| In order to contribute to the development of a co-management framework, this study identifies and compares people's forest values. Specifically, we will identify individuals' personal values within each participant group, and their perceptions for why they believe their own group and the other groups might value forests. The methodology used is Conceptual Content Cognitive Mapping, 3CM, which allows individuals to identify their values and to share their perceptions of the other groups' values. Participants include members from the forest industry, environmental groups, Aboriginal communities and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The study area is northwestern Ontario, which contains Treaty #3, Treaty #9 and Robinson Superior Treaty areas. Data are analyzed to find the dominant forest value themes through hierarchical clustering, resulting in ten value themes. Subsequently, inter-group and intra-group similarities and differences among the rankings of participants' personal values and their perceptions are determined through various non-parametric statistical tests. |
