Decision-making and ecosystem-based management: Applying the Vroom-Yetton model to public participation strategy

Previous literature has been critical of public participation practices, finding unimpressive application of public participation principles and low levels of public satisfaction. Ecosystem-based management generally involves mixed land ownerships, which adds considerable complexity to the planning process. This complexity increases both the importance of public participation and the difficulty of selecting appropriate public involvement mechanisms. To help solve the problem of choosing among public involvement mechanisms, the Vroom-Yetton model for selecting decision process options is reviewed and applied to ecosystem-based management. The model recommends a public decision process unless developing new alternatives is not possible, in which case segmented public consultation is recommended.