Stakeholders participation and feedback mechanism in BSAP adoption and implementation : case study : Sweden at national level

Sammanfattning: Due to the interdependency that exists between the ecosystem resources and its users, successful implementation of ecosystem-based management depends on the identification and understanding of different stakeholders, their practices, expectations and interests. Today, many scientists and resource managers agree that the involvement of stakeholders is a key factor for a successful management regime in the marine environment. The way stakeholders are involved in the process must reflect, or at least address, the existing complexity of the specific context. The need for well structure delivery of feedback mechanism and means of communication between stakeholders is an encouraging driving force to enhance level of participation at all stages of any management plan. A comprehensive method that allows doing this is by use of stakeholder analysis and mapping.This study aims to examine stakeholders participation and their role in HELCOM, BSAP adoption and implementation process. It also attempted to map, monitor, evaluate and assess the existing feedback mechanisms for providing Swedish stakeholder feedback to HELCOM Action Plan.In order to accomplish the aim of the study, the concept and principles of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) were applied as key methodology of the study. This methodology was strengthened by using Qualitative Methodology and PRA tools for collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. Standardized open-ended interview and PRA tools were used for collecting primary data through discussions, meetings and dialogs with key governmental and nongovernmental institutions/ organizations/ stakeholders/ informants. Primary and secondary data were analyzed and interpreted using Case analysis and Cross-case analysis.HELCOM highlighted that the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan has been carried out with the active participation of all major stakeholder groups in the region from governments and NGO‟s, even down to lowest levels including older and younger generations, and organizations in both the private and the public sectors. But in contrary to HELCOM statement, the study findings highlights the participation of stakeholders in BSAP adoption was not up to scratch. Most of them were participated in a passive and observant status and hence it indicates their participation is not to bring change on the action plan. Furthermore, they are not engaged in decision making process of BSAP adoption and implementation. The level of participation of most stakeholders is not beyond the information sharing. This study elucidates that they have only knowledge about the decisions made by the responsible bodies and governmental delegates. It also highlights no well structured feedback mechanism and means of communication among stakeholders and between HELCOM existed. It is a one way and not well structured. Rather it is in an informal way of communication. The study also revealed the lack of binding legislation and lack of funding together with the current global financial crises are at the forefront of the challenging events to BSAP implementation.At the end, HELCOM and responsible bodies for BSAP package should use both participatory (bottom-up) and classical (top-down) approaches blended contextually for BSAP adoption and implementation. Appropriate measures to Stakeholders‟ empowerment and well structured communication and viable feedback mechanisms should be taken to create a platform both for the full and equal participation of all stakeholders with binding forces and good communication between HELCOM and Stakeholders and/ or among stakeholders to enhancing BSAP implementation in effective and efficient way so as a clean Baltic Sea with healthy ecosystem could be maintained are recommendations suggested by the study.