Selection of indicators as a tool for negotiating objectives and evaluating targets within participatory monitoring

Information that is generated through the inclusion of different knowledge sources as a process of intensive negotiation, and mutual learning, is essential for adaptive co-management. To determine if participatory monitoring is fostering social learning and contributing to adaptive co-management, we propose a process of selection and assessment of environmental learning objectives and indicators. We draw from a case study regarding natural resources participatory monitoring in Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico. To guide the selection of indicators of advances in learning, we used the environmental citizenship framework. This framework considers the ecological knowledge and scientific tools acquired through the process, as well as the social, cultural and ethical capacities achieved that are useful for environmental management. The use of this framework helped orient the process towards attributes sought as important for community researchers, as well as to pay attention to the interactions between external actors and community researchers within the collaborative research effort. Most indicators selected corresponded to those related to natural resources management, yet indicators were also selected to measure progress regarding communication abilities among community members, their organization and critical attitudes. Differences in expectations between external actors and community researchers, have to do with distinct needs and realities, as well as with the recent history of the community. The adaptive process resulted in an important tool for helping all participants, manage different visions during the process, as well as obtain consensus on concepts and constantly redefining activities as need in the process.