title: Theories about consensus-based conservation.
abstract: "Conservation and the Myth of Consensus" (Peterson et al. 2005) levels several serious indictments against consensus-based approaches to environmental decision making. Namely, the authors argue that consensus processes (1) reinforce apathy and ignorance of conservation issues; (2) legitimize damage to the environment; (3) quash public debate about conservation; (4) solidify the existing balance of power in favor of prodevelopment forces; and (5) block progress toward an ecologically sustainable future. Careful scrutiny of consensus-based approaches is important, especially considering their surging use in conservation policy. In the spirit of advancing the debate further, I review some of the limitations of the essay and its modes of inquiry.
authors.affiliation: Center for Collaborative Policy, California State University, Sacramento, 1303 J Street, Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95814-2936, USA. bleach@ccp.csus.edu
authors.forename: William D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Leach
mesh_terms: D032921:Consensus; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D011057:Politics; D011640:Public Policy; D012106:Research