A matter of trust : social interaction in a nature conservation issue in the Eastern slopes of Lake Vättern

Abstract: Nature conservation issues are often complex and difficult to handle. Different actors andinterests are involved and it is generally agreed that constructive interaction is a crucialpart of dealing with these issues. According the theory which forms the basis of this thesis,conflict is defined as social interaction during which the actors trust in the interaction isdecreasing. Signs of conflict and diminished trust in the interaction are that these actorsmake attempts to change the situation and some of these attempts can lead to increasedconflict.The aim of this thesis is to describe the social interaction that takes place when peoplemove from conflict to dialogue. A qualitative case study of a nature conservation issue inÖstra Vätterbranterna, an area east of Lake Vättern, is presented. The parties involvedmanaged to make the transition from conflict to dialogue in the period under study – from1998 to 2004. The conflict concerned forest production versus conservation of woodlandkey habitats. To deal with the matter, 'Project Östra Vätterbranterna' was initiated in 1998with the participation of five (later seven) organisations, representing the interests ofdifferent stakeholders. Representatives for the organisations involved were interviewed.The study shows many examples of attempts to change the situation during the conflictperiod. They are e.g. actors withdrawing from the interaction; attempts at moving the issueto another arena; changing or questioning the credibility, legitimacy or identity of others;trying to increase own credibility and legitimacy; and even the occasional use of violence.It also shows that, at the end of the study period, the interactions between the same partieshad dialogic qualities and were characterised by trust. Working from the assumption thatparticular forms of interaction contribute to increased trust, certain trust-promotinginteractions are identified and described. They are for example: meta-communication;establishing a legitimate arena for dealing with the issue; facilitation of project groupmeetings; and concerted attempts to reduce misunderstandings. In addition, trust wasincreased by focusing on things that the involved parties could agree upon, as well as byconsiderate communication with landowners affected by conservation plans. Individualtraits and initiatives also played an important role, as well as giving the whole processample time to mature. In general it can be assumed that many of the trust-promotinginteractions identified in this study could be adapted to other situations in order to increasethe possibilities of trust.