Unit 4 AOS2: Conflicts of Interest about the use of Natural

Environments: Definition Sheet

Method/Strategy.
A method or strategy is a form of action used by an individual or interest group to
influence public opinion and decision makers. Examples of these methods are
- Direct Action - Political Strikes - Lobbying
- Petitions and Letters - Use of Media - Telephone Calls
- Stunts - Use of prominent people - Information evenings/meetings
- Forming partnerships with other interest groups
- Gathering own evidence/presenting reports
Different methods have varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the context in
which they are used and the people using them.

Conflict.
Conflicts arise when different individuals/groups have conflicting ideas or wants or
needs for the use or value of natural environments. User groups disagree on the
preferred outcome, and will use different methods to get their point of view across.

Processes.
A process is used by decision makers (usually governments) to resolve conflict.
Examples of processes are
- Police action: enforcing existing laws. - Litigation: High court rulings.
- Legislation: The declaration of new National Parks and World Heritage Areas.
- Community consultation.
- Independent person/people and NGOs: Scientists and independent researchers
gathering evidence that is not bias towards a particular outcome.

Interest Group.
A group with members who all hold similar beliefs/opinions about the use of a certain
aspect of the natural environment, or a certain place. A group which attempts to
influence the making or implementing or administering of government decisions.
Decision Makers.
These are the people who have the final say in the outcome of a conflict over the use
of a natural environment. Decision makers use processes to resolve conflicts. The
decision makers are usually governments (either state or federal) as they either own
the land (crown/public land or land already a national park) or they have the most
power i.e. they can create laws and legislation to allow or disallow things to happen.
Government Body.
Examples of government bodies are the Department of Sustainability and
Environment (DSE) or Department of Primary Industries (DPI). These departments
are owned and run by the government. Their actions are governed by current laws and
legislation.
Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).
Examples of NGOs: VNPA and OREN. These groups actions are based on their own
beliefs and opinions about the way natural environments should be used and
managed. They arent linked to the government in any way but work very closely with
them to influence their decisions. NGOs can be a single user group in themselves or
represent a whole number of interest groups all working for a similar outcome.