Municipal coastal governance system development: Triple governance dimensions principle

Abstract

Integrated coastal governance (ICG) is becoming increasingly important nowadays, since the problems at coastal territories are continuously growing. The coastal zone, however, is a complex socio-ecological system which is extremely difficult to govern because it is very dynamic territory that is also very sensitive to various anthropogenic influences, as well as a lot of conflicts of interest occur there. Coastal area is characterized by a unique and diverse natural and cultural heritage as is the case with Jurmala municipality in Latvia. An integrated approach is important in the governance of such a complex socio-ecological system, but disciplinary/branch approaches are also necessary. The aim of the research was to study and evaluate the complex situation of the coastal governance at the local level, as well as to develop policy proposals for the chosen target territory – Jurmala municipality – and its main target groups. These studies included the analysis of the legislative acts and planning documents, interviews with all the main target groups in the municipality, observation studies, as well as the initial assessment of the coastal governance situation in the Jurmala municipality by using the model of three environmental governance dimensions: (1) coastal governance sectors; (2) coastal governance segments (stakeholders); and (3) coastal governance instruments.