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

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

Document type: Journal Article
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IRMA ID 84376995xPUB150
Title Social dimensions of local fisheries co-management in the Coral Triangle
Author Cohen, Philippa J.
Steenbergen, Dirk J.
Journal Name Environmental Conservation
Publication Date 2015
Volume Number 42
Issue Number 3
ISSN 0376-8929   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-84938423864
Start Page 278
End Page 288
Total Pages 11
Place of Publication United Kingdom
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Field of Research 0701 - Agriculture, Land and Farm Management
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DIISR)
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.
Keywords community-based
culture
governance
Indonesia
institutions
marine resources
Solomon Islands
tradition
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0376892914000423   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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