Capabilities to Demand Participation : Local Participation in Common-Pool Resource Governance - A Case Study of Lake Atitlán

Abstract: The aim of this study is to understand, describe and explain how local, public participation in the governance of common-pool resources (CPR) work in a decentralized development context. This is done through field research on lake Atitlán in Guatemala as a case of a freshwater CPR that struggles with environmental degradation as a result of failure of collective action in conserving the lake. Designed as a single-case study the investigation was carried out with qualitative semi-structured interviews and participatory observations as research methods. A total of 23 different stakeholders were interviewed and 4 meetings were attended and observed. The material was analysed by using the theoretical framework by Fleischman & Solórzano (2016) where participation is seen as a function of institutional supply, public demand and citizen capabilities. The results show that there are great inequalities in the distribution of capabilities to participate, where the indigenous population is affected worst, and that the demand for participation is severely affected by corruption, bureaucracy, restricted access and lack of education and information. In order to improve the conditions for public participation, efforts ought to be made to deal with corruption and red tape, safeguard lakeshore zones for public access and increase participatory capabilities by poverty reduction and education.