Article: Exclusionary Decision-Making Processes in Marine Governance: The Rezoning Plan for the Protected Areas of the ‘Iconic’ Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Burbano, D., Meredith, T. and M.E. Mulrennan. 2020. Exclusionary Decision-Making Processes in Marine Governance: The Rezoning Plan for the Protected Areas of the ‘Iconic’ Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Ocean and Coastal Management, Vol 185, 105066.

This paper assesses stakeholder engagement in decision-making processes related to marine conservation planning and management in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. It also examines how these processes have been influenced by shifting narratives of biodiversity conservation. The study illustrates challenges associated with rushed conservation initiatives, promoted and supported by large external conservation NGOs, and shows how a “back to the barriers” approach to conservation can undermine acceptance of conservation practices and jeopardize marine protected area (MPA) success.

Access here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0964569119309354