Boundary Setting
Overview
Boundary setting is the process of defining the geographic borders of an integrated land use initiative and determining where the initiative is implemented, who is involved, and how it will be governed. There are many crucial factors that need to be considered in determining the boundaries of an integrated land use initiative, including existing jurisdictional, ecological, and social boundaries. The boundary should create an area large enough to deliver multiple functions to a diverse group of stakeholders, but not so large as to be unmanageable. Developing boundaries with key stakeholders is crucial in order to avoid conflict and improve program legitimacy.
Key Elements
Best Practices
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT: The boundaries of the initiative will impact who will be involved in and benefit from the program. Early stakeholder engagement in selecting boundaries will help to catalyze stakeholder engagement throughout the program.
CHOOSE BOUNDARIES THAT ALIGN WITH INITIATIVE OBJECTIVES: Consider the overarching goals of the initiative, and set the boundaries to help achieve that objective.
MINIMIZE LEAKAGE: Ensure that achieving positive outcomes for the program area does not result in negative environmental externalities being pushed out elsewhere.
CONSIDER GOVERNANCE: Effective landscape governance is key to the initiative’s success. Consider whether aligning initiative boundaries with administrative borders, or ensuring that a community group is firmly within the initiative area, could result in more effective program implementation.