Click here for the Welsh translation1. The Approach and the Benefits
The key principles underpinning the approach to conflict resolution are already well-used by Natural England/CCW and local/national park authorities:
- gain an understanding of what is the cause of the conflict and whether it is a result misunderstanding or a genuine problem
- first seek a voluntary solution with the support of recreational users in preference to a statutory one imposed on them
- seek to accommodate and manage recreational use rather than remove it; and
- agree clear, measurable targets which the solution should achieve.
Natural England, CCW and many other organisations have subscribed to the Guiding Principles of Best of Both Worlds.
The Benefits
There are a number of potential benefits for the individuals involved by using BoBW approach. It can:
- increase public understanding of the issues involved
- in the long term, save time and money
- create greater ‘ownership’ of the process and the solutions
- help develop working relationships
- provide greater flexibility than more formal procedures and offers a wider range of possible solutions
- improve the relationship between the interested parties, making it less likely that they disagree in the future; and
- leave room for the ‘last resort’ statutory means to be applied in the event of voluntary agreement being proven to have field.
