Unpacking the process: how agenda-setting theory explains the case of creating large scale marine protected areas in Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT In 2018, Brazil announced the designation of two new Large Scale Marine Protected Areas (LSMPAs), resulting in an increase in protection from 1.5% to 26.36% of the country’s maritime territory. We employ an agenda-setting theory to analyze the Brazilian LSMPAs as a causal case study, unpacking the factors that led to their creation, and providing insights about the process of reaching global targets. Drawing on a detailed literature analysis and interviews with key stakeholders, we argue that reaching an international goal is a political commitment which emerges within a ‘policy window.’ Additionally, we offer seven lessons that can improve the chances of reaching an international goal and shifting the agenda: (1) attract media attention; (2) make a formal commitment; (3) launch a movement or a campaign to attain the goal; (4) make the goals legally binding; (5) propose general international goals; (6) diffuse ideas and (7) form support groups.