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Note
In some way, each of the articles
in this number of the SJ is about groups.
In Indonesia, seaweed farmers have come
together in a group to work toward changes
in people’s attitudes and practices,
and a private company shows how valuable
it is to become involved in a community.
In Vietnam, a Self-Help Group (SHG)
formed after learning from STREAM Better-Practice
Guidelines. Members of the group also
demonstrated resilience to their vulnerabilities
from a storm and determination to succeed
despite community pressure.
From India, we read about how the
nature of conflict changed as the result
of redrawing political boundaries, and
how SHGs may help in resolving inter-
and intra-group issues. From an experience
in Pakistan, we learn about a community
that has not formed itself into these
sorts of groups, and yet have benefited
from the interest and involvement of
a prosperous businessman. As part of
a national policy development process,
women in the Pakistani community remind
us that their livelihoods constraints
are not only about fish, but also concern
education, health and money.
In the Philippines, efforts are being
made to engage communities in all levels
of decision-making and action about
the coastal resources on which they
depend for their livelihoods. This involves
organizations, alliances and partnerships
that “bring out the best” in each stakeholder.
And finally, from work across Africa
and Asia, new Guidelines on information
sharing in co-management addresses the
relationships among stakeholders, their
information needs and the communication
channels that exist among them.
Graham Haylor, STREAM Director
William Savage, STREAM Journal Editor
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