The Challenge of Sustainability in Canada's Coastal Regions
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NEW SPACES, ANCIENT PLACES: COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CANADA‟S COASTAL REGIONS By Kelly M. Vodden H.B.A. University of Western Ontario, 1993 M.A. Simon Fraser University, 1999 SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY In the Department of Geography © Kelly M. Vodden SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Summer 2009 All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without permission of the author. Approval Name: Kelly Vodden Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Title of Research Project: New Spaces, Ancient Places: Collaborative Governance and Sustainable Development in Canada‘s Coastal Regions Examining Committee: Dr. Nicholas Blomley Chair, Examining Committee Professor, Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University Dr. John Pierce Senior Supervisor Professor, Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University Dr. Mark Roseland Supervisor Professor, Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University Dr. Doug House Supervisor Professor, Department of Sociology, Memorial University Dr. Michael Howlett Internal Examiner Professor, Department of Political Science, Simon Fraser University Dr. Derek Armitage External Examiner Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University Date Defended/Approved: December 17, 2008 ii Abstract The concept of collaborative, multi-level governance has garnered increasing attention in academic and policy arenas as evidence of large scale governance failures in coastal regions mounts. Collaborative governance is presented as an alternative to current, status quo planning and decision-making processes appropriate for addressing sustainability issues in complex social-ecological systems. This research explores the potential and application of collaborative governance through a comparative analysis of six collaborative governance models in three Canadian coastal regions. Characteristics of each model, relationships between these characteristics, barriers, enablers and outcomes were examined within a complex, adaptive social-ecological systems (CASES) framework. To date, the primary outcomes of these collaborative governance efforts have been building governance capacity and slowing rather than reversing social-ecological decline. Ecological outcomes have been especially difficult to achieve, particularly in more complex systems, and multiple-objective outcomes remain under-recognized and often unstated. Resistors to integrated, collaborative governance approaches include lack of support and flexibility within existing policy systems, rivalries and differing perspectives among actors, limitations in understanding, and cultures that favour exploitation over stewardship and specialization over integration. Leadership and relationships are key factors in achieving sustainable development outcomes and overcoming resistance to new approaches. Culture and commitment to place can be significant enablers, often personified in and providing inspiration to a small number of instrumental leaders who link new scales of regional and multi-level governance to local communities and their rich and varied histories. Relationships are critically influenced by willingness and capacity to share power and knowledge, through both formal mechanisms and informal interactions. Open and ongoing communication about problems and strategies, but also deeper principles and values, is needed to foster social learning and greater commitment to sustainable development principles. Increased commitment to, and capacity for, shared learning and accountability are required if existing collaborative governance models are to achieve higher order sustainable development outcomes and foster significant change within broader governing systems. iii Dedication To those who dedicate themselves to their communities and leave the world a better place. Lawrence, Bert, Pat, Ron, Gilbert, Bill, Grand Keptin Denny, Herb, may we honour your memory by striving to do the same. "We are nearing a point when the word partnership is becoming a cliché – and that worries me… Real partnerships are difficult, sometimes messy things! But real partnerships are the foundation of our survival in this province. Partnerships between towns; partnerships between towns and business; partnerships between sectors. That is our future – we will thrive in partnership or we will fail alone". Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities President Herb Brett, Partnerships in Progress Conference Marystown, NL June 1, 2005 iv Acknowledgements After so many years of patience and support thank you hardly seems enough. Thanks to John, and to Doug and Mark for your guidance and confidence that I would finally reach this point. Thanks to everyone that participated in this research for your generous gift of time and knowledge and to each of the case study organizations for sharing your experiences. To everyone who provided accommodation and other logistical support, especially Mike and Maureen, Kim, Christina, Charlie, Slawa, Albert and Murdena, Cape Breton University, Winse, Tina and Barry, Bill and Mary, your kindness will not be forgotten. Thanks to Dick, John, Rosemary and the Coasts Under Stress (CUS) team for providing an avenue to explore interconnections between this research and that of others focused on the well-being of our coasts and coastal communities. This research would not have been possible without financial support from CUS, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Simon Fraser University (Dr. John Pierce), Ocean Management Research Network and Coastal Zone Canada. Thanks to Sarah Breen, Ahmed Khan, Mostaem Billah, Ange Hounsell, Cindy Wicks, Jenessa Button and Cathy King for important research assistance. Thanks always to Pat for your mentorship and for providing one opportunity after another, all of which brought me to where I am today. Finally, thanks to my family for your sacrifices of time spent together to see this document and all that it represents become a reality. I can never properly express my gratitude for your understanding and never-ending support. Shane, I have gained much from this journey, most importantly us. v Table of Contents Approval ............................................................................................................................. ii Abstract .............................................................................................................................. iii Dedication ........................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................. v Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ vi List of Tables ....................................................................................................................... x List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... xi Glossary of Acronyms ...................................................................................................... xii 1 - The Challenge of Sustainability in Canada‘s Coastal Regions ...................................... 1 1.1. Coastal Systems at Risk ............................................................................................ 1 1.2 A Question of Governance? ...................................................................................... 4 1.3 Research Approach ................................................................................................... 7 2 – Resilience, Adaptation and Sustainability in Complex Social-Ecological Systems .... 13 2.1 The Complex Adaptive Social-Ecological Systems (CASES) Framework ............. 13 2.1.1 Multi-layered and Multi-scale .......................................................................... 16 2.1.2 Dynamic Interactions within CASES .............................................................. 27 2.1.3 Change, Resilience and Adaptation ................................................................. 29 2.1.4 Initial Reflections on the CASES Framework .................................................. 35 2.2 Contributions from Development Geography ......................................................... 37 2.2.1 Dependency and Uneven Development ............................................................ 37 2.2.2 Staples Theory and Rural Canada ..................................................................... 40 2.2.3 Regulation Theory ............................................................................................ 41 2.2.4 New Developments and CASES Contributions ................................................ 44 3 – Collaborative Governance in the Coastal Zone ........................................................... 49 3.1 Complexity and Coastal Zone Governance ............................................................ 49 3.2 Redefining Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Governance Systems ..... 54 3.2.1 Changing Role of the Nation State .................................................................. 54 3.2.2 International Policy Actors .............................................................................. 58 3.2.3 Recognizing Aboriginal Rights and Title .......................................................