Co-Learning in Marine Protected Areas for Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Abstract

The nature of marine systems and the multiple stakeholders directly (and indirectly) exploiting marine ecosystem services demands a stewardship and co-management approach to conserving marine resources. At the heart of co-management and stewardship is co-learning. It is in management's interest to determine the optimal approach to conserving biodiversity in marine protected areas. To achieve public confidence and trust, it is essential that the best management approaches are applied and that stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process. Little research has focused on shared or co-learning for improving management outcomes. This study aims to understand the mechanisms of sustainability learning systems and processes to improve existing management strategies. The study is based on a desk-top analysis of literature and planning instruments. The chapter identifies approaches to identifying pathways and barriers to developing a co-learning approach to management for achieving integrated coastal zone management through creating resilience among stakeholders and management processes. This edition first published 2013 © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.