Network governance for large‐scale natural resource conservation and the challenge of capture

Abstract

Large‐scale natural resource conservation initiatives are increasingly adopting a network governance framework to respond to the ecological, social, and political challenges of contemporary environmental governance. A network approach offers new modes of management that allow resource managers and others to transcend a single institution, organization, resource, or landscape and engage in conservation that is multi‐species and multi‐jurisdictional. However, there are challenges to network governance in large‐scale conservation efforts, which we address by focusing on how special interests can capture networks and shape the goals, objectives, and outcomes of initiatives. The term “network capture” is used here to describe an array of strategies that direct the processes and outcomes of large‐scale initiatives in ways that advance a group's positions, concerns, or economic interests. We outline how new stakeholders emerge from these management processes, and how the ease of information sharing can blur stakeholder positions and lead to competing knowledge claims. We conclude by reasserting the benefits of network governance while acknowledging the unique challenges that networks present.

Fostering collective action to reduce wildfire risk across property boundaries in the American West

“…But communication and coordination may be difficult in extremely large landscapes that involve numerous landowners and stakeholder types, because coming to agreement can make transaction costs high. There are likely optimal sizes for landscape-scale management endeavors in particular places (Brunckhorst et al 2006, Bixler et al 2016, Fischer et al 2016b.…”

The "World System" Of the Paris Agreement: Exploring The Construction, Dissemination, And Implementation of Climate Knowledge Through Redd

“…Instead of viewing power as an inscribed capacity of individuals and organizations that enable them to exercise control over others and dominate them, a networked conception of power conceives it as a medium to achieve diverse ends (Bixler et al 2016). We believe this is the intent of REDD+ programs, but a more conscious effort must be made to recognize the multi-scaled and multi-sectored nature of climate change knowledge and the ways it flows through chains.…”

Social Factors Affecting Sustainable Shark Conservation and Management in Belize

“…It is also about the processes that support governance such as fostering learning and building civic and political will [87]. Collaborative approaches to governance become essential when complex issues need to be addressed at several scales simultaneously, when issues transcend existing jurisdictions, organizations and institutions and when no single entity has the power or authority to address cross-boundary issues, leading to gaps in governance [86,88,89]. The diverging viewpoints we found concerning shark population trends, illegal and unreported fishing activities and market demand for shark products within Belize, combined with a general perception that not enough scientific information is available to support action, suggest major social barriers to realizing collaborative governance among the stakeholders involved in shark conservation and management.…”

“…In terms of fishers, further research to better understand and characterize the wide variety of fishers operating in Belize could help legal frameworks, public policies and stakeholder consultation processes to more appropriately consider and reflect the diversity of interests, rights and responsibilities of all fishers in shark conservation and management. Importantly, informal groupings among fishers will likely have changing membership with ad hoc coalitions emerging in response to events [98], again suggesting the potential value of more decentralized and network approaches to collaborative shark resource governance [88], potentially using existing mechanisms such as the Fisheries Advisory Board and the Belize Fisheries Corporative Association. While shark conservation measures that include the establishment of inclusive policy frameworks, marine protected areas and enhanced monitoring and enforcement will remain important, sustainable outcomes also depend heavily on whether demand for shark products can be reduced [83].…”