Framework for fostering just and equitable seagrass policy, management, and social-ecological outcomes: Lessons learned from Belizean marine resource managers. (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grimm, Kerry E.; Archibald, Jessica L.; Bonilla-Anariba, Sara E.; Bood, Nadia; Canty, Steven W.J.
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 152(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: Seagrass -- Belize -- Manager perceptions -- Governance -- Social-ecological system -- Community engagement; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2023.105606
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: Seagrass beds have historically received little to no management attention, contributing to significant declines in their extent globally. Recently, seagrass beds, and other blue carbon ecosystems, have gained greater management attention due to their potentially critical role in climate mitigation. Therefore, some countries, such as Belize in 2021, have included blue carbon ecosystems within their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). To date, no specific regulations exist to manage seagrass beds in Belize; however, there is a plan to develop a national seagrass policy. In support of this effort and to gain a better understanding of institutions' current knowledge and perceptions regarding seagrass beds and their management, as well their experiences with community engagement, we conducted interviews with six Belizean management institutions (two government departments, four non-government organizations) involved in marine resource management. Respondents perceived seagrass beds as important, identifying climate mitigation and fisheries as critical ecosystem services. They saw the importance of managing and protecting seagrass beds, and identified several direct (e.g., dredging) and indirect (e.g., land-based pollution) threats. Also highlighted were several management challenges, with governance structure identified as a major one; seagrass beds can fall under the purview of several government departments, which has jurisdictional implications. Interviewees discussed challenges and opportunities regarding community engagement, and they desired greater community inclusion within marine resource management at planning and implementation phases. Based on these findings, we build on existing management frameworks to present one that can foster just and equitable seagrass policy, management, and social-ecological outcomes. Highlights: Seagrass beds considered to be healthy and an important natural climate solution. Governance structures pose one of the greatest challenges for seagrass management. Community engagement often involves socialization rather than inclusion. Future policy should address governance, inclusion, and management scales.