Lisa Ernoul

Governance in integrated coastal zone management: a social networks analysis of cross-scale collaboration

The Integrated Coastal Zone Management protocol of the Barcelona Convention sets governance objectives for countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. This protocol emphasizes collaborative approaches to acknowledge the role of local people in coastal management. Evaluating the quality of governance processes is critical if coastal zone values are to be effectively managed in times of global climate change. This study examined the structure and attributes of collaborative governance networks in two Mediterranean deltas, the Camargue (France) and Gediz Delta (Turkey). A deliberative social catchment sampling was used to target actors with physical, cultural, social or economic ties. Forty-five different organizations/professions were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire to identify the frequency and quality of contacts, information flows, and subject matter relevant to natural resource management. There were higher levels of degree centrality and reciprocal ties in the Camargue, while the Gediz Delta had a greater homogeneity of actors, with one centralized influential actor. Civil society played a greater role in the Camargue network, and government organizations were more central in the Gediz Delta. The differences between the two sites call into question the use of the same integrated management strategies and suggest the need to acknowledge the importance of existing governance models and relationships within local contexts.

Limits to agri-environmental schemes uptake to mitigate human–wildlife conflict: lessons learned from Flamingos in the Camargue, southern France

Agri-environment schemes (AES) favouring the maintenance of hedges were implemented in the Camargue (southern France) as it has previously been proven to reduce the risk of damage caused by Greater Flamingo incursions into rice fields. Given the persistent incursions, we estimated the economic cost of damage from 2007 to 2009, the uptake rate of hedge-related AES and explored the limits of these schemes as a mitigation effort. Semi-structured and key informant interviews, site mapping and field visits were made to verify claims and estimate damage. Number of plants/m2 and fertile stems/plant were estimated on 1,498 and 312 grids, respectively, spread over 26 rice fields. Damaged areas of rice fields forayed by flamingos presented from 1.35 to 3.06 t/ha lower yield than undamaged areas. We estimated 228€/ha average loss in forayed fields for a total of 400,000€ in yield loss in 2008. Administrative constraints limited AES and free seedlings distribution, preventing the problem from being addressed at an appropriate scale. The trivial financial support for hedge management relative to more lucrative AES with lower constraints resulted in low uptake rate. We propose that modifications of AES take into account landscape factors over administrative boundaries and that the financial support for AES be scaled up relative to other subsidies in order to address the efforts necessary to achieve landscape changes to reduce human–wildlife conflict.

Adapting international conservation strategies to local context: perceptions of biodiversity values and management responsibility in two Mediterranean deltas

The declining state of biodiversity is of global significance with conservation strategies driving conventions and agreements that cross national boundaries. Environmental management is a reflection of the socio-cultural values underpinning the way in which biodiversity is valued. Understanding these social values is essential for successful management. This study focused on two Mediterranean deltas that apply the same international conservation convention. We identified and compared the way in which biodiversity is perceived and valued at a landscape scale. A deliberative sampling methodology collected a total of 93 perspectives from actors involved in environmental management through survey-questionnaires. Values were linked to ecosystem services in both samples. Differences in samples were identified by using a full range of landscape values. Biodiversity, recreation and aesthetics values were the highest ranked in the Rhone sample. The Gediz sample highlighted the future, recreation and intrinsic values. Further differences were identified including perceived responsibility for biodiversity. Rhone participants identified cross-scale responsibility and Gediz participants identified responsibility for biodiversity at the macro and meso social scales. The way in which biodiversity is valued and perceptions of who is responsible has a consequence for the translation of international conservation treaties into environmental management and participation in the local context.

Community-based Conservation in Action: What does it Really Imply in Terms of Investment?

Community-based conservation is generally implemented on public land and aims to empower local people in the management process. Within the Biosphere Reserve of Camargue (Rhone river delta, southern France), a private research centre on Mediterranean wetland conservation has changed this structure and has attempted to implement a community-based conservation project on its private land. The motivation behind this decision is based on the need to improve wetland conservation and the local public acceptance of the wetland research centre. The project methodology has been adapted from the integrated coastal zone management framework, with the aim of balancing conservation, local development, and social adhesion objectives. This article analyses the results of this project and the cost-benefits of such an endeavour from a private landowners perspective. This study can help other private landowners or organisations developing future community-based conservation projects on private lands.

Trends in management plans and guides: 25 years of experience from Southern France

This study analysed 14 management plans and guidelines from a 25-year period to understand trends in conservation planning. A Rosetta Stone Analysis was used for the systematic comparison of plans and guidelines. Management plans incorporated management philosophies, management scenarios, opportunities for infrastructure, and plans for data collection by 2000. As of 2010, they incorporated ecosystem services, stakeholders’ objectives and methods for storing and analysing data. The results demonstrate the complex nature of management plans, with an important workload for site managers. Recommendations for future planning include adjustments in planning timeframes and a better identification of conservation targets from initial stages.

A literature review of Algerian salt lakes: values, threats and implications

Chotts are salt lakes located in the arid regions of Northern Africa. These unique wetlands are recognized for their role in the migration and breeding of waterbirds and economic values generated from mineral extraction, agriculture and tourist activities. Despite their importance for flora and fauna biodiversity, they continue to face important threats due to human activities. This article consolidates a literature review of Algerian chotts from global to local importance. An in-depth view demonstrates the changes in land use of two large chotts in the southeastern region of Algeria: Chotts Merouane and Melghir. Land use images highlight a net expansion of agricultural lands, a decrease in grazing area around the lakes and a decrease of salt lake surface area. The local focus highlights the threats and changes of Algerian and Northern African chotts and proposes some perspectives for the future.