Abstract
Effective environmental governance is deemed essential in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. However, environmental dimensions have no specific reference across the SDG 16 targets and indicators. In achieving SDG 16—the realization of peace, justice, and strong institution, polycentric environmental governance involving multiple actors across scales deserves thoughtful consideration. This study illustrates the potential of a polycentric approach to environmental governance in achieving SDG 16, using case studies of forest, watershed, and transboundary bushland and seascape management in Southeast Asia and Eastern Africa, namely Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Kenya–Somalia cross-border. By highlighting four key elements of polycentric governance namely, political will, legal framework, support from higher-level governance and capacity building, the case studies demonstrate that polycentric governance play a significant role in achieving three environment-relevant SDG 16 targets, yet these targets are silent about environmental governance dimensions. Since many conflicts arise from the environment and natural resources sector, we suggest that (i) polycentric environmental governance be strongly pursued to achieve SDG 16, and (ii) SDG 16 includes indicators specifically directed on polycentric environment and natural resource governance.
Highlights
The 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), as approved by the members of the United Nations in September 2015, is a global blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future by addressing various development challenges related to poverty, environmental degradation, and inequality
We argue that SDG 16.3 indicators should be broadened covering natural resources governance aspects
Our paper illustrates the potential of a polycentric approach to environmental governance in achieving SDG 16, using case studies from three landscape types: forest, watershed, and transboundary bushland and seascape, in Asia and Africa
Summary
The 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), as approved by the members of the United Nations in September 2015, is a global blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future by addressing various development challenges related to poverty, environmental degradation, and inequality. Achieving the SDGs is inherently perplexing, in developing countries in Asia and Africa that often struggle to manage their natural resources, landscapes, and ecosystems, often due to natural resources contestation due underpinned by weak governance and institution, which can be addressed to SDG 16 on. There are many examples where solid environmental governance and institutions can prevent or reverse environmental degradation, helping to achieve peace and justice through conflict resolution [5,6]. A comprehensive understanding of the connection between environmental governance and human well-being is vital for conflict prevention and the promotion of peace and justice
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