Paper short abstract:

The paper presents a framework developed to analyse the multi-level landscape of renewable natural resource governance, through analysis of the multiple levels and types of actors, vertical and horizontal interactions and nature and performance of governance.

Paper long abstract:

Many renewable natural resources cross administrative boundaries and/or fall within the remit of multiple levels and sectors of governance. This raises challenges for effective governance as there may be limited interaction and coordination within and between levels of governance. The landscape of multi-level governance may be poorly understood and appreciated, with fragmented governance leading to missed opportunities for coordination, conflicting management objectives and approaches, and degraded resources.

This paper presents a framework that enables analysis of the multi-level governance landscape by raising key questions in three areas: multiplicity of levels and types of actors; vertical and horizontal interactions; and, principles of governance. The framework enables the landscape of multi-level governance to be mapped, opportunities for greater coordination and cooperation identified and challenges recognized. Such challenges may include the 'silo mentality' of sectors and government departments and power struggles and competing interests within and between levels.

Analysis of the multi-level landscape of the governance of mangrove forests in Kenya and Zanzibar illustrates how the framework can generate a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of sectors and actors that influence the governance of renewable natural resources. The analysis draws on fieldwork undertaken as part of the Coastal Ecosystems Services in East Africa project, funded by the NERC/ESRC/DFID Ecosystem Services for Poverty Alleviation (ESPA) programme in 2015 and 2016.