SPICOSA - Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Scott’s research is exploring environmental governance for complex issues, using Integrated Coastal Management as a focus.  The research rejects the traditional decision-making model of EITHER approaching stakeholders for their ‘values,’ OR approaching scientists and professionals for the ‘facts.’  It explores a new perspective on knowledge quality for decision-making that integrates participation with issue-based science as an ‘extended peer review;’ termed ‘post-normal science.’  The assertion of this research is that where a post-normal science perspective is employed, that governance outcomes (effective processes and governance mechanisms like laws) are more effectively achieved, and that the wider network of stakeholders involved in governance benefits from stronger ties, social learning and modified problematic behaviour (social capital or community resilience). 

In conducting the research, international examples of Integrated Coastal Management incorporating a post-normal science perspective are evaluated for how well they achieved governance outcomes, and what extent their perspective on knowledge affected these outcomes.  Using case studies of coastal management in Europe and New Zealand, those involved in governance are asked to evaluate the success of their own programmes both in terms of governance outcomes and their effect on the wider network of governance actors, again with reference to a post-normal science perspective. 

In New Zealand the research has begun with an evaluation of coastal management in New Zealand according to the principles and indicators of Integrated Coastal Management, with a focus on the science-policy and participatory interfaces.  Examples exhibiting post-normal science characteristics have been identified and will be investigated for closer evaluation.

Presentation in Utrecht:

Scott has recently submitted a paper to be presented at the 15th Annual Sustainable Development Research Conference in Utrecht, Netherlands in July.  The paper reports on research undertaken in February/March 2009, where Scott interviewed senior policy staff in all New Zealand regional authorities on their coastal management.  In particular, the paper views the interviews through a ‘network governance’ lense, and investigates the presence of knowledge partnerships between local government and the community, for complex environmental issues.

Contact Scott Bremer for more details.