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Crossing trails in the marshes: rigidity and flexibility in the governance of the Danube Delta

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  • Kristof Van Assche
  • Raoul Beunen
  • Joren Jacobs
  • Petruta Teampau

Abstract

In this paper, we revisit the utility of the concepts of path dependence and interdependence for the analysis of participatory environmental governance. We investigate the evolution of environmental governance in the Romanian Danube Delta, and, starting from an observation of problematic citizen participation, demonstrate how specific patterns of path and interdependence shaped both the present situation and the reform options. For the Delta, it is argued that direct citizen participation, without working with other institutions, would not solve the problems observed, but would rather reinforce unwanted informal institutions. Theoretically, we utilise a combination of path dependence theory and social systems theory, allowing a grasp of both rigidity and flexibility in the evolution of governance systems. Empirically, expert and lay interviews, long-term observation and analysis of policy documents underpin our analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristof Van Assche & Raoul Beunen & Joren Jacobs & Petruta Teampau, 2011. "Crossing trails in the marshes: rigidity and flexibility in the governance of the Danube Delta," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(8), pages 997-1018, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:jenpmg:v:54:y:2011:i:8:p:997-1018
    DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2010.547687
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    1. Douglass C. North, 2005. "Introduction to Understanding the Process of Economic Change," Introductory Chapters, in: Understanding the Process of Economic Change, Princeton University Press.
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    1. Gerba Leta & Girma Kelboro & Till Stellmacher & Kristof Van Assche & Anna‐Katharina Hornidge, 2018. "Nikinake: the mobilization of labour and skill development in rural Ethiopia," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 42(2), pages 93-107, May.
    2. Raphaël Mathevet & Aurélien Allouche & Laurence Nicolas & Veronica Mitroi & Christo Fabricius & Chloé Guerbois & John M. Anderies, 2018. "A Conceptual Framework for Heuristic Progress in Exploring Management Regime Shifts in Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Adaptation of Coastal Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-18, November.
    3. Raoul Beunen & Kristof van Assche, 2013. "Contested Delineations: Planning, Law, and the Governance of Protected Areas," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 45(6), pages 1285-1301, June.
    4. Kristof Van Assche & Martijn Duineveld & Raoul Beunen, 2014. "Power and Contingency in Planning," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 46(10), pages 2385-2400, October.
    5. Mark Zandvoort & Nora Kooijmans & Paul Kirshen & Adri van den Brink, 2019. "Designing with Pathways: A Spatial Design Approach for Adaptive and Sustainable Landscapes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-24, January.
    6. Tudor Racoviceanu & Constantin Cazacu & Mihai Adamescu & Relu Giucă & Magdalena Bucur & Mariia Fedoriak & Per Angelstam, 2023. "Agricultural Intensification Reduces the Portfolio of Wetland Ecosystem Services: European Danube River Lowlands as a Global Biodiversity Hotspot," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-22, March.

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