Integration of Rights Based Approach Perspective in Coastal Resource Management

Abstract

To date, the coastal zone is beset with problems of resource degradation and extreme poverty, especially among the small-scale fisher folk. Development initiatives in coastal resource management (CRM) have continuously evolved to achieve the most effective form of coastal governance. Various approaches and strategies have been applied., the more successful of which include community-based coastal resource management, coastal zone management, integrated coastal management and co-management. And with the increasing donor's interest in CRM, quite a number of multi-million dollar programs and projects were implemented. As a result, some coastal communities have achieved empowerment, economic and environmental improvements. Despite all these efforts, a gap remains in terms in achieving sustained human development, where all human rights are explicitly addressed and considered as equally important. The study proposed an approach to CRM to address this gap. The study initially assessed the existing conditions of coastal areas and the circumstances that led to such conditions. Government initiatives and how the governments' approach had evolved for increased effectiveness in the management of resources were also reviewed. After assessing the problems besetting the coastal resources, the historical evolution of CRM and the policy and regulatory framework, the study proceeded on to review selected CRM approaches. The concept of the right-based approach (RBA) to development was discussed as well as its policy framework and the contents and claims of each human right. The enhancements and value-added of RBA in development initiatives was emphasized as a means to fill the gap identified in CRM. These, together with the experiences and learning obtained from the implementation of CRM programs and projects, have contributed to the development of a framework for an enhanced approach to CRM. The enhanced CRM approach integrates the concept of RBA and the elements of co-management, community-based management, coastal zone management and integrated coastal management. The study determined areas of coastal resource management where the rights-based approach perspective can be applied and/or integrated. The focus of the study was directed towards the process of objective setting, identification of concepts and principles adhered to, and the elements and processes of implementation of both RBA and CRM. The methods by which the RBA perspective can be integrated in CRM were presented. Recommendations were made for relevant government institutions, non-government organizations and other sectors to ensure that certain assumptions and conditions for RBA to be effective are in place. These are important conditions to obtain the desired results during field-testing.