A generic method of engagement to elicit regional coastal management options

Dichmont, Catherine M. and Dutra, Leo and Owens, Randall and Jebreen, Eddie and Thompson, Carolyn and Deng, Roy A. and van Putten, Elizabeth I. and Pascual, Ricardo and Dambacher, Jeffrey M. and Warne, Michael St J. and Quinn, Ross H. and Thébaud, Olivier and Bennett, John and Read, Mark and Wachenfeld, David and Davies, Julia and Garland, Anna and Dunning, Malcolm and Collier, Catherine and Waycott, Michelle and Playford, Julia (2016) A generic method of engagement to elicit regional coastal management options. Ocean & Coastal Management, 124 . pp. 22-32. ISSN 0964-5691

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Abstract

Stakeholder engagement is important for successful management of natural resources, both to make
effective decisions and to obtain support. However, in the context of coastal management, questions
remain unanswered on how to effectively link decisions made at the catchment level with objectives for
marine biodiversity and fisheries productivity. Moreover, there is much uncertainty on how to best elicit
community input in a rigorous manner that supports management decisions. A decision support process
is described that uses the adaptive management loop as its basis to elicit management objectives, priorities
and management options using two case studies in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The approach
described is then generalised for international interest. A hierarchical engagement model of local
stakeholders, regional and senior managers is used. The result is a semi-quantitative generic elicitation
framework that ultimately provides a prioritised list of management options in the context of clearly
articulated management objectives that has widespread application for coastal communities worldwide.
The case studies show that demand for local input and regional management is high, but local influences
affect the relative success of both engagement processes and uptake by managers. Differences
between case study outcomes highlight the importance of discussing objectives prior to suggesting
management actions, and avoiding or minimising conflicts at the early stages of the process. Strong
contributors to success are a) the provision of local information to the community group, and b) the early
inclusion of senior managers and influencers in the group to ensure the intellectual and time investment
is not compromised at the final stages of the process.
The project has uncovered a conundrum in the significant gap between the way managers perceive
their management actions and outcomes, and community's perception of the effectiveness (and wisdom)
of these same management actions.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Marine Studies
Depositing User:	Fulori Nainoca - Waqairagata
Date Deposited:	16 Aug 2016 04:42
Last Modified:	02 May 2017 04:27
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/9147

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