Unpacking the process: how agenda-setting theory explains the case of creating large scale marine protected areas in Brazil. Issue 2 (23rd February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goncalves, Leandra; De Santo, Elizabeth M.
• Is Part Of: Environmental politics. Volume 31:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 205
• Page End: 225
• Publication Date: 2022-02-23
• Subjects: Large-scale marine protected areas -- agenda-setting -- Brazil -- casual case study -- process tracing; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental protection -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Green movement -- Periodicals; 333.72
• DOI: 10.1080/09644016.2021.1915037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-4016

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In 2018, Brazil announced the designation of two new Large Scale Marine Protected Areas (LSMPAs), resulting in an increase in protection from 1.5% to 26.36% of the country's maritime territory. We employ an agenda-setting theory to analyze the Brazilian LSMPAs as a causal case study, unpacking the factors that led to their creation, and providing insights about the process of reaching global targets. Drawing on a detailed literature analysis and interviews with key stakeholders, we argue that reaching an international goal is a political commitment which emerges within a 'policy window.' Additionally, we offer seven lessons that can improve the chances of reaching an international goal and shifting the agenda: (1) attract media attention; (2) make a formal commitment; (3) launch a movement or a campaign to attain the goal; (4) make the goals legally binding; (5) propose general international goals; (6) diffuse ideas and (7) form support groups.