Social dimensions of local fisheries co-management in the Coral Triangle

Cohen, Philippa Jane, and Steenbergen, Dirk Johan (2015) Social dimensions of local fisheries co-management in the Coral Triangle. Environmental Conservation, 42 (3). pp. 278-288.

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Abstract

The challenge to manage coastal resources within Asia-Pacific's Coral Triangle has gained global attention. Co-management is promoted as a key strategy to address this challenge. Contemporary community-based co-management often leads to 'hybridization' between local (customary) practices, and science-based management and conservation. However, the form of this hybrid has rarely been critically analysed. This paper presents examples of co-management practices in eastern Indonesia and Solomon Islands, focusing in particular on area closures. In contrast to the temporary closures used before the influx of sustainability discourses, contemporary closures are periodically-harvested but predominantly closed, reflecting attempts to reduce fishing effort and enhance ecological sustainability. When areas are opened, harvests are relatively short and largely triggered by the social and economic needs of particular individuals or whole communities. In all cases, engagement with environmental management interventions has led to more formalized access and use arrangements. The harvesting and management practices observed are influenced by these relatively recent interventions designed to promote sustainability, but also by religious institutions, increasing resource demand, and modernization. This study unpacks some of the contemporary influences, particularly environmental sustainability initiatives, on local management practices, and provides insights for co-management in practice.

Item ID: 41655
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1469-4387
Keywords: community-based, culture, governance, Indonesia, institutions, marine resources, Solomon Islands, tradition
Funders: Australian Research Council (ARC), Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR), CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems
Projects and Grants: ARC Discovery Grant DP0987537, ACIAR FIS/2010/056
Date Deposited: 08 Dec 2015 14:41
FoR Codes: 05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050211 Wildlife and Habitat Management @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960808 Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 100%
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