Overcoming Governance and Institutional Barriersto Integrated Coastal Zone, Marine Protected Area,and Tourism Management in Sri Lanka

摘要

One of the major barriers to addressing complex social—ecological issues through in-tegrated coastal management (ICM) is a lack of intergovernmental coordination andcooperation (horizontal and vertical fragmentation). This article describes an effortto overcome the barriers to ICM in Sri Lanka by fostering intergovernmental collab-oration and initiating adaptive governance to restore one town, Hikkaduwa, and itsassociated marine protected area (MPA) and coastal zone habitats. Administratorsfrom 12 national and local governmental agencies that are responsible for aspects ofcoastal management in the town of Hikkaduwa participated in a series of formal andinformal workshops and a week-long tour of ICM projects in the Philippines. Outcomesdemonstrate that these informal and formal meetings, workshops, and travel experi-ences fostered trust, social capital, and attitudinal organizational commitment (AOC).The experiences motivated members to overcome vertical and horizontal governancefragmentation through the formation of an independent intergovernmental committeefor the restoration of Hikkaduwa into a sustainable and resilient community. ICM ac-tivities undertaken by the newly formed organization suggest that internal leadershipcapacity, effective local—national partnerships, explicitly linked ecological—economicprojects, and long-term commitment are necessary conditions for success. Overall, at-tainment of sustainability and resilience through successful ICM should be thought ofas a journey and not a destination.