Analysing the multi-level governance of renewable natural resources

Issues of scale and coordination between sectors have long been recognised as a challenge for the governance of renewable natural resources. This is because natural resources often cross administrative boundaries and/or fall within the remit of multiple levels and sectors of governance. These include community-based organizations, NGOs, donors, the private sector and international organisations, as well as national and decentralised structures of government. No clear framework existed, however, to guide analysts and practitioners in developing an understanding of the nature of, and potential for, multi-level governance.

The purpose of this research was to test a framework developed from common property theory, political ecology, policy coordination literature, institutional analysis and governance literature (including adaptive governance) through interviews at national and sub-national levels and two half-day workshops with a range of sectoral interests. The research was undertaken within the context of ongoing research on coastal ecosystems in East Africa.

A final research brief provided guidance to policy-makers and practitioners on how the governance of ecosystems can be improved through greater coordination and cooperation between and within levels of governance.

This project co-produced the research briefs 'Achieving multi-level, integrated governance of coastal ecosystems in Kenya' and 'Achieving multi-level, integrated governance of coastal ecosystems in Zanzibar' with the 'CESEA - Coastal Ecosystem Services in East Africa' project.

Lead Principal Investigator
Organisation: University of Birmingham
Country: United Kingdom