The Sanya Coral Reef National Marine Nature Reserve, China: A governance analysis

This paper examines the governance of the Sanya Coral Reef National Marine Nature Reserve (SCR-NMNR) in China in the context of a rapidly growing local economy, driven mainly by recent growth in the tourism sector. The governance approach adopted in the SCR-NMNR is characterised by significant decentralisation, i.e. many roles have been devolved to the local government. However, this has led to the undermining of strategic conservation objectives by local economic development priorities, through the rapid development of mass tourism involving both the private sector and the local government. This reliance on economic incentives has provided alternative livelihoods and resources for the management of the MPA, but has also incurred environmental and social costs. Overall, it can be argued that the current governance approach cannot effectively address the full spectrum of challenges encountered, in that these costs appear to outweigh the benefits. In order to improve the governance of the SCR-NMNR towards more effective and equitable outcomes, strengthened leadership from the central state will be needed, as well as a sense of community stewardship towards the MPA.

► This paper examines the governance of a coral reef MPA in Sanya, China.
► The decentralised governance approach has led to a low MPA effectiveness.
► Reliance on economic incentives has resulted in benefits and costs for conservation.
► Leadership from the state will be essential for overcoming local vested interests.
► A sense of community stewardship will contribute to more equitable MPA governance.