The regional level as boundary organization? An analysis of climate change adaptation governance in Norway. Issue 54 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dannevig, Halvor; Aall, Carlo
• Is Part Of: Environmental science & policy. Issue 54(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 168
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Boundary work -- Climate change adaptation -- Regional planning -- Adaptation governance; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Sciences de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Environmental sciences; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2015.07.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-9011

Abstract

Highlights: We find that regional level coordination of adaptation in Norway consists mostly of boundary work. Despite centralized governance system, regional authorities coordinate adaptation differently. Regional level coordination effort creates a hybrid management space for adaptation. Knowledge for adaptation could be improved by involving municipal users in knowledge production. Abstract: This paper investigates how a requirement for regional government to coordinate adaptation planning has been interpreted and implemented. Using the theory of boundary organization applied to a multi-level context, and using four counties in Western Norway as a case, the paper develops a framework for assessing how regional level governance actors can support local level implementation of climate change adaptation through boundary work. Even though adaptation is not treated as a salient issue in most of the municipalities studied, regional level coordination efforts are creating a hybrid management space that aids mediation between local knowledge and expert adaptation knowledge. They thus hold the potential for better local level adaptation planning.