The need for a sourcebook on participatory methods for community-based coastal resource management (CBCRM) arose from the absence of practical field-tested reference materials that merge the participatory nature of CBCRM with the unique conditions of the coastal zone. Field workers from government, non-government, community-based and even research organizations are increasingly applying participatory and community-based approaches (developed primarily in terrestrial settings) to work in the coastal zone. The sourcebook is designed for use by people working directly with coastal communities to help strengthen their capability to manage, protect and develop their local resources. These include community organizers, community leaders, researchers, other field workers who may come from NGOs, GOs or research and training institutions. The tools are meant to guide users and not to be taken as rigid formulas. The tools can generally be applied or adapted to all types of coastal settings with a little resourcefulness and creativity.
