Transboundary Marine Management in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape

Author

Lindsey G. Ellett, University of Montana, MissoulaFollow

Year of Award

2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Name

Resource Conservation

Other Degree Name/Area of Focus

International Conservation and Development

Department or School/College

W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation

Committee Chair

Dr. Jennifer Thomsen

Commitee Members

Dr. Brian Chaffin, Charles Besancon

Keywords

transboundary, large landscape conservation, marine protected areas

Publisher

University of Montana

Subject Categories

Environmental Studies | Natural Resources and Conservation | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Nature and Society Relations | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

Transboundary conservation aims to facilitate environmental conservation and management at the ecosystem level by operating across political boundaries, through the cooperation of two or more countries. Though there is increased interest and advocation for transboundary conservation initiatives around the world, there remains a limited understanding of how they function on-the-ground. Within this study, I address these gaps in knowledge through two phases of research, both focusing on the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape as a case study site. Phase I involved a policy analysis of Indonesian, Malaysia, and Philippine policies related to fisheries, coastal zones and protected areas, and environmental quality. Through this policy analysis I sought to explore the similarities and difference between these policies across various elements important to facilitating more consistent collaborative management, in order to highlight potential barriers and windows of opportunity for transboundary coordination. The analyses focused elements such as the policies’ described authorities, restrictions, enforcement, and participation opportunities, among others. In Phase II I evaluated stakeholder perceptions of marine management and conservation, as well as the perceived potential for increased transboundary conservation. I used qualitative semi-structured interviews to evaluate the perspectives of conservationists, government officials, and researchers working within the region, primarily at the national and international level. Thesis results emphasize that policies and management within the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape could benefit from greater governance integration, participatory processes, adaptability to stakeholder needs, and long-term transboundary approaches. These results also highlight that marine transboundary conservation necessitates the consideration of additional issues beyond those that may be typically faced in terrestrial initiatives, such as border tensions, marine-based national and regional security concerns, and increased governance and management capacity demands. These findings contribute to gaps in knowledge concerning transboundary conservation, particularly within marine environments, and may help inform best practices to increase the social and environmental success of transboundary conservation initiatives in Sulu-Sulawesi and beyond.

Recommended Citation

Ellett, Lindsey G., "Transboundary Marine Management in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape" (2021). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 11803.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/11803