Perceived barriers to effective multilevel governance of human-natural systems: an analysis of Marine Protected Areas in Vietnam

Stanislav Shmelev,Thu Trung Ho

doi:10.2458/v19i1.21711

Abstract

This study of multilevel governance in contemporary Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Vietnam used a qualitative methodology to identify the factors that cause fragmentation of governance structures, leading to ineffective management and governance of these MPAs. These factors relate to formal institutions, socio-economic conditions and social capital. The study reveals different barriers to effective governance at different levels. Socio-economic conditions affect the participation of local communities, whereas formal institutional arrangements are major barriers to the collaboration between state-actors across sectors. Mutual trust, communication and reciprocity may nurture and foster participation and collaboration by actors in the multilevel governance of MPAs. The article stresses the importance of social capital in multilevel governance of human-natural systems. It concludes that the existing institutional structure of MPAs may require reforms to achieve more effective governance and to meet the overall goals of the national MPA network.

Highlights

Understanding the relationships between natural and human systems has become an essential step for natural resource management and biodiversity conservation
We identified six dominant barriers to the participation and collaboration of state and non-state actors in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) governance in Vietnam
A number of critical barriers related to socio-economic conditions, including (i) awareness of local communities, (ii) economics and (iii) social capital, were found to have significantly impeded the participation of local communities in MPA governance

Summary

Introduction

Understanding the relationships between natural and human systems has become an essential step for natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. The functional interdependencies of these systems have been recognized by scientists. Especially local communities, are perceived as direct users of natural resources, and immediately affected by environmental degradation. Humans are the root of both causes and solutions for these problems (Bulkeley and Mol 2003). There is an assumption that local communities may possess more substantive knowledge than other actors about the resources and areas where they live. Together with other actors, is deemed to be crucial for any environmental governance program (Kapoor 2001; Layzer 2002; Bulkeley and Mol 2003)

Methods

Results

Conclusion