Some consequences of policy instabilities for marine protected area management
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| Authors | | Top | - Humphreys, J.
- Clark, R.W.E.
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| Abstract | The principle drivers of MPA success are contextual factors such as governance and socio-economic circumstances, rather than MPA technical design attributes. MPA managers consider stakeholder engagement as the most important factor in MPA success, and its absence most frequently linked with failure. Yet aspects of the MPA policy process generate uncertainty or diminish clarity at management level and erode the legitimacy of stakeholder engagement. Three examples are outlined: Area-based targets; staged approaches to MPA designation; and legal uncertainty. The resulting unstable policy process is problematic for engagement intended to generate constructive relations between public authorities and stakeholders. In contrast to a gradual and emerging local adaptive management regime which can be developed in collaboration, policy deficits contribute to site level engagement being conducted before the implications for stakeholders can be properly understood even by those managing the consultation process. This can generate cynicism about the legitimacy of stakeholder engagement and provoke sentiments expressed as ‘moving the goalposts’ or ‘MPA creep’. Since stakeholder attitudes are crucial for the success of MPAs, this creates an inherently high risk of diminishing the utility of MPAs as conservation measures. |
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