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The human dimension dilemma in marine spatial planning

MARINE POLICY JOURNAL

Abstract:

Scholars have criticised the practice of marine spatial planning because of its shortcomings in engaging the human dimension. However, working with social issues causes various planning dilemmas. This study develops a framework for understanding this problem through intervention, regulatory, and investment dilemmas. We argue that there is a link between these three dilemmas and how marine spatial planners work on the human dimension issue. This research conducted a case study of Karimunjawa National Park, Indonesia to provide empirical evidence for this argument. The article concludes that the planning dilemmas framework can help to explain the application of the human dimension in marine spatial planning. The study further demonstrates that demands for the depth of democracy in decision-making, the equitable distribution of benefits, and recognition in planning will face a vicious cycle because of institutional mandates to intervene in land use for specific purposes as well as planners' limited power over other stakeholders.

Application in MSP:
Type of Issue:
Type of practice:
Stage of MSP cycle:
Cross-border / trans-national aspect:
No
Coherence with other processes:
Key words:
Implementation Context:

The study takes place in the Indonesian National Park of Karimunjawa.

Aspects / Objectives:

This study seeks to uncover the political system or planning culture, technical and political conflicts, and ethical issues related to Maritime Spatial Planning in Karimunjawa National Park, Indonesia.

Method:

Interviews with a diverse panel of local stakeholders.

Main Outputs / Results:

The study highlights the challenges of socially-integrated forms of planning, and their intricate relations with three types of dilemmas, borrowed from terrestrial planning, and yet often simultaneously faced by MSP planners: the intervention dilemma (closed or open planning), the regulatory dilemma (general or specific arrangements) and the investment dilemma (prior or successive to planning).

Transferability:

The three dilemmas illustrated in this Indonesian case study, and their influence on the integration of the human dimension within MSP, are also common in the European context. The developed conceptual framework can support European MSP planners and stakeholders in understanding the dilemmas they are facing and how to better address them.

Responsible Entity:

Urban and Regional Planning, School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development, Institut of Bandung Technology, Jl. B, Lb. Siliwangi, Coblong, Bandung, West Java 40132, Indonesia

Costs / Funding Source: N/A
Contact person:

Andrian Ramadhan: andr056atbrin.go.id (andr056[at]brin[dot]go[dot]id)

Disclaimer:

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