Try to understand the dynamics enough to work with
them without becoming caught up in them yourself. The
protocol process should not be used as a tool to create divisions
or to advance the political power of certain groups within the
community. Above all, it should instill a sense of unity and
common vision.
Some degree of conflict is inevitable, especially when livelihood
security and wellbeing are at stake. Minute tensions tend to be
exacerbated and new ones can flare up seemingly out of
nowhere. Expect and acknowledge conflict and approach it as an
opportunity for the community to respond creatively and constructively to challenging situations.
Sometimes it may be better to address in a small focus group. Overall, capacity to address internal conflict
may be a good indication of how the community may respond to conflict with external actors.