Learning by doing and sharing: Participatory environmental appraisal

Abstract

This paper draws concepts from the experiences in Saravahgamish village in Kurdistan, Iran. The Participatory Environmental Approach was employed to analyse the appraisal results because of the dismal failures of conventional top-down methods. In this research environmental problem in two areas including natural resources and human environmental management was studied by use of Participatory Environmental Appraisal approach. Environmental problems identified and classified by sharing and learning from local people which are important sources in participatory approach, then delivered solutions and actions for solving problems by use of participatory methods. During research process several participatory techniques such as resource mapping, semi-structured interview, brain storming, action identification diagram and potential matrix were used to gather and analyse the data. Results showed that most important problems could be classified into two categories of environmental management and sanitation problems, and destruction of natural resources. Different levels of solutions and potential actions were forwarded for dealing with the causes and consequences of the recognized problems. Finally, according to participatory appraisal and perceptions of the various social actors, organizations and institutions as potential partners involved in solving problems of Saravahgamish community about management of environmental and natural resources were recognized.

Keywords: Participatory environmental appraisal, Learning by doing and sharing, Human environment management, Natural resources management

Journal of Environmental Extension Vol. 6 2007: pp. 92-99