Farming in a Fishbowl: Motivations Behind a Collective Riparian Restoration Project
Nargiz Rahimova
British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resource Stewardship
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
John Janmaat
Department of Economics, Philosophy and Political Science
The University of British Columbia
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Joanne Taylor
Department of Economics, Philosophy and Political Science
The University of British Columbia
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Abstract
We investigate a collective riparian restoration project in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. The project intends to coordinate restoration activities across several adjoining parcels, better aligning activities with the natural riparian processes than would occur through individual, uncoordinated actions. Since property boundaries seldom align with the natural processes occurring on the landscape, understanding the motivations for participation in this project may facilitate similar collective projects elsewhere. Important triggers included changing weather patterns that increase landowner costs and a threat of regulatory action. Landowners’ perception of being in a ‘fishbowl’ in relation to a nearby residential subdivision created a perceived need to ‘have each other’s back’. The availability of a funding program targeted at collective projects enabled this project to proceed. Building on common interests, providing skillful facilitation, reducing participation costs and rewarding participation – financially and socially – can help encourage collective restoration projects.