Synergies for stewardship and governance of multiple-use coastal areas: a case study of Koh Chang, Thailand

Abstract

Coastal areas globally support a wide variety of human activities. Tourism, fisheries, and conservation activities, in particular, are often found to coexist, as is the case with the study area, Koh Chang—an island in the Gulf of Thailand. The relationships between these activities are highlighted in this study as areas to investigate the potential for synergy among coastal stakeholders. Positive and compatible relationships are considered conducive to synergy formation, yet are often overshadowed by those that are negative or conflicting. This study argues that synergy at the local level can represent an important consideration for capacity and strength within a social system, which, in turn, can better inform context-appropriate strategies for integrated coastal management and enhance environmental stewardship behaviour. This thesis offers an innovative and exploratory approach, informed by the interactive governance framework, to study synergy among coastal stakeholders.