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B4. Managing Timeframes
People often ask how long it takes to ‘do’
a biocultural community protocol. The
timeframe for the whole process of
documenting, developing, using, and
reflecting upon a protocol will vary widely
depending on the local context. Each part
of the process could be affected by a
range of factors and unavoidable
circumstances, both positive and negative
(see Box 17). For many communities, a
protocol is seen as an ongoing and
evolving process that is part of their longterm plans and strategies. The protocol
may thus have no clear ‘beginning’ or
‘ending’.
Reasons for undertaking a protocol in the first place
Agency, motivation, and capacity for mobilization
Internal cohesion and clarity of leadership and
decision-making systems
Available resources (financial, human, time, material)
Existing experience with key methods and tools
Existing research or documentation of key issues that
will be included in the protocol
New development project, law, or other external
pressure that will significantly affect the community
Natural disasters
Illness or family losses
Elections or changes in political administrations
Box 17: Factors that may affect timeframe of a protocol process
One of the main questions is how far the
process of documenting and developing a protocol must be taken in order to remain functional and
responsive to external challenges and opportunities, while also retaining value and meaning for the
community. There is no set rule or formula. Good practice indicates that it should be reasonably
determined by the local situation and by the community’s priorities and capacities. Although practical
considerations such as available funds and human resources must be taken into account, timeframes
should not be determined primarily by external interests or donor requirements.
B5. Managing Information
Facilitating a protocol process comes with the responsibility of managing a lot of information collected
through workshops, meetings, interviews, desktop research, and so on. As it will form the basis of the
protocol itself, it should be documented and organized in a way that makes sense and is appropriate in
the local context. Some information may be sensitive or confidential and require extra precautions. Being
aware of how you could handle this responsibility from the outset may improve the overall process (see
Box 18 for overarching guidance).
Documenting the process
In addition to documenting information that will form the basis of the protocol, documenting the process
itself is also useful for a number of reasons. For example, it may help you verify certain information to
ensure accuracy or provide evidence of a particular outcome or agreement. It may also help you facilitate
community validation of the consolidated protocol (see Part II: Section III for further information).
General guidance on documenting the process itself is provided in Box 19.