Das, Jewel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2351-419X, Govender, Maheshwaran ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6229-7435, Irfanullah, Haseeb Md., Selim, Samiya Ahmed and Glaser, Marion ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8910-900X (2024) Stakeholder perceptions of blue economy governance networks and their equity implications in Bangladesh. Marine Policy, 170 . p. 106359. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2024.106359.

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Abstract

The ‘Ocean Decade’ focuses on ocean governance and management including ocean health and human well-being in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Here, we use participatory network mapping to investigate perceptions of Blue Economy governance networks in Bangladesh. Representatives of four Blue Economy stakeholder categories (government, researchers, private sector and civil society, and non-governmental organizations) mapped who they perceived as Blue Economy actors and the relationships between these actors. The resulting “netmaps” highlight 83 actors and diverse perceptions of the composition, structure and dynamic of Blue Economy governance. Relations between governance actors were categorized as formal command, information and support, funding, and competition or obstruction. Information and support, followed by funding were the most frequently perceived Blue Economy governance interactions. The centrality and influence of government actors at different levels, the role of international agencies, and the marginalization of coastal resource users and communities emerged as key themes. A narrow view of the Blue Economy was found; this focused on fisheries, tourism, and shipping sectors indicating a risk of non-inclusive development. We find that Bangladesh’s Blue Economy governance needs to be more inclusive, collaborative, and decentralized and mainstream marginal actors, while carefully considering international actors’ motivations, roles and influence. We propose ‘blue equity’ to guide a holistic approach to Blue Economy governance which aims for a ‘Community of Practice on Blue Economy Governance’. In Bangladesh, such a policy shift requires an effective Blue Economy Cell of the Government that supports knowledge and capacity building, innovative financing, and research-guided policy.

Document Type:	Article
Programme Area:	PA3
Research affiliation:	Social Sciences > Social-Ecological Systems Analysis
Refereed:	Yes
Open Access Journal?:	No
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2024.106359
ISSN:	0308597X
Date Deposited:	18 Sep 2024 07:35
Last Modified:	18 Sep 2024 07:35
URI:	http://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/5474

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