Environmental policy decisions consist of complex interactions between social, economic, ecological and cultural perspectives. One technique to identify and incorporate these perspectives is collaborative learning through multiple stakeholder committees. Some key aspects of collaboration are dialogue, interactions, trust and joint fact-finding. Throughout the process, education occurs amongst the participants concerning the different perspectives of scientists, residents and government officials.

Coastal environments are subject to human and natural forces.  Decisions about coastal management tends to focus on short-term goals that sustain tourism. These decisions often destroy the natural, dynamic processes that create the beach. A major issue on Galveston Island, Texas, is the management of sargassum, a type of brown algae naturally deposited on the beach during high tourism seasons. Sargassum smells bad, traps trash and is obstructs recreational use of the coast however it also have some natural benefits to the ecosystem. How should a community manage sargassum? In order to incorporate the different perspectives of the community, the Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees initiated the Sargassum Policy Committee to develop sound beach management policies that took into consideration both long term and short term goals.

This presentation analyzes the collaborative potential of the Sargassum Policy Committee through observations of the meetings and surveys of the members. This case study looks at the benefits and potential improvements for collaborative learning groups. Assessment based on Daniel and Walker’s Progressive Triangle uses relationship, procedural and substance dimensions to identify aspects related to collaboration.

Results/Conclusions

Analysis indicated that collaboration of multiple stakeholders at the outset of policy creation was a positive step in developing management decisions. Improvements could have been made dealing with external/internal exclusion and lack of an impartial facilitator. Administrative boundaries, lack of funding, and time constraints restricted the development and implementation of policies. Techniques such as stakeholder analysis, social mapping and mediated modeling could have increased understanding amongst stakeholders of the different values of individuals and the long-term effects of decisions.  The creation of a Beach Advisory Committee to continue the tasks of the temporary committee on a permanent basis is a great achievement.

Collaborative committees are one form of education that can link scientific findings and community values in order to increase the knowledge of both sides of an issue.  This educational process promotes working towards a reasonable, workable, ecologically sound solution that produces positive results for individuals as well as the environment and community as a whole.