MANAGING ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICTS: A METHOD FOR BUILDING CONSENSUS

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to determine the possibilities and limitations of applying the principles and technologies of consensus-building during multilateral negotiations and decision-making on environmental conflict management. Methodology and approach. The author uses the comparative method and content analysis to summarize the experience of developing principles and technologies for building consensus in multilateral negotiations and decision-making in situations of environmental conflicts, and also analyzes the advantages and limitations of these technologies using environmental conflict management in the United States as an example. Results. The author proposes a sequence of steps to achieve consensus (consent) for making a decision acceptable to all parties in a situation of environmental conflict, as well as provides a description of technologies and techniques for implementing the principles of achieving consensus in practice. The advantages and disadvantages of mediation as an institution of conflict resolution are analyzed. The theoretical implication of the study lies in the fact that the proposed principles of consensus building can be used for further development of the theory of the negotiation process, collective decision-making in conflict situations and management of environmental conflicts. Practical implication is the potential application of PM principles and consensus-building technologies in multilateral negotiations for managing environmental conflicts and their successful resolution.