Exploring Conservation Actor Networks in Trinidad And Tobago

Abstract

Networks play an important role in conservation by facilitating and strengthening collaboration among conservation organizations. This study explores the structural characteristics of networks that could promote or inhibit conservation in Trinidad and Tobago. To achieve this, a questionnaire was sent out to all identifiable conservation actors on the island. Social network analysis software was used to analyze the data and generate network measures and maps. Results show that there are 69 conservation organizations on the island and NGOs play an important role. The overall network density and centralization are low while network cohesion across most categories of actor subgroups was positive. Ego network measures on centrality and brokerage were used to provide recommendations that could help to strengthen collaboration between organizations. As the first study of its kind using network analysis applied to conservation in this geographical context, it can help to inform future conservation research and initiatives.

Keywords:

• Caribbean
• collaboration
• conservation
• conservation organizations
• islands
• networks
• social network analysis

Acknowledgments

Thank you to the participants of this study for their valuable contributions. It has greatly expanded our knowledge and understanding of the conservation actor networks in Trinidad and Tobago. Also, thank you to the Society and Natural Resource journal editors and reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help in improving the quality of this manuscript.