Table of Contents

Introduction * PART I: UNDERSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL DISPUTES * Introduction to the Principal Case Studies * Access to the Countryside in England and Wales * The Designation of the Pentland Hills Regional Park * Using Social Theory to Explain Conflicts * Conflict Analysis * A Dynamic Analysis of the Designation of the Pentland Hills Regional Park * A Dynamic Analysis of Moorland Access in the Peak District National Park * PART II: STRATEGIES FOR COOPERATION * Alternative Dispute Resolution The Contribution of Negotiation and Consensus Building * Ways of Resolving Disputes * Consensus Building * Assessing Participation in Decision-making * Mediation and Its Contribution to Resolving Environmental Disputes * The Process of Mediation * Pre-negotiation Discussions The Importance of Thorough Preparation * The Negotiation and Post-negotiation Stages * Critiques of Mediation * The Mediators' Response Conflict Assessment and Process Design * Applications of Environmental Mediation * Cultural Variations * Case Study: Access Management by Local Consensus Mediated Negotiations in the Peak District * 'Clearing the Air' The North Oxford County Coalition * Pre-negotiation Stage * Negotiation Stage * Strengths and Weaknesses of the NOCC Process * Turning Points in the Debate * Achievements and Outcomes of the NOCC * The Value of Outside Intervention * Public Participation in Decision-making and Partnerships * Participation Opportunity or Problem? * The Case for Participation * Definitions of Participation and the Values They Espouse * Tokenism and the Exercise of Power * The Distinction between Consultation and Public Involvement * Communities and Partnerships * Process Design * Principles of Participation * Building Trust Crucial Lessons in Participation and Partnership * Case Studies * PART III: THE REALITIES OF POWER * Organizations, Power and Conflict * Power and Conflict * Case Study 1: The Designation of the Skomer Marine Nature Reserve * Case Study 2: Planning in the Rhine Delta * Consensus and the Political Process * Understanding Political Processes * Case Study 1: Striving for Sustainability in the Northern Maine Woods * Case Study 2: Countryside Access in Scotland The Work of the Scottish Access Forum * PART IV: THE CASE FOR REFORM * Conclusions on Removing the Barriers * How and Why Environmental Conflicts Occur * The Role of Conflicts in the Political Process * Using Consensus Building to Prevent or Resolve Conflict * Removing the Barriers: The Wider Application of Environmental Consensus Building in Scotland * Opportunities for Institutional Reform * Final Reflections *