Rapid Policy Network Mapping: A New Method for Understanding Governance Structures for Implementation of Marine Environmental Policy

Abstract

Understanding the relationships and dependencies in the development and implementation of environmental policy is essential to the effective management of the marine environment. A new method of policy network analysis called ‘Rapid Policy Network Mapping’ was developed that delivers an insight for both technical and non-technical users into the lifecycle, relationships and dependencies of policy development. The method was applied to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Water Framework Directive in the UK. These case studies highlight the environmental policy challenges to protect the UK's marine coastal environment and they identify differences in the styles of policy implementation between the devolved authorities of the UK. Rapid Policy Network Mapping provides an opportunity to create a collaborative policy data environment with a relatively small investment. As a tool for civil society it should assist in their ability to understand and influence policy making and implementation.

Steps toward a shared governance response for achieving Good Environmental Status in the Mediterranean Sea

“…However, there are important differences in the capacity for implementing specific measures or initiatives, with the implementation of such goals driven by different visions and concerns between different jurisdictions (Bainbridge et al 2011, Angelidis 2012. The alignment of MFSD and ECAP would focus the attention of all Mediterranean countries on the two fundamental concepts: a vision-driven process and a single integrated framework.…”

A proposed ecosystem-based management system for marine waters: linking the theory of environmental policy to the practice of environmental management

“…Within Europe, tools are available for the identification of stakeholders (e.g. Sanó 2009, Bainbridge et al 2011, and initiatives to generate informed networks of stakeholders are beginning to emerge both at the institutional level through the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) Regional Advisory Councils, which are comprised of members from different marine sectors, as well as through grassroots movements in order to encourage wider public participation (e.g., Roxburgh 2012). Fundamental to the inclusivity of the process is the availability of information about the ecosystem approach.…”

“…However, the growing number of guidance documents and the preponderance of jargon (EA, EBA, EBM, marine/maritime SP, EB-MSM) describing similar or interrelated concepts can be confusing and can make the ecosystem approach seem nebulous, rendering it difficult to put into practice. In addition, current governance systems and policy outcomes are fragmented and complex, lack transparency and are often reactive rather than proactive (Cormier et al 2010, Bainbridge et al 2011. As a consequence, management of individual sectors within the marine environment remains the norm and, though widely discussed in academic circles, the ecosystem approach is rarely applied in practice (Katsanevakis et al 2011).…”

Detecting critical choke points for achieving Good Environmental Status in European seas

“…For example, addressing cultural differences between social groups, reforming international mismatches in environmental policy, or addressing the social dimensions of climate change require long-term commitments to engagement, dialog, and action. Identifying institutional choke points involves understanding the layout of the policy system (Bainbridge et al 2011), where flows of information and resources can be identified. Choke points can scale up to inhibit the implementation of GEnS in transboundary contexts in which political, economic, and socio-cultural interests overlap and occasionally clash.…”

“…The articulation of the choke points (stage 1) began with the circulation of a brief and discussion papers that explored concepts of wicked problems (Jentoft and Chuenpagdee 2009), policy networks (Bainbridge et al 2011), and regional sea governance in the context of the MSFD. A draft model was developed ( Fig.…”