OCCUPATIONAL STANDARD: NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND

UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT

LEVEL IV

COMPETENCY TITLE: COORDINATE PARTICIPATORY NATURAL

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SYSTEM

Competency Code- AGR NCU 4 05 1113

Descriptor: This competency standard covers the work involved in supervising

participatory natural resource Management planning system. It includes sourcing
information for input to the plan, as well as preparing the plan itself, communicating it to
the people who will participate in the plan and monitoring the planning operations as they
happen. It requires the need to monitor and adjust the plan in response to changing
situations, and to subsequently evaluate, and report on, the outcomes of the planning
operation.

Elements
1. Source Information for Input to Participatory NR

2. Prepare and Implement Natural Resource Management Plan

3. Supervise the Prepared Financial and Human Resource Management Plan

4. Monitor and Adjust the Plan

INTRODUCTION
 COORDINATE PARTICIPATORY NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SYSTEM
What is a Natural Resource?
A natural resource is any asset or materials that exist naturally and can be obtained from our
environment: water, soil, plants, wind, animals, minerals, the energy of the sun and many others.
Natural resources are often seen in terms of economic value, because so many of them are
crucial for people’s livelihoods.
Classification of Natural Resources
There are various methods of categorizing/classifying natural resources, these include source of
origin, stage of development, and by their renewability. These classifications are described below.

On the basis of origin, resources may be divided into:

1. Biotic NR resources- are those obtained from living sources, such as forests and animals,
and the materials that can be obtained from them (Timber, Crops, Fish etc). Fossil fuels such
as coal and petroleum are also included in this category because they are formed from
decayed organic matter.
2. Abiotic NR resources- are those that come from non-living, non-organic material. Examples
of abiotic resources include land, fresh water, air, sun light and heavy metals including ores
such as gold, iron, copper, silver, etc.

Considering their stage of development, natural resources may be divided into:

1. Potential resources – Potential resources are those that exist in a region and may be used
in the future. For example petroleum occurs with sedimentary rocks in various regions, but
until the time it is actually drilled out and put into use, it remains a potential resource.
2. Actual resources – Actual resources are those that have been surveyed, their quantity and
quality determined and are being used in present times.

On the basis of Renewability, natural resources can be categorized as either renewable or non-
renewable:
1. Renewable resources – are those physical or biotic resources that are used by human but
can be replenished in timely manner. Some of these resources, like sunlight, air, wind, etc.,
are continuously available and their quantity is not noticeably affected by human
consumption.
Renewable resources can further be sub-divided into two additional categories:
 Plentiful- those resources that are plentiful and continuously available; they are not
affected by human consumption. Examples include sun light (solar energy), air, and
wind.
 Limited- those resources that are limited and can be depleted by human use, but also
can be replenished or reproduced relatively quickly. Examples include animal life (fish,
sheep, etc.), plants, agricultural crops, water, etc.
2. Non-renewable resources –either form slowly or do not naturally form in the environment.
Minerals are the most common resource included in this category. By the human
perspective, resources are non-renewable when their rate of consumption exceeds the rate
of replenishment/recovery; a good example of this are fossil fuels, which are in this category
because their rate of formation is extremely slow (potentially millions of years), meaning
they are considered non-renewable.

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 COORDINATE PARTICIPATORY NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SYSTEM

CHAPTER 1 SOURCE INFORMATION FOR INPUT TO

PARTICIPATORY NRM PLAN

1.1. Gathering Information/Data for NRM Planning

A NRM plan is a document that provides all the information necessary to manage NRs in a
manner to protect the air, soil, water, plant, animal, and energy resources. In most instances,
decisions to move forward in the planning process can be made by using available
information. The data collected should be sufficient to address the various issues and
concerns and allow planners to make consistent NRM decisions.
The following are major information need to be collected and extracted for the particular
purpose:
 Land resources: - Climate, hydrology, geology, landforms, soils, animals, vegetation.
 Present land use: - land use, farming systems, production levels and trends.
 Present infrastructure: - Transport, communication and services
 Population: - Numbers, demographic trends, location of settlements, the role of
women,
 Land tenure: - ownership and user rights for land.
 Social structure and traditional practices: - history and culture of the people
 Government: - Administrative structure and key authorities;
 Legislation: - Laws and regulations that affect NRS; traditional law and custom;.
 Non-governmental organizations (NGOs):- Find out NGOs in the planning area,
 Commercial organizations: - e.g. mining companies, whose interests may be
affected.

Data sources can be formal or informal, written or oral. They include:

 National plans;  Remote sensing data (aerial

 Regional plans; photographs and satellite images);
 Sector policies, programs, plans  Internet, e.g. Google earth;
and budgets;  GPS data;
 Studies and research documents;  Local knowledge such as
 Statistics; classifications, know-how, rules,
 Reports by public authorities, practices, expressions derived
NGOs, donors and projects on from experience etc.;
ongoing activities in the planning  Interviews with key stakeholders;
area;  Group discussions with land users;
 Official maps;  Observations.

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1.2. Data Collection Methods/Tools

There are several ways to gather information about natural resource management.
Depending on the local situation, it is possible to use only some of these tools. Only gather
information that is relevant. Don’t collect information you don’t know how to use!

Data or information collection methods are listed below:

1. Direct observation- is conducted by directly visiting the planning area. During the
observation, use your own experience and training to identify problems and
possible solutions. Walk around to become familiar with the area and its problems.

2. Key Informant Interviews- An interview with a person having special information

about a particular topic. Find out the key people to talk to: local leaders, heads of
producer or marketing groups, heads of women’s groups, heads of watershed or
water-user committees, officials from the relevant ministries or local government
units, staff of development organizations, and other stakeholders.

3. Secondary information- refers to data that is not directly collected by and for the
project/programme, but which can nevertheless meet project/programme
informational needs. Gather information from reports and documents, maps,
satellite and aerial photographs, official statistics, and other development agencies
and projects.

4. Questionnaire- A data collection instrument containing a set of questions organized

in a systematic way, as well as a set of instructions for the interviewer about how to
ask the questions.

5. Survey- Systematic collection of information from a defined population, usually by

means of interviews or questionnaires administered to a sample of units in the
population (e.g. person, beneficiaries and adults).

6. Participatory rapid (or rural) appraisal (PRA) - This uses community engagement
techniques to understand community views on a particular issue. Methods include
interviews, transect walks and community mapping.

When planning for data or information collection, it is important to plan for the extent
quantitative and qualitative data will be used:
 Quantitative data measures and explains what is being studied with numbers (e.g.
counts, ratios, percentages, proportions, average scores, etc.).
 Qualitative data explains what is being studied with words (observations,
representative case descriptions, perceptions, opinions of value, etc.).

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 COORDINATE PARTICIPATORY NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SYSTEM

CHAPTER 2 PREPARE AND IMPLEMENT NATURAL RESOURCE

MANAGEMENT PLAN

2.1. Preparing a Natural Resources Management Plan

o Natural Resource Management is interdisciplinary field of study that considers the
physical, biological, economic and social aspects of handling natural resources. It involves
putting NRs to their best use for human purposes in addition to preserving natural systems.

o A NRM plan is a document that provides all the information necessary to manage NRs in a
manner to protect the air, soil, water, plant, animal, and energy resources. The plan may be
necessary to comply with State regulation or law. It must take into account such factors as
the financial status and management capabilities of the implementer.

The plan is prepared using the information gathered (data inventory) to address problems
and take advantage of opportunities for natural resources to reach their potential.

An NRM plan should include:

 Problems - The list of priority problems to be solved (such as “gully growing
quickly”).
 Solutions - The general strategy to overcome each problem (such as “reforestation
using native species of fruit trees” or “slow down runoff in gully”).
 Goals and Objectives - The general and specific changes the community want to see
in regards to NRM (such as “improve livelihoods for farmers in hilly lands” and
“increase the amount of fruit trees in the areas”)
 Activities - The specific activities/tasks needed to put the solutions into effect (such
as “build 3 check dams” and “plant 450 Mango trees”).
 Inputs - The budget, materials, labor, and other inputs needed.
 Location - Where the activities will take place. You can show this on your
community resource map, or another map of the community or watershed.
 Person(s) responsible - The names of the individuals who will lead the work, and
everyone who will participate, along with their roles (such as “X will bring sand,”
“Y will provide training”).
 Timing (Work or Action Plan) - The date the activity will begin, how long it will
take, and when it will end. Draw up a calendar to show the timing of activities.
 Budget - A good estimate of the costs or resources required to achieve the activities,
and where the resources will come from to implement them.
 Monitoring & Evaluation – Tracks/checks the NRM plan for its progress and
success. It should have indicators to each of the specific objectives.

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 COORDINATE PARTICIPATORY NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SYSTEM

Example of Components of an NRM Plan

2.2. Technical Action Planning (Work Plan)

There should be enough facilitators to guide each group because this session is quite
complicated and exhausting. This is the detailed action planning where the committee
members identify the following:
 Medium and short term objectives
 Specific activities to take for each action program
 Schedule (Timing) of activities
 Resources needed (Inputs)
 Responsible persons for specific activities
 Outputs of each activity
 Measurable indicators, and
 M&E tools to use

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 COORDINATE PARTICIPATORY NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SYSTEM

Sample Action Plan

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 COORDINATE PARTICIPATORY NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SYSTEM

2.3. The NRM Process

Figure—The Planning process flowchart

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 COORDINATE PARTICIPATORY NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SYSTEM

1. Identification of Issues, Opportunities, and Constraints

A NRM Plan should identify the issues, opportunities, and constraints that have the potential to
influence land management and resource development. To accurately identify them, a public
involvement and internal scoping process should be initiated.
Issues, opportunities, and constraints should also be identified and discussed within the NRMP to assist in
developing the goals and objectives that are eventually established by the NRM team. If possible, the
issues, opportunities, and constraints should be identified for each natural resource in the study area.

 Issues. — can be defined as an unrealized opportunity, an unresolved conflict or problem, an

effort to implement a new management program as a result of new initiatives or laws and
regulations, or a value being lost.
 Opportunities. — Often exist that can provide solutions to the issues raised externally by the
public and internally by NRM staff. Opportunities often exist to enhance, protect, and
interpret the resources of a particular management area.
 Constraints.—are factors or conditions that influence/limit the NRM actions. NRM works
are constrained by their respective legislative authorities, budgets, personnel, current policies,
and environmental limitations (such as slopes, soils, land uses, climate, etc.).

2. Development of Planning Criteria — are short and concise statements that help
establish the parameters for development of the NRMP and help highlight major areas of
concern. These criteria may be

 Technical  Social
 Financial  Environmental, etc.
 Time
3. Inventory Data and Information Collection -- During this planning process step,
physical and biological resources should be inventoried. These include water, soils,
vegetation, topography, land use, climate, animals, social and economic, etc. The data
collected should be sufficient to address the various issues and concerns and allow
managers to make consistent NRM decisions.
4. Analysis of Resources and Management Framework-- an assessment of the existing
condition and on the management opportunities, constraints, and limitations that are
related to the identified planning issues and management concerns for the management
area before arriving at a preferred management alternative.

5. Formulation of Alternatives -- is identifying various combinations of natural resource

management practices that respond to the issues identified during the planning process.
6. Evaluation of Alternatives --To select the preferred NRMP alternative (for example, the
best combinations of land uses and management actions), a thorough evaluation and
comparison of each alternative is needed. The alternatives should be evaluated in a manner

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that they are socially acceptable, environmentally friendly, technically feasible,

economically viable, etc.

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 COORDINATE PARTICIPATORY NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SYSTEM

7. Selection of Preferred Alternative(s)

Decision maker should select those combinations of NR uses and management actions that
are (1) consistent with existing policy, laws, Project purposes, and the NRMP goals and
objectives that were developed to resolve the identified issues; (2) implementable within
the specified planning period; (3) without serious conflicts; (4) within the environmental
resource limitations; and (5) widely accepted by the public and entities.
8. Preparation of a Final Resource Management Plan
A NRMP should describe the management framework proposed; needs, opportunities, and
constraints; public and entity issues and concerns; management goals and objectives;
specific and area-wide management directions and actions for the study area; and an
implementation schedule.
9. Implementation and Monitoring of a Resource Management Plan
To successfully implement the management actions in a NRMP, a realistic implementation
schedule/plan should be developed and outlined in the NRMP. Collaborative working
group should be formed to determine timeframes for implementing management actions.
A good monitoring program:
 Measures the effectiveness of implementation strategies
 Ensures movement or progress toward the NRMP goals and objectives
 Ensures a good working relationship with cooperating entities and the public
 Identifies the need for amendments or revisions.

10. Amendments and Revisions to a Natural Resource Management Plan

Amendments and revisions are the key to keeping an NRMP current. A NRMP should state
that the decision to amend or revise the RMP will occur, as necessary, based on the scope
and significance of the needed adjustment.
A list of factors that could trigger an amendment or a revision in an NRMP may include:
 Availability of new data
 Readjustments that become necessary because of changes in social, physical,
environmental, or economic conditions
 Realignments needed to accommodate changes that occur during implementation
and/or monitoring of the NRMP
 Unforeseen uses requiring authorization of permits, contracts, and cooperative
agreements that are not consistent with or addressed in the NRMP.

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 COORDINATE PARTICIPATORY NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SYSTEM

2.4. NRM Plan Standard Format

It is recommended that the components listed below appear in the NRMP document in the
order they are listed below. Some optional components are also identified. The essential
components to be included in the main chapters of the RMP are listed in number 6 and
appear in no particular order or preference. Following is the suggested format of the
components of an RMP:

1. Cover and Title page

2. Finding of No Significant Impact (optional)

3. Executive Summary (optional)

4. Abbreviations and Acronyms

5. Table of Contents

6. Essential Components Included in a Resource Management Plan (A through Q

should be grouped and arranged in logical order)

A. Introduction K. Opportunities and Constraints

B. Purpose Statement L. Issues and Issue Categories
C. Authority M. Existing Resource Inventory
D. Organization and N. Goals and Objectives
E. Project History O. Desired Future Condition
F. Location/Setting P. Management Actions direction(s)
G. Public Involvement Efforts Q. Implementation Procedures (monitoring,
H. Overview of Consultation Efforts standards and guides, and plan revision
I. Management Framework or amendment)
J. Planning Process

12. List of Preparers

13. List of References/Bibliography

14. Glossary of Terms

15. Attachments/Appendices

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 COORDINATE PARTICIPATORY NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SYSTEM

EXAMPLE OF WORK/ACTION PLAN

Activity Sub-Activity Year/Month/Week Human Material andMonitoring and Expected
Resources Equipme Evaluation Result and
Required nts Comments
F M A M

Site Selection Field Visit

Questionnaire
Developm
Data Collection ent
Problem
Identificatio
n Data Analysis

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