Abstract

Increasing interest in implementing ecosystem-based management approaches has made stakeholder involvement vital and has highlighted the need for an effective participatory framework. In this case study of the transboundary Grenadine Islands, we illustrate how the application of a participatory geographic information systems (PGIS) approach was successful in developing user-centred, demand-driven information that could be easily accessed and understood by resource users, whilst also serving the needs of decision makers. PGIS provided a platform for transparent multi-level and multi-scale communication, information exchange, and problem-solving, allowing for collective agreement on: an appropriate mapping scale, a locally-relevant habitat classification scheme, resource use profiles and a number of fishing-related attributes. The high level of stakeholder engagement necessary for successful PGIS not only provided uniquely useful information, but also created a strong sense of ownership in information produced, increased inter- and intra-stakeholder understanding, and validated the critical role of stakeholder participation in research and governance. Furthermore, the GIS framework and its integration with other freely available easy-to-use information technology applications has provided access to information for all stakeholders that will allow continued engagement, update and use of information for multiple purposes in support of an ecosystem-based approach to marine governance.

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