Regaining tractability through reframing of a watershed management conflict: A case of southwestern Puerto Rico. (29th December 2019) - Santiago, Luis
Abstract: The Río Loco watershed in southwestern Puerto Rico is a site where significant coastal development has taken place and water is currently used for residential purposes, power generation and agricultural production. Competing uses and resulting tradeoffs have led to conflict among the watershed's stakeholders, and a proposed natural resource conservation measure in the area has exacerbated conflict to the point where it can be described as intractable. We propose a two‐phase conflict resolution scheme: the first phase requires gaining tractability by reframing the problem considering mainly diagnostic parameters, and the second phase outlines a series of processes that may help manage conflict once the problem becomes tractable. We conducted two focus groups with key stakeholders in the Río Loco watershed, including farmers and conservationists representing NGO's, public and private organizations to assess current frames. Through the reframed interests, we conclude innovative institutions or flexible organizations will be able to provide a new arena where conversations take place, thus, creating a space for a more inclusive and democratic process to manage the watershed in the short and long term, and at the same time increasing chances of maintaining problems within the realm of tractability.