An exploration of stakeholder conflict over the Taiwanese marine protected area

Stakeholder conflict is continually increasing as the preservation of marine resources is emphasized comprehensively. Reducing such conflict of stakeholders has become an important issue during the initial stage of planning Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). When it comes to promoting MPAs, cognitive differences and stakeholder conflict are the two main challenges Taiwan faces. This study collects data from in-depth interviews and consensus meetings, using the IBEFish framework as a systematic analysis tool. The result is that the concept of participation is still lacking among stakeholders. Therefore, it is important to integrate the concept into any discussion of marine resource conservation in both small areas and exclusive areas where environmental protection measures are being implemented. Furthermore, it is further found that emerges the relationship of dynamical balance between government agencies and other stakeholders. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.