Institutional Perspective on Governing Social-Ecological Systems

Video of the seminar I gave on “Institutional Perspective on Governing Social-Ecological Systems” at the he University of Queensland Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science on 29 May 2018.

About the presentation: Institutions refer to formal and informal regulatory mechanisms and processes that influence how humans use and manage the environment. Examples of institutions include international agreements, national legislation, state and local policies and social norms. Institutions, therefore, may greatly affect the conditions of social-ecological systems (e.g., the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Triangle and NRM regions). In this presentation, I focus on the role of institutions in governing these systems. Drawing on my research on marine governance, natural resource management and climate change adaptation, I reflect on how institutions are employed in response to pressing environmental issues in Australia and overseas. I also discuss challenges and opportunities associated with the dynamic and complex nature of institutions for improved governance of social-ecological systems.