Integrated natural resource management: A question of property institutions

Natural resource management is commonly described as a means to achieving environmental conservation. An approach favoured by academics and managers alike is that of integrated management. As a process which extends across resource disciplines and sectors, within and between government and private organizations, and with aims set for social and economic change, integrated natural resource management has been difficult to achieve. Property institutions appear to be of foremost influence. Drawing upon a field study during which the Inuvialuit's (a Canadian Inuit society) common property system, the Canadian government's state property regime, and the private property of citizens were evaluated, a conclusion is reached: prevailing property systems greatly influence the achievement of integrated natural resource management. The common property system of the Inuvialuit fosters an integrated approach, one which is less likely to emerge under state or private property regimes.;Environmental conservation is considered the popular outcome of natural resource management; however, the thesis proposes that such management strives neither for conservation nor preservation, but rather for environmental rehabilitation: redirecting, mediating, and repairing the human uses and impacts within the natural environment. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).