Context of Environmental Governance - Research Paper Example

Environmental governance can have several different meanings depending on context – be that political, geographical, social, economic or legal – Discuss  Environmental Governance is usually identified as the assembling of various approaches and procedures that would prove helpful in promoting protection of the environment and its preservation through certain laws and regulations adhered to by in countries all over the world. A swift increase in industrial growth has led to an incurrence of adverse costs. Naturally, to cope with these unwanted consequences step needs to be taken to strike the right note for the protection of our environment. The Global Environmental Governance concept is one such idea that has attracted great recognition in the last few years. This is of two-pronged importance: a good environment is not only necessary in terms of beauty but is also mandatory for the survival of human beings on planet Earth. Once our environment dies out and vanishes, it won’t take long for humans to go through the same process. The effective management of environmental resources is a way to ensure good environmental governance. With the growth in population that keeps multiplying with each passing year, it is critical to not put too much strain on our environmental resources. Recent trends are indicative of the fact that the air has become extremely polluted with carbon dioxide and other harmful gases (Tans, 1995); our oceans are on the verge of emptying up (Mooney, 2010) ; and an alarming rise in chronic hunger persists. (EarthTrends, 2007) For this purpose, concentrated action needs to be taken to ensure a better future. A government is the biggest organisation in any country that has the power and the resources to chalk up large action plans and warrant their implementation. So it is only fitting that most stress should be exerted through governmental means to achieve environmental goals. All over the world different environmental issues require different solutions. With regard to oceans, for instance, a recent study has shown how oceans are becoming more acidic. (Harper, 2010) This has proved to be problematic for oysters, clams and crabs in Virginia. A panel of scientists and environmentalists also warned about possible threats to water quality and coastal ecosystems. The reduction in pH of oceans around the globe is mostly blamed on the burning of fossil fuels as well as the excessive release of the carbon dioxide gas into the air. (Thorne-Miller, 1999) Earlier, scientists were of the opinion that excessive carbon dioxide could be absorbed by the earth’s waters; however, over the years it has become apparent that the case is not true after all – many of the planet’s most beautiful coral reefs have vanished altogether and for small aquatic life, the situation spells trouble as well. An increase in acidity is harmful for shellfish, be they the tiniest or the largest of the species. Shellfish would have difficulty making their shells from calcium carbonate, considered a victim in the changing chemistry of the oceans. This renewed threat has led to worried watermen when taking into consideration potential influence on crabs, oysters, clams and other commercial stocks that grow shells or rely on small shellfish for food. On the other hand there are certain environmentalists who believe that ocean acidification is actually good because it would lead to an increase in marine life. Margie Mulholland, an ODU researcher, however, is of the view that this marine life is actually harmful algae that steals oxygen from other aquatic life and thus proves to be harmful in the long run. (National Research Council, 2002) So whatever way this issue is approached the case stands true that ocean acidification means trouble for not only aquatic life but also human beings. There are many challenges that face protected areas, more now than ever before. One of the biggest examples is the fast diminishing coral reefs. Coral reefs are mostly found in coastal areas such as New Zealand, Australia, the Bahamas and Japan, among others. Their vibrancy attracts thousands of sightseers every year underwater. 1 Scientists conducted a study regarding the dangers facing coral reefs in Curacao near the coast of Venezuela. The study is indicative of the importance of corals and the need for environmental governance. Coral reefs are the skeletons of dead sea animals and fish that accumulate along the coast in a vibrant display. They get their colour from zooxanthellae. Like other plants, they require sunlight and oxygen to create more skeletons. Many people think reefs to be only aesthetically pleasing without realizing their relevance for human beings. The many great reefs of the world function as habitats for various species; from seaweed, molluscs to algae and sponge. These species are extremely important for setting up our ecosystems. It would not be wrong to term the coral reefs as home to “biodiversity”. With regard to human beings and the benefit they get from coral reefs, it is to be noted that coral reefs act as barriers to strong winds and waves. Near the coast, in especially stormy weathers, coral reefs serve to be a strong brick wall against powerful tides that may otherwise destruct whatever comes in their paths unless they are not broken. Moreover, they play a crucial role against coastal erosion. (Isabelle M. Côté, 2006) Also, people living along coastal areas incorporate certain coral species into their daily diet – they are good in protein. The biggest economical advantage of coastal reefs, however, is in regard to the economy of a country and the tourist opportunities that they provide. Countries are able to generate good revenue with the help of tourist activities to their coastal areas, especially if they house a coral reef nearby. There are many unexplored opportunities and options that make coral reefs rich in biodiversity. Scientists believe that coral reefs have much potential, since they are as yet not completely explored. Coral reefs may prove to provide medicinal insights and chemicals among other things, if underwater divers take it upon them to explore this unique part of marine life on their own. (Jack A. Sobel, 2004) Even currently, the coral extracted from a reef is used in the grafting of human bones. Moreover, sponges that grow in these areas can afford medicinal agents necessary to combat viruses. With so many options to look at, it is a pity that not more concentrated effort is being put into ensuring the survival of the coral reef. After all, it is not just a question of safeguarding the natural habitat and the environment surrounding us, this also means safeguarding our social, geographical and economical structures that are of such importance to us. In a research carried out by John Bruno and Elizabeth Selig at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill it became obvious that concerted environmental governance could pay off in the long run. (Palca, 2010) The two researchers surveyed around 8,000 people and came up with the conclusion that underwater parks can do their bit in helping protect the coral reefs. These underwater parks, or marine protected areas, keep stringent checks on tourists and visitors and stop them from engaging in potentially harmful activities such as dynamite fishing among other things. As discussed earlier, governments have the most authority to fight with such threats. Governments should assign funds to the preservation of our natural habitats because failure to do so could result in an economical disaster. Many countries have been forced to shut down their tourist industries after letting their natural habitats be degraded to a point where there is no turning back. The formation of the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN) is proof of the need to work on this issue as well as a step that is indicative of environmental governance. ICRAN believes that “Maintaining the biological diversity, condition, resources, and values of coral reefs and related ecosystems is a matter of global urgency.” (Kristian Teleki, 2008) There are communities worldwide that depend upon healthy coral reefs; this is to say that the coral reefs are a means of sustenance for them. According to reports, coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean bed – yet they are a habitat for around ninety-three thousand animal and plant species. Studies also show that about eighty, mostly developing, countries in the world are dependent upon healthy coral reefs for sustenance. (Young, 2006) It will come as no huge surprise, then, that around twenty percent of our world population is reliant for food on the coral reefs. About one square kilometer of the coral reef can cultivate fifteen tons of healthy food for the population. This is indicative of the need to sustain healthy coral reefs and stop them from vanishing. If coral reefs go on disappearing at the current rate, problems will be generated. The government would have to deal with hungry people who will have no other means of sustenance if environmental governance is not put into action. This can result in clashes between the government and the public and result in a critical law and order situation that would require police force. Such actions would of course generate criticism from the international community for the government’s inability to address the issue of a disappearing coral reef when there was still time. When seen in this light, it becomes obvious that by stepping towards environmental governance the government can safeguard its own interests among other issues. Pollution and non-sustainable fishing has led to massive destruction of coral reefs. These two factors are in themselves harmful for the environment. Pollution has undoubtedly been attributed towards failure of much of our urban climate changes such as global warming. Non-sustainable fishing has led to a reduction in fish as well as unhealthy forms of fishing in the ocean that lead to further problems. (Charles Victor Barber, 2004) For the inhabitants of tropical islands, coral reefs are sometimes the only sustenance and provision of food. Unsurprisingly, decline in coral reef is related to a shortfall in economic prospects, which further leads to an increase in poverty rate. Such communities suffer from shortfalls and pitfalls one after the other and many times succumb to economic pressures. The challenges these communities face get increasingly difficult with each passing day. For instance, in the case of fishing; when sustainable and legitimate means of catching fish are made use of and they do not provide good catch, fish farmers mostly turn to the opportunities afforded by unsustainable fishing methods such as dynamite fishing, which is extremely harmful for the aquatic life – a part of the coral reefs. The issues related with governance are more important to understand. Many times people fail to realize the importance of legal issues and how they play a role in keeping the environment together. When one system breaks and falls apart, it doesn’t take long for other non-functioning systems to collapse and create chaos. Same holds true for the natural environment. If the issue of environmental governance is treated only as a mere joke it will not prove fruitful for the government or its peoples no matter what actions they embark upon. No amount of bills and budgets will help the government come up with authentic solutions to the environmental problem if relevant action is not taken as soon as possible. Environmental governance requires that serious action be taken and implementation be carried on in accordance with concerned personnel such as environmentalists and scientists. An example of Indonesia and the problem it recently faced would be relevant to express upon this point further. Indonesia is an island which hosts beautiful coral reefs. The need for over-fishing by the local fishers has led to non-sustainable methods of fishing such as dynamite fishing. These actions are estimated to cost the Indonesian government a total of around US$1.3 billion, with regard to the next twenty years or so. (Centre, 1992) In accordance with this it is relevant to point out that communities who are unable to sustain through local fishing are forced to seek outside help by importing fish from other countries. This would again lead to a lessening of employment opportunities as well as sufficient reduction in locally generated revenue. It is obvious that coral reefs which are healthy in nature can prove to be sustainers of entire communities by keeping them away from hunger and environmental degradation. Such coral reefs also have noteworthy fiscal value. For instance, Indonesia’s beautiful coral reefs are approximately generate revenue of US$1.6 billion on an annual basis. (John A. Dixon, 1990) Couple this, with other environmental catches such as the shoreline, tourism and marine trade and the coral reefs can be seen as generators of healthy revenue for any country lucky enough to host one. Nourishing coral reefs are providers of solid economic prospects further ahead of the fish and aquarium trading. Their enchanting loveliness can protract a budding and progressively more assorted tourism market in possession of the capacity to generate revenue and setup service opportunities. (National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on the Evaluation, 2001) Particularly, sustainable tourism is able to fashion a maritime and aquatic environment that allow coral reefs the ability to prosper, and help in the protection of resources necessary for food production and generation of revenue. Even though coral reefs have been able to survive alterations that have come about our planet’s environment in the past million years or so, their ability to carry on with this is under serious threat due to the activities carried out by human beings. Such activities include the ongoing coastal developments, damaging fishing practices, the keepsake trade, and pollution prevalent in the environment. Resultantly, about sixty percent of the globe’s coral reefs have undergone severe damage or have been totally devastated. (Wadlow, 2010) In most areas around the world, the damage suffered by aquatic environments has been influential in playing a part in the accelerated rate of poverty, especially with regard to developing communities. In adjunction to the massive human loss, the damage incurred by the reefs is even greater because of the resulting cost of a perfectly healthy ecological supply of sand from the coral reefs to protract beaches that bolster the tourism industry, along with the shortfall of ecologically protective breakwaters to safeguard coastlines under attack from tempestuous waves. (Stuart Chape, 2008) Immediate action needs to be taken if the dilapidation and massive ruin of coral reefs is to be stopped. If immediate action is not taken and permanent methods of safeguarding the natural environment are not taken into account our naturally beautiful coral reefs and the various developing communities that are dependent on these reefs will keep on suffering from the present unhealthy conditions. But firstly individual governments need to take single initiatives to understand the core problems facing their country’s environment. Only once the localized solutions are embarked upon can the international community work to solve international environmental issues. In the case of the coral reefs, the concerned government should establish a National Resources Conservation Area to make sure that there is an active committee working to promote the restoration and rehabilitation of protected areas. (Burkhalter, 2010) Governance should be a means of being able to achieve direction, coordination and control and should be effectively managed. When taking the current governance models into consideration it becomes apparent that there is great diversity and scope in these models as well. When these models are studied in greater detail we can form typologies through an assortment of factors to help us find the best balance that can make environmental governance work for our particular situation. (Kevin Stuart Hanna, New York) The recommended typologies for such an action plan are such: governmental agencies or arrangements where government institutes and public agencies provide public service, without any outside interference; a cross-alliance, where a government sector agency and a private/commercial agency enter into a contractual agreement to work together to provide public services; regulated monopolized agencies, where a private organization is allowed to provide public services by the government; and divestiture, where the government leases out lands and facilities to private sector. The international community is charged with the responsibility of seeing a way to bring about environmental governance to prominence. By establishing a forum whereby community members and leaders from all over the world can gather to discuss and suggest different methods for a better future; this issue can certainly be addressed. Bibliography Burkhalter, A. (2010). DNR chief proposes tighter environment controls in Blanchard Mountain plan. Mt. Vernon: Skagit Valley Herald. Centre, W. C. (1992). Protected areas of the world: a review of national systems. Cambridge: IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. Charles Victor Barber, K. M. (2004). Securing protected areas in the face of global change: issues and strategies : a report by the Ecosystems, Protected Areas, and People Project. IUCN. EarthTrends. (2007). We have more hungry people in the world, than we ever had in the history of human kind. Retrieved 2010, from Earth Trends Environmental Information: http://earthtrends.wri.org/updates/node/349 Harper, S. (2010, March 11). Seas acidity threatens life, livelihoods, film says. Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA). Isabelle M. Côté, J. D. (2006). Coral reef conservation. Cambridge University Press. Jack A. Sobel, C. D. (2004). Marine reserves: a guide to science, design, and use. Island Press. John A. Dixon, P. B. (1990). Economics of protected areas: a new look at benefits and costs. Island Press. Kevin Stuart Hanna, D. A. (New York). Transforming parks and protected areas: policy and governance in a changing world. 2007: Routledge. Kristian Teleki, N. B. (2008). ICRAN Report on Activities to ICRI. Washington DC: International Coral Reef Initiative . Mooney, H. A. (2010). The ecosystem-service chain and the biological diversity crisis. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. , 31-39. National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on the Evaluation, D. a. (2001). Marine protected areas: tools for sustaining ocean ecosystems. National Academic Press. National Research Council, N. R. (2002). Science and its role in the National Marine Fisheries Service. National Academic Press. Palca, J. (2010). Can Underwater Parks Protect Coral? Talk of the Nation/Science Friday. Stuart Chape, M. S. (2008). The worlds protected areas: status, values and prospects in the 21st century. Univ de Castilla La Mancha. Tans, D. P. (1995). Trends in Atmosphoric Carbon Dioxide. Retrieved March 2010, from Earth System Research Laboratory: www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/ccgg/trends/ Thorne-Miller, B. (1999). The living ocean: understanding and protecting marine biodiversity. Island Press. Wadlow, K. (2010). Feds look to protect 82 more corals: They could be added to the endangered list. Marathon, FL: Florida Keys Keynoter. Young, M. (2006). Changing Conceptions of Protected Areas and Conservation: Linking Conservation, Ecological Integrity and Tourism Management. Journal of Sustainable Tourism , 223-227. Read More