Identifying capacity indicators for community-based natural resource management initiatives: focus group results from conservation practitioners across Illinois

The increasing popularity of community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) warrants an exploration of the capacity of such initiatives to co-ordinate and implement successful conservation efforts. We used reconstructivist methods - specifically, focus groups with nominal group techniques - to determine 10 key capacity indicators for successful CBNRM. The list comprises motivation, leadership, respect, mutual interest/shared values, outreach/education, marketing, communication, planning, funding and equipment/supplies. Our results can be used by CBNRM groups for capacity-building and self-assessment activities, by bridging organisations to increase the capacity of such initiatives, or by researchers interested in measuring the capacity of community-based groups to achieve their conservation goals.