Overcoming Episodic Political Uncertainties and Tensions: Borderland Conservation Communities of Practice and the Bridging and Linking of Social Capital

Abstract

Episodes of political tension and extreme rhetoric make the economic and socio-political conditions of borderland regions uncertain and oftentimes contentious. Yet, there is a paucity of research on how much tension and rhetoric affect the formation and function of borderland conservation communities of practice (BCCsP). Accordingly, the current study provides a deeper understanding of the effects of political uncertainties and tensions on the conditions and dynamics that influence transborder wildlife conservation activities and initiatives. Using qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 wildlife professionals working in the Arizona, United States-Sonora, Mexico borderland region, a social capital bridging and linking model is developed with the aim of increasing the collective efficacy and resiliency of transborder conservation collaborations and initiatives. Theoretical constructs spanning communities of practice, human agency, political ecology, and social capital framed the study. Recommendations for research and practices are provided.

Keywords:

• Communities of practice
• political ecology
• social capital
• transborder conservation

Acknowledgements

We thank Drs. John Koprowoski and Bobby Torres for commenting on earlier versions of the paper.