Characterizing governance models for upscaling wetland restoration

Abstract

Governance is a key element for effective conservation, sustainable management and restoration of ecosystems. Improving governance is essential for upscaling restoration actions around the world. Governance systems were studied in eleven on-going European wetland restoration sites using a two-step process. First, an in-depth examination of seven sites from six countries was made using key informant interviews. This information provided the basis for developing four governance models (Monocentric, Polycentric, Community-based and Networking). Most of the sites presented a dominant governance model, but also incorporated some dimensions of the other models to a lesser degree. The models were tested and evaluated in an additional seven sites in five countries. The analysis revealed that the governance models were highly subject to the geographical features, land ownership structures and different histories of the sites. Strengths, weaknesses, and supporting and limiting factors were associated with each model. This research shows how governance models are adapted to site specific conditions and how these adaptations can be used to enhance governance processes in existing sites, upscale restoration efforts or set the groundwork in new restoration sites.

Keywords: Ecological restoration; Governance models; Upscaling; Wetlands.

Fig. 1

Four theoretical governance models identified among restoration sites in Europe

Fig. 2

Map of knowledge and action sites involved in the WaterLANDS project

Fig. 3

WaterLANDS pillars and their relationship with the IUCN’s governance principles

Fig. 4

Supporting factors for ecological restoration ranked according to importance

Fig. 5

Limiting factors for ecological restoration ranked according to importance