The effects of stakeholder interactions on capacity for integrated coastal governance in Morocco and Tunisia

Abstract

In order to assess how stakeholder interactions affect local coastal governance in North Africa, 70 in-depth semi-structured interviews with 88 subjects were conducted across two sites in Morocco and Tunisia. Using Kooiman's socio-political theory of governance as an analytical framework, stakeholder interactions were analysed both in terms of intentional and conditional levels and related to three elements of governance capacity; images, tools and action potential. Aspects of the sites investigated included fresh water resources, fisheries management, agriculture, wetland conservation, tourism and recreational management, socio-economic development and urbanisation. The analysis revealed general similarities across both sites.

Central-peripheral interactions were found to be weakened by the hierarchical nature of command, especially the lack of decentralised decision-making. Cross-sectoral co-ordination at local and regional levels was also weak, leading to both conflicts and gaps in policies and programmes. Centralisation was also relevant to the interactions between state and society, with civil organisations constrained in their activities, rarely independent, and generally denied access to decision-making forums. Many constraints on action were identified, most obviously resource constraints, but also critical technical, authority and political constraints acting on officials, whilst most resource users and civil society organisations were operating under economic, political and opportunity constraints.

The central problem identified in both countries was that the maintenance of under-resourced command-and-control systems has undermined capacities to meet complex, dynamic and diverse sets of governance needs. In order to develop sustainable coastal areas both nations will need to engage in a process of institutional development to accompany conservation and resource management policies.