An Analysis of Value Conflicts Underlying the Objectives, Selection and Management of Marine Protected Areas with Particular Reference to United Kingdom Initiatives

Abstract of Peter JS Jones' PhD thesis (awarded July 1997)

Supervisor: Dr Jon Side, Heriot-Watt University
Examiner: Dr Hance Smith, University of Wales, Cardiff

The values driving the objectives, selection and enforcement of MPAs are analysed from three perspectives:-

• conservation science (process and/or structure oriented);
• resource conservation;
• preservation.

MPAs tend to generate basic conflicts between stakeholders with direct use interests and those whose interests are driven by conservation science or preservation concerns. It is argued that such basic conflicts can be exacerbated where MPAs are pursued:-

• On the basis of conservation science but are clearly also motivated by preservationist concerns, particularly specialist intrinsic appeal value and the cultural symbolic value of set-aside areas;

• Purely on a top-down basis with no significant provision for wider community involvement;

• By transferring values from various perspectives attributed to coral reef MPAs to UK initiatives;

• In a manner motivated by political institutional motives to extend the cross-sectoral statutory habitat conservation enforcement powers of the nature conservation agencies below the Low Water Mark.

These arguments are explored in the UK context in relation to voluntary and statutory marine nature reserves, local coastal zone management plans and the marine Special Areas of Conservation that are currently being pursued under the Habitats Directive. On this basis recommendations are made concerning the lessons that can be learnt from past experiences in relation to the way forward for the marine SAC designation process. It is argued that the potential offered by the Man and Biosphere model warrants further exploration and that the primary emphasis should be on the promotion of voluntary cooperation through interpretive enforcement and community participation, rather than on harnessing the statutory powers of relevant authorities.

Back to my home page