Governing sustainable coastal development: The promise and challenge of collaborative governance in Canadian coastal watersheds

Abstract

Over the past three centuries, the story of Canada's coasts has turned from one of resource abundance to depletion, and from the establishment of new settlements to declining populations, economies, and ways of life in many coastal communities. This article explores the potential of collaborative governance for rerouting coastal development onto a more sustainable path. A cross-case analysis of three coastal watershed governance examples demonstrates that the primary outcomes of these efforts to date have been building governance capacity and slowing - rather than reversing - social-ecological decline. Challenges include resistance and rigidity within existing policy systems, rivalries and differing perspectives among actors, and cultures that favour exploitation over stewardship and specialization over integration. Leadership and relationships are key factors in achieving sought after outcomes and overcoming resistance to new approaches. Culture and commitment to place can be significant enablers, often personified in a small number of instrumental leaders who link actors across and within multiple scales. Learning and adaptation, and willingness and capacity to share knowledge, resources, responsibilities, and accountability are required if collaborative governance models are to advance sustainable coastal development and foster significant change.