Measuring good governance for complex ecosystems: Perceptions of coral reef-dependent communities in the Caribbean

Turner, R. A., Fitzsimmons, C., Forster, Johanna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6729-9965, Mahon, R., Peterson, A. and Stead, S. M. (2014) Measuring good governance for complex ecosystems: Perceptions of coral reef-dependent communities in the Caribbean. Global Environmental Change, 29. pp. 105-117. ISSN 0959-3780

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Abstract

Good governance is widely seen as a prerequisite for effective natural resources management in the context of environmental decline and increasing anthropogenic pressures. Few studies quantitatively examine governance principles, or explore links between perceptions of community members and the governance that shapes their behaviour. Comparative work, spanning multiple sites and contexts, is rare. This paper measures community members' perceptions of governance in twelve coral reef-dependent communities across four countries in the Wider Caribbean Region. In relation to established principles of 'good governance', multiple correspondence analysis indicates that perceptions can be reliably described using two themes, institutional acceptance and engagement. These explain over 50% of variation in individual perceptions. These measurable themes provide an indication of the social fit of governance arrangements, and have implications for expected outcomes, including support for management and compliance with regulations. Cluster analysis provides unique empirical evidence linking structural characteristics of governance to community perceptions; four of five good governance indicators were present in communities with positive perceptions. Results suggest a combination of supportive structures and processes are necessary to achieve governance systems positively perceived by community members. Findings are relevant to those seeking to design management systems and governance structures that are appropriate to local circumstances and will engender stakeholder support. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: good governance,coral reefs,community perceptions,institutional acceptance,engagement,social-ecological systems,large marine ecosystem,small-scale fisheries,biodiversity conservation,sustainable governance,artisanal fishers,protected areas,climate-change,comanagement,management,sdg 13 - climate action,sdg 14 - life below water,sdg 16 - peace, justice and strong institutions ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/climate_action
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences
University of East Anglia Research Groups/Centres > Theme - ClimateUEA
UEA Research Groups: University of East Anglia Schools > Faculty of Science > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Global Environmental Justice
Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas
Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Centres > Water Security Research Centre
Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Marine Knowledge Exchange Network
Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 24 Jul 2015 22:32
Last Modified: 20 Oct 2023 01:00
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/53589
DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2014.08.004

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