Policies and community participation for integrated natural resource management: a review of transdisciplinary perspective

Given the detrimental impact of natural resource degradation on livelihoods and sustainability, this research critically reviews the related studies and the role of policies and community participation toward addressing the issues. It carries out bibliometric analysis of highly cited scientific research publications on natural resource management compiled from the database of Scopus and Web of Science. Here, emphasis is given on reviewing the intersections between natural resource management and the underlying challenges in policies and community participation. In addition, it also analyzes the synergies of policies and institutions with decentralization of power for resource conservation and management. The article proposes a bottom-up approach to policy making and decentralized framework based on community participation and ownership rights for resource management. Engagement with local community and bringing in their behavioral changes would be crucial for efficient integrated natural resource management.