Government Coordination Research Articles

Leadership and Climate Change Mitigation: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review (SLR) explores leadership and climate change mitigation in cities. In doing so, it investigates explicit meanings of leadership, enablers of leadership, and leadership similarities and differences across regions. The review utilized three databases on 8 March 2024—Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science—curating an initial 496 results, resulting in 30 studies in the final analysis, using a two-reviewer screening process to limit bias and ensure consistency of approach. Inclusion criteria included English-language peer-reviewed articles over a ten-year period. The timeframe used was limited to January 2014 to December 2023 (10 years) to focus on the lead up to and post-implementation of the Paris Agreement. Further, empirical and conceptual studies were included to provide readers of this review with a thorough understanding of leadership work completed since 2014. Exclusion criteria included any studies that focus on adaptation measures and forms of leadership where the focus is on the private business, state, or national level, including leadership and climate change mitigation outside the influence of the local government. The study highlights five distinct meanings of leadership using the Braun and Clarke method of thematic analysis. It found leadership themes related to people (e.g., mayors), policy (e.g., ambitious climate plans), ideas (e.g., new concepts), collective action (e.g., motivating others), and mobilizing power (e.g., through regulations). The enablers of leadership included polycentricity, social capital influences, co-creational and mayor leadership, climate governance, and multi-actor coordination. This review segments the studies based on the findings from the literature, which focus on three continents (North America, Europe, and Asia) with a distinct difference in the meaning and enablers of leadership based on region. The 30 articles shared similarities in content, such as strong mayoral influence, but also had some distinct differences, such as how leadership is enacted based on leveraging market mechanisms, policy, and horizontal and vertical coordination. Finally, research gaps were identified, such as the scant focus on leadership and climate change mitigation in the Global South, to enable future research. Limitations of this study include the utilization of three databases, a focus on only English-language peer-reviewed articles, and a strong climate change mitigation focus.

Building Resilient Communities: the Interplay between Climate Change and Social Capital

Introduction/Background: Globally, and in the United States, where climate-related events including hurricanes, wildfires, and floods have intensified and caused billions in damages, population displacement, and public health system strain, climate change presents grave difficulties to communities everywhere. Often lacking infrastructure and resources, vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted and lack the ability to adapt or bounce back. Although infrastructure improvements and disaster readiness are important technical answers, without robust social institutions they are inadequate. Resilience can be developed and resources mobilised in great part by social capital—community networks, shared values, and group support. Still underexplored, though, are its particular contributions to climate resilience as well as techniques governments might use to properly include social capital into resilience planning. Materials and Methods: Using a secondary data analysis technique, this study addresses its goals by concentrating on qualitative and quantitative data. Examining more than forty sources—including official gazettes, policy documents, scientific publications, and government reports—helps one to understand the part social capital plays in building community resilience in the United States. Analysing case studies of successful resilience programs helped to pinpoint important themes and approaches for improving community resilience to climate change by substituting alternative data gathering techniques such as interviews for main data collecting tools. Results: Climate change offers important issues in the U.S., with severe weather events producing economic losses, relocation, and health hazards, especially for vulnerable groups. Resilience depends on social capital, as seen in New Orleans's post-Katrina recovery where networks enabled rebuilding; Paradise, California, where community ties aided wildfire preparedness; NYC's Red Hook, where local responses managed Hurricane Sandy's impact; Chicago's 1995 heatwave, where strong social networks reduced deaths; and Houston's Hurricane Harvey response, where grassroots groups coordinated aid. These stories show the value of social ties in building resilience. Discussion: Governments should prioritise establishing grassroots groups, integrating social capital into catastrophe preparedness, and increasing public involvement to boost climate resilience. Effective communication, targeted support for vulnerable groups, and multi-level governance coordination are necessary. Investments in community-driven early warning systems, inclusive urban planning, and areas that promote social relationships can strengthen adaptive capacity. Long-term study on social capital's role will refine policy, guaranteeing equitable and sustainable responses to climate issues. Conclusion: The link between climate change and community resilience underscores the relevance of social capital. By developing social networks and encouraging inclusive solutions, communities can better adapt and recover from climate impacts. Policymakers should prioritize grassroots activities and address systemic disparities to promote sustainable resilience against climate concerns.

Correlation analysis of failure risk factors in automated container port logistics systems from a resilience perspective

This paper aims to explore the correlations among failure risk factors of automated container port logistics systems from a resilience perspective. Based on the Wuli-Shili-Renli (WSR) theory and a multi-dimensional resilience framework, five key categories of risk factors affecting system resilience are identified: port infrastructure, port logistics operation organization, port personnel, port operational environment, and port emergency response and management. Through expert interviews, system component analysis, and a review of related literature across these five dimensions, 36 specific risk factors were identified to establish an initial set of system failure risk factors. Subsequently, a dual-factor screening method combining grey relational analysis and rank correlation was applied to simplify the initial set, constructing a system failure risk factor index system from a resilience perspective. Finally, a comprehensive model combining the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (FDEMATEL) method and the Total Adversarial Interpretation Structure Model (TAISM) was proposed. This model identifies and quantifies the complex correlations among system failure risk factors from a resilience perspective, revealing their relative importance and their impact on system resilience. The results indicate that system resilience is primarily influenced by internal factors such as the smoothness of collection and distribution operations, infrastructure service capacity, and the stability of technical support systems. External factors, such as the prevention capability for major emergency threats and the improvement of government supervision and coordination feedback mechanisms, also significantly impact system resilience. The complex interactions among key factors have a profound effect on system resilience, underscoring the need to enhance coordination and management measures to strengthen overall system resilience. This study provides a theoretical foundation for developing targeted strategies to enhance the resilience of automated container port logistics systems.

“It Just Galls Me, as a Taxpayer”: Trust Implications of School Closure Decision-Making in Ontario

More than 400 publicly funded schools in Ontario, Canada, permanently closed between 2011 and 2017. This study examines the impact of highly criticized closure decisions on trust, guided by the OECD competence-values framework for citizens’ trust in public institutions. Interviews with key informants reveal factors affecting trust, including timing and format of public consultations, reliability of data informing closure recommendations, silencing of community concerns, timeliness of government coordination, asset management horizons, and system-wide approaches to planning. This study underscores the need for an alternative school-closure decision-making model for Ontario.

Analisis Hukum Ekonomi Syariah Terhadap Sertifikasi Halal Gratis melalui Mekanisme Self-Declare

This research is motivated by a crucial issue in Islamic economics regarding halal certification through the self-declare mechanism. Although intended to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), this mechanism raises concerns about the potential for abuse and the risk of fraud. While the government strives to facilitate halal certification, the self-declaration policy poses risks to consumers who rely on the validity of the halal label. The objectives of this study are: (1) To analyze the implementation of halal certification through the self-declaration mechanism in Kardifa MSMEs, and (2) To examine the perspective of Islamic economic law on the implementation of halal certification through this mechanism. This study employs an empirical juridical approach. The results indicate that the implementation of self-declare for halal certification in Kardifa MSMEs follows a structured process, integrating Business Identification Number (NIB) and Online Single Submission (OSS) systems. Although efficient, the risks to consumers and the potential for fraud require addressing through independent audits. The perspective of Islamic economic law reveals that the SEHATI program aligns with sharia principles, enhances halal product quality, and strengthens consumer trust. The success of this program relies on awareness, government coordination, and the responsibility of business actors to maintain the integrity of the halal industry in Indonesia. Business actors must enhance their understanding and responsibility toward the self-declare mechanism, maintain production transparency, and conduct independent halal audits. The Halal Product Guarantee Organizers should provide full support, education, and effective supervision of the self-declare implementation in MSMEs. The public also needs to be more aware of the importance of halal products, understand the self-declare mechanism, and actively participate in monitoring halal products by providing feedback and reporting non-compliance.

Mental health support for healthcare workers: what is it about governance and policy implementation

Abstract Background We adopt a health system and governance perspective to address the mental health needs of healthcare workers, considering the nature of interventions and the levels and actors involved in governance. The aim is to move the debate forward by identifying governance gaps hampering the implementation of health workforce policies and exploring strategies to effectively increase mental health support. Methods A qualitative comparative methodology is applied based on a case study design utilising a multi-level intersectoral governance matrix. The assessment matrix comprises four key categories: health policy and data, social policy and psycho-social conditions, organisation of work, and job and professional conditions. We conducted a rapid assessment of healthcare workforce developments in the European context, drawing on secondary sources and country experts. The country sample comprises Germany, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Results Awareness of mental health threats among healthcare workers increased, but policy discourse is driven by service delivery and labour market demands. The attention to healthcare workers’ needs is stronger on the international level especially supported by WHO action, and weakest at national/regional levels. Although organisations and professions demonstrate varying degrees of activity, their efforts are scattered and lack sustainability. Similar challenges were identified across healthcare systems, including limited action, disconnected actors, missing coordination, and a lack of attention to governance gaps and system weaknesses. Conclusions There are similar problems across countries. Mental health policy is driven by labour market needs and ignores research evidence and the individual needs. Successful mental health policy implementation needs multi-level governance and coherent coordination mechanisms, and generally greater attention to the ‘human side’ of the healthcare workforce. Speakers/Panelists Sara Alidina Central Administration of the Health System, Lisbon, Portugal Tomas Zapata WHO/Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark

Irrigation Water Management and Food Security in Nigeria

Food security remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, a country with a rapidly growing population and a heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture. Effective irrigation water management is crucial to improving agricultural productivity and addressing this critical issue, particularly in the face of climate change and increasing water scarcity. This study investigates the current state of irrigation water management and its impact on food security in Nigeria. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining an extensive literature review with field surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, including farmers, water resource managers, policymakers, and subject matter experts. The findings reveal significant gaps in Nigeria's existing irrigation water management system, including outdated infrastructure, inefficient water distribution, limited access to irrigation technology, and poor coordination among relevant government agencies and agricultural extension services. The study explores the multifaceted relationship between irrigation water management and food security, highlighting the impact of water availability, quality, and accessibility on crop yields, livestock production, and overall agricultural output. The analysis also examines the socioeconomic and environmental implications of poor irrigation water management, such as reduced farm incomes, food price volatility, and environmental degradation. Based on the research findings, the study proposes a comprehensive framework for sustainable irrigation water management in Nigeria. This framework emphasizes the integration of technological innovations, policy reforms, institutional strengthening, and community-based approaches to enhance the efficiency, equity, and resilience of the irrigation system. Key elements of the framework include modernizing irrigation infrastructure, promoting precision agriculture techniques, improving water governance and stakeholder coordination, and enhancing the capacity of farmers and water user associations. The implications of this study are far-reaching, as it provides policymakers, development agencies, and agricultural practitioners with a thorough understanding of the critical role of irrigation water management in achieving food security in Nigeria. The proposed framework offers a roadmap for the implementation of sustainable irrigation practices, which can contribute to increased agricultural productivity, improved rural livelihoods, and enhanced national food security. The findings of this research also offer valuable insights for other developing countries facing similar challenges in the realm of irrigation water management and food security.

From ideal to reality: governance of AMR in a multi-level setting

ABSTRACT This paper asks whether, and if so how, it is possible to design a system characterised by coordination across sectors and levels of governance aimed at governing AMR. The ambition is, firstly, to analyse how coordination problems materialise in the governing of the AMR problem, and secondly, with an emphasis on the structure of decision-making and communication processes, to probe into how coordination of AMR governance is achieved. The paper’s focus is on Norway, which stands out as one of the better performing countries for AMR governance. Drawing on literature on coordination and governance, the paper argues that effective coordination of AMR governance is more likely to follow a ‘bottom-up’ sequencing pattern. It thus provides a study of the systems for governing AMR in a multi-level setting. Through public documents, literature and interviews with key officials involved in AMR management, the paper illustrates the importance of – and organisational barriers to – inter-sectoral cooperation and coordinated strategies and actions at different levels of governance.

VILLAGES AS SUBDISTRICT APPARATUS IN THE ERA OF REGIONAL AUTONOMY

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="389"><p class="TableParagraph">The Kelurahan (urban village) government in the era of Regional Autonomy has undergone many changes in line with the shift in governance paradigms as mandated by Law No. 23 of 2014 on Regional Government and Government Regulation No. 73 of 2005 on Kelurahan. The purpose of structuring Kelurahan and implementing governance in the Regional Autonomy era is to improve the coordination of governance, public services, development implementation, and the empowerment of village/kelurahan communities. The method used is empirical research with a legislative review approach, as well as conceptual and sociological approaches. The data analysis method employed is the interpretation of legislation and authentic interpretation. The expected outcome is that the Kelurahan government is required to be transparent with the community regarding both development programs and the budget received, thus fostering high levels of trust in the Kelurahan government from the public, thereby realizing the vision and mission of the Kelurahan. All public services and civil services, which were previously conventional, are now required to be technology-based. The Lurah, as the head of the government at the Kelurahan level, along with other government units including the Technical Implementation Unit, should cooperate and coordinate in all sectors by empowering the community, thereby creating a just, prosperous, and prosperous society.<em></em></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

A value chain and SWOT analysis for optimizing the self-sufficiency of fish feed to strengthen freshwater aquaculture production in Indonesia

This study evaluates the aquafeed self-sufficiency sector in Indonesia, aiming to provide policy recommendations for optimizing freshwater aquaculture production. The study engaged 1005 participants, including 204 self-sufficient aquafeed producers and 801 fish farmers, covering 88% of the regions where the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries promotes aquafeed self-sufficiency, conducted in 30 Indonesian provinces. The majority of on-farm and small-scale feed manufacturers continue to operate successfully (91%), with a minor portion discontinuing (9%). Aquafeed products incorporating local ingredients prove cost-effective and receive high acceptance among fish farmers. The sustainability of the aquafeed self-sufficiency sector is closely linked to local ingredient availability, operational aquafeed manufacturing plants, product quality, human resource capabilities, and government policies. The study presents policy recommendations to address these issues, encompassing measures such as ensuring ingredient supply sustainability, providing a mobile laboratory for ingredient and feed analysis, enhancing human resource quality through training, facilitating easier access to financial support, and strengthening central-local government coordination to optimize the aquafeed self-sufficiency program. The rise of the national fish production target from freshwater aquaculture has attracted great attention in the improvement of the aquafeed sector since the sustainability of aquafeed supply is the main driver for the success of aquaculture production.

The realization logic of rural revitalization: Coupled coordination analysis of development and governance.

Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new stage. The principal social contradiction is the uneven development of urban and rural areas. The rural revitalization strategy has emerged as time has required. The realization of rural revitalization not only requires development to lay the foundation of the countryside but also requires governance to lead the development of the countryside. Development and governance are two indispensable aspects of rural revitalization. However, China's rural areas have long been in a state of development without governance, and this situation must change. Therefore, systematically exploring the relationship between development and governance is the key to solving the current shortcomings in rural areas. Based on the data from the statistical yearbook, the study constructed a set of evaluation indicators for rural development governance and revitalization and verified the model's effectiveness.The entropy method and the assessment model were used to calculate the comprehensive score of rural development, governance, and revitalization. The relationship between rural development and governance was analyzed using a coupled coordination model. The regression analysis model was used to explore the relationship between the coupling results of rural development, governance, and rural revitalization. From the comprehensive results, both development and governance show an upward trend, but the upward trend of development is better. From the analysis of coupling coordination between development and governance, the C value is in good condition, the T value fluctuates wildly, and the D fluctuates with the fluctuation of T. Judging from the comprehensive score of rural revitalization, it also shows an upward trend year by year. Judging from the regression analysis results of coupling coordination degree and rural revitalization comprehensive score, coupling coordination degree will significantly impact the rural revitalization evaluation value. The study found that current rural development and governance present a spiral coupling coordination relationship, and the degree of coupling coordination significantly correlates with rural revitalization. Based on the research conclusions, the study further proposes three paths to promote the coupling and coordination of development and governance. The first is an organizational isomorphism, which builds a coupled coordination system for rural development and governance. The second is to tilt resources and improve the supply of connected and coordinated factors for rural development and governance. The third is the operating mechanism to optimize rural development and governance's coupling and coordination path.

Contributing Factors to the Progress of Inclusive Education Implementation in Indonesia

Indonesia made its commitment clear to obtain education for all its citizen without discrimination. However, the research-to-practice gap remains in terms of the implementation of inclusive education in the country. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to describe the current progress of the country’s inclusive education implementation efforts through the previous literature. A total of 20 articles were included in this review. The findings showed that an increasing number of studies report on Indonesia’s progress in the implementation of inclusive education in terms of inclusive, innovative, and integrated learning programs, improvement of teachers’ competence, collaboration efforts, society’s respect towards persons with special needs and disabilities, and several challenges serve as a room for improvement. Factors contributing to the gradual progress of the country’s inclusive education implementation are teacher competence and awareness about inclusive education, good government support, multi-sectoral collaboration and coordination, profound legal support, and student-focused strategies.

Social work community practice from a government discourse perspective: Motives for youth volunteers in controlling COVID-19 in Rwanda

During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries were in emergencies to contain the envisioned danger. Rwanda was no exception. Among strategies adopted by the country to control the pandemic were community interventions by youth volunteers. Using social movement and self-determination theories, the paper investigated the policy perspective of the motives for the voluntary engagement of these youths in controlling the pandemic so that these motives could be documented for future emergencies. A qualitative approach was adopted to explore what motivated these youths by analysing government discourses, where data were collected from six government policy documents. The content analysis was done after grouping the data into two categories and subcategories using MAXQDA 22, a qualitative data analysis software, for data mapping and visualization. The results indicate that youth volunteers have been mainly motivated by institutional-level motives, whereby government leadership mobilisation and coordination had a high occurrence, and under the individual-level motives category, civic-mindedness behaviour occurred high. The paper argues that conducive policies are a key motivation for social work community practices. Social workers should advocate for conducive policies to increase the productivity of voluntary activities. Another study involving talking to youth volunteers may complement the current findings.

Digital transformation model for universities: A preliminary proposal

This article presents the results of a research project aimed at designing a theoretical model for digital transformation at the Autonomous University of Chile. The research methodology adopts a case study approach with a mixed method combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. This approach provides a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the dimensions and factors shaping the digital transformation model, incorporating insights from 97 students and eight experts. The model comprises three phases, nine dimensions, and 54 indicators, emphasizing the integral connection between digital maturity and value creation for students. Key success determinants in the university's digital transformation processes are outlined, including the strategic approach, organizational culture, utilization of technological infrastructure, and technology management capabilities. Practical implications underscore the significance of acknowledging the impact of power relations during the digital transformation journey, influencing internal processes, IT governance coordination, roles of personnel in technical and managerial positions, teachers’ performance, and students' trust and loyalty to the institution. The article concludes by identifying factors that influence the institution's capacity to implement technological changes aligned with its strategic, technical, and logistical requirements. Future studies could redefine the roles of administrative, teaching, and student staff, fostering increased digital maturity, continuous innovation in services and processes, and the creation of new digital learning spaces centered around student needs.

Innovative public procurement policy failure: a case analysis from Poland

Objectives: The rising popularity of innovation public procurement (IPP) sets a question about conditions as an effective tool of transformative policies, including the governance level, coordination and strategic development. The purpose of the article is to explore the failure of governance in a Polish IPP to present how IPP guidelines are implemented empirically. The other contributions refer to merging DARPA’s approach and IPP. Research Design & Methods: The research article presents conclusions from the case study of first large-scale trial of public procurement procedure with respect to an innovative partnership in Poland. Findings: The case is a rarely analyzed example of policy failure and shows that ignoring stakeholders’ needs, timeline constrains and market capacity can result in policy failure. Program history highlights that proper risk analysis and adaptation to the market context can prevent program failure. Implications / Recommendations: The article opens up a field for considering what steps are crucial in formulating IPP. The analysis leads to the main conclusion that transformative policy frameworks using demand- pull tools need to be embedded in the market realities and capabilities of national innovation systems. Article classification: research article

Enlightenment of Japan's Practice Model of Volunteer Service for the Aged to China

Voluntary service is an important symbol of the civilization and progress of modern society, and it is also an important way to solve the shortage of aged care service talents. From the perspective of holistic governance and social coordination, this paper deeply analyzes the problems existing in the practice of volunteer service for the aged, and tries to explore a new way to solve the practical dilemma of volunteer service for the aged in China from the perspective of constructing a systematic mechanism of volunteer service for the aged and realizing accurate supply of volunteer service for the aged. Volunteer service for the aged is not only to meet the needs of the elderly and the intention of volunteer service supply, but also needs to be deeply constructed from the public sector's position and function, innovative social governance and big data for the aged.

State-centric water governance and ineffective coordination: developing a context-sensitive assessment in Iran’s rentier state

ABSTRACT Water reforms fail mainly because stubborn contextual constraints are not effectively considered. This study proposes a context-sensitive water governance assessment by designing a comparative approach within a case study and making inductive analytic generalizations. The framework is applied empirically to the Zayandeh Rud basin in the rentier state of Iran. The results indicate that the rentier-weak state context has led to centralized rent-seeking governance and limited implementation capacity – characteristics of the entire country, not just the water sector. Water issues will, therefore, require context-sensitive, problem-driven analysis beyond addressing water governance challenges.

AGRO INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS AS A FORM OF INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT IN THE INDUSTRY

The article begins by defining agro-industrial clusters as geographically proximate groups of interconnected firms and institutions in the agriculture and food processing sectors. It examines how these clusters facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and resource pooling among participants, leading to enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and market access. Moreover, the article discusses the role of supportive policies, infrastructure, and institutions in nurturing and sustaining agro-industrial clusters. Furthermore, the article analyzes the impact of agro-industrial clusters on local and regional development, including job creation, income generation, and rural revitalization. It explores the linkages between agro-industrial clusters and broader innovation ecosystems, highlighting their contribution to research and development, entrepreneurship, and value chain integration. Additionally, the article discusses challenges and opportunities associated with building and scaling agro-industrial clusters, such as financing, governance, and stakeholder coordination.

Tujuan pembangunan berkelanjutan ke-17: Kemitraan untuk mencapai tujuan dan implikasinya pada lembaga bidang pangan Indonesia (studi di Badan Pangan Nasional)

Background: The 17th goal of sustainable development emphasizes on strengthening global partnerships encompassing human development, including food aspects. The institutional sector is the sector that supports food security. Integration and collaboration between sectors are highly necessary to ensure food security from food provision to distribution to consumers because supporting food security requires the involvement of cross-sectoral participation and is the duty and responsibility of the state involving the entire society. The National Food Agency (Bapanas) assists the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture in managing food with the main tasks involving policy coordination, supply and price stabilization, food vulnerability, diversification of consumption, and food security. This article analyzes the systematic and integrated partnerships of Bapanas. Methods: This was done through literature review and unstructured interviews from open discussions with the Deputy of Food Vulnerability Field of Bapanas. Finding: International institutions in the global context, such as FAO, WFP, and WHO, play a crucial role in food policies, and Indonesia partners with FAO and WFP. Bapanas collaborates with various parties, including international institutions, universities, and food industry associations, and involves local partnerships, such as Food Guardians, to support consolidation programs and diversification of consumption as well as food security in Indonesia. Conclusion: Synergy between food supply, handling, and distribution sectors is needed to support food security, with the key role of institutional and sectoral coordination in governance.

Fishers’ willingness to report incidental bycatches of endangered, threatened and protected fish species: The case of European sturgeon in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean

Incidental fisheries bycatch contributes to the dire situation of endangered, threatened and protected (ETP) species. Few published estimates of the severity of fisheries impacts exist as incidental bycatch is difficult to monitor, and reporting can be a sensitive matter for fishers. This paper addresses these sensitivities, the reasons for non-reporting, and possible solutions, using bycatch of the critically endangered European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio L.) in the Northeast Atlantic fisheries as a case study. This study comprises 36 interviews with fishers, fisher representatives, environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs), researchers, and governments involved in European sturgeon conservation from four countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Fishers experience difficult economic circumstances, while fear of restrictions in their fishing area and gear makes them reluctant to report such rare bycatch. Adequate management of the European sturgeon and other marine ETP species is worsened by a lack of governmental coordination, and trust issues fuelled by some NGOs’ communication strategies using iconic species to lobby for fishing restrictions. This paper discusses solutions to strengthen fishers’ cooperation in ETP species research. This would need to include developing a shared vision, clear role separation between stakeholders, communication and trust building.