Publication:
The Political Economy of Natural Resource Use : Lessons for Fisheries Reform

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Files in English
English PDF (3.17 MB)
2,019 downloads
English Text (872.29 KB)
1,225 downloads
Published
2010-04-01
ISSN
Date
2014-01-30
Abstract
The release of 'Sunken billions: The economic justification for fisheries reform' has drawn renewed attention to the enormous loss of wealth suffered in fisheries each year due to weak fisheries governance and the need for fundamental fisheries reform. Such reform calls for addressing the issues plaguing the world's fisheries, such as persistent overfishing and fleet overcapitalization, and addressing the political economy challenges of developing country-specific pathways of reform. Despite growing evidence of success in selected fisheries, less than two percent of the world's fisheries have actually undergone effective reform because of these challenges. At the same time, it is estimated that the world's fisheries could generate at least fifty billion US dollars per annum and the economic benefits generated could be much higher if management systems were established to enable investment in growing this important economic sector in a sustainable manner. The potential pay-off from economic fisheries reform is not only globally significant for the sector, it is crucial for enhancing economic growth and alleviating poverty in developing countries with significant fisheries assets. This report seeks to move this debate forward by discussing key lessons drawn from reform experience in the wider natural resource sector that might inform successful reform in fisheries.
Link to Data Set
Citation
Leal, Donald R.. Leal, Donald R., editors. 2010. The Political Economy of Natural Resource Use : Lessons for Fisheries Reform. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/16757 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.
Digital Object Identifier
Associated URLs
Associated content
Report Series
Other publications in this report series
Journal
Journal Volume
Journal Issue

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Publication
    Pacific Islands - Fisheries sector engagement strategy
    (World Bank, 2012-03-05) World Bank
    The World Bank's 11 Pacific Island member countries are a diverse group in terms of economic and social conditions. Five are least developed countries, with annual per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as low as US$ 700, while in some of the territories average incomes are comparable to those in wealthy industrialized countries. Population densities and growth rates, land areas and the level of urbanization all display similarly wide ranges. There is a great diversity of cultures and languages. What they have in common is that all are islands surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, with jurisdiction over areas that are many times (in some cases thousands of times) their land area. All derive significant economic and social benefits from their marine resources, with many coastal communities depending on them for their livelihoods. Several have large and important freshwater fisheries. All identify their living aquatic resources (for fisheries, aquaculture and non-extractive uses mainly related to tourism) as a major opportunity for economic growth and development. In some cases, they represent one of the only opportunities. Reviews of the importance of fish as a source of food for Pacific Island populations have found that annual per capita consumption of fishery products in all cases exceeds the global average of 16.5 kg. In several small island countries, where opportunities to produce other food are very limited, fish consumption is among the highest in the world. Fishing also plays an important cultural role for men and women in many of the region's coastal communities.
  • Publication
    India Marine Fisheries : Issues, Opportunities and Transitions for Sustainable Development
    (World Bank, 2010-08-01) World Bank
    This study represents a collaborative initiative by the World Bank and the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, to review the marine fisheries sub-sector, within a broader sector that also includes aquaculture and inland fisheries. The policy note provides a major step forward in understanding current issues and future opportunities facing the marine fisheries sub-sector. The marine fishing sub-sector accounts for approximately one percent of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but forms an important component of the rural coastal economy, generating income, employment, livelihoods, and food security for an estimated 3.52 million people along the 8,118 km Indian coastline, who depend on fishing for their livelihoods. The study represents an initial analytical review of the Indian marine sub-sector with special emphasis on inshore waters, which faces the greatest challenges for management and sustainable development. The main objectives of the study were to: a) appraise the general structure, conduct and performance of the marine fisheries sub-sector in India with particular focus on the role that marine fishery plays in rural livelihoods for coastal communities; b) identify the main constraints in the marine sub-sector that are impacting on biological sustainability and economically healthy fisheries; c) draw on national and international experience to recommend alternative policy approaches and strategies to address these issues; and d) inform the Government of India during subsequent consultations with key stakeholders about long-term transformations towards better sub-sector performance.
  • Publication
    Optimizing Fisheries Benefits in the Pacific Islands : Major Issues and Constraints
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2008-05) Gillett, R.; van Santen, G.
    In the last 10 years, World Bank activity in the fisheries sector of the Pacific Islands region has been limited to two regional economic reports, a study of coastal resources management, and a few technical assistance missions. The purpose of this study was to conduct a brief internal review of the Pacific fisheries sectors past performances, based on the existing literature and experience of the individuals involved. The report's main aim is to identify key constraints and past mitigating activities in fisheries in the Pacific Islands region, and activities supported by past donor, regional and national fisheries programs. In addition, the report examines the potential future role of the World Bank in the Pacific Islands region fisheries sector. This report's findings are intended as a starting point in this analysis. The next step is to facilitate a frank discussion about the potential World Bank role with key donors, regional institutions, and national government authorities currently involved in the sector. The record of past donor support suggests that while single donors have successfully implemented technical assistance and investment projects, they have, as a group, been less effective in addressing core sector issues such as: (a) the economically lopsided relationship between Pacific Island countries (PICs) and Distant Water Fishing Nations (DWFNs); (b) the economically sub-optimal management of tuna fisheries; and (c) enhancing PICs' share of the value added created by the region's tuna fishery.
  • Publication
    Exploring the Linkages between Poverty, Marine Protected Area Management, and the Use of Destructive Fishing Gear in Tanzania
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2006-02) Silva, Patricia
    Coastal resources in Tanzania have come under increasing pressure over the past three decades, which has led to a significant decline in the biodiversity and productivity of coastal ecosystems. The livelihoods of coastal communities that directly depend on these resources are consequently under increasing threat and vulnerability. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are one tool for managing coastal and marine resources that have been increasingly used in Tanzania. Promotion of alternative income generating activities (AIGAs) is often a component of MPA management strategies to reduce fishing pressure and address poverty concerns. However, empirical evidence on whether these AIGAs are successful in reducing pressure on fisheries, or their impact on poverty, is scarce and inconclusive. This paper seeks to contribute to this debate by investigating the linkages between household characteristics, MPA activities, and household choice of fishing gear. The empirical analysis is based on household survey data from a sample of villages located along the coast of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The author finds that some aspects of poverty increase the likelihood of using destructive fishing gear. MPAs do not directly affect household choice of fishing gear. However, households participating in AIGAs are less likely to use destructive fishing gear, suggesting that MPA support to these activities in Tanzania has a positive influence on household choice of fishing gear. The author also finds the use of destructive fishing gear is associated with higher consumption levels, whereas participation in AIGAs does not significantly affect household consumption levels.
  • Publication
    Cambodia Environment Monitor 2008
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2008)
    The Cambodia environment monitor 2008 is one of a series of environmental reports prepared for East Asian countries under an initiative sponsored by the World Bank. The objective of this series is to present a snapshot of environmental trends across a range of issues. The purpose of the monitor is to engage and inform interested stakeholders about key environmental changes in an easy to understand format accessible to a wide audience. This report identifies seven strategic priorities for the Royal government of Cambodia and its conservation partners. 1)articulate a clear and shared vision and re-commitment to conservation goals and objectives; 2)formalize a meaningful enabling legal and regulatory framework for management and protection of conservation areas; 3)formulate clear strategies for recognizing and improving community benefit sharing in conservation areas; 4) strengthen mechanisms for institutional coordination across the ministries; 5) adopt new approaches and paradigms for conservation areas management; 6) with donors, develop and secure sustainable sources of funding for conservation; and 7) reinforce the human resource capacity to implement and manage conservation areas.

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

  • Publication
    The Sub Prime Crisis : Implications for Emerging Markets
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2008-09) Gwinner, William B.; Sanders, Anthony
    This paper discusses some of the key characteristics of the U.S. subprime mortgage boom and bust, contrasts them with characteristics of emerging mortgage markets, and makes recommendations for emerging market policy makers. The crisis has raised questions in the minds of many as to the wisdom of extending mortgage lending to low and moderate income households. It is important to note, however, that prior to the growth of subprime lending in the 1990s, U.S. mortgage markets already reached low and moderate-income households without taking large risks or suffering large losses. In contrast, in most emerging markets, mortgage finance is a luxury good, restricted to upper income households. As policy makers in emerging market seek to move lenders down market, they should adopt policies that include a variety of financing methods and should allow for rental or purchase as a function of the financial capacity of the household. Securitization remains a useful tool when developed in the context of well-aligned incentives and oversight. It is possible to extend mortgage lending down market without repeating the mistakes of the subprime boom and bust.
  • Publication
    A Guide to Assessing Needs : Essential Tools for Collecting Information, Making Decisions, and Achieving Development Results
    (World Bank, 2012-01-06) Visser, Yusra Laila; Watkins, Ryan; West Meiers, Maurya
    This book will benefit people and teams involved in planning and decision making. On the basis of their pragmatic value in guiding decisions, needs assessments are used in various professions and settings from emergency rooms to corporate boardrooms to guide decision making. Nonetheless, although needs assessments have many different applications, in this book on needs assessments as they are applied in organizations to accomplish results, as opposed to their use in personal decisions or medical triage. This book, in turn, is guide to assessing needs and then making essential decisions about what to do next. This book filled with practical strategies, tools, and guides covers both large-scale, formal needs assessments and less-formal assessments that guide daily decisions. Included in the book is a blend of rigorous methods and realistic tools that can help make informed and reasoned decisions. Together, these methods and tools offer a comprehensive, yet realistic, approach to identifying needs and selecting among alternative ways as go forward. Sections one and two offer quick, yet full, answers to many frequently asked questions regarding how to make justifiable decisions. Next, section three examines a variety of tools and techniques that can be used for both collecting information and making decisions. Appendix A then offers a number of checklists and guides for managing the systematic assessment processes that lead to quality decisions. Finally, the reference list at the end of the book is a valuable resource to research, tools, and discussions of needs assessment.
  • Publication
    The Road to Results : Designing and Conducting Effective Development Evaluations
    (World Bank, 2009-12-01) Morra Imas, Linda G.; Rist, Ray C.
    The analytical, conceptual, and political framework of development is changing dramatically. The new development agenda calls for broader understandings of sectors, countries, development strategies, and policies. It emphasizes learning and continuous feedback at all phases of the development cycle. As the development agenda grows in scope and complexity, development evaluation follows suit. Development evaluator are moving away from traditional implementation and output-focused evaluation models toward results-based evaluation models, as the development community calls for results and embraces the millennium development goals. As the development community shifts its focus away from projects in order to comprehensively address country challenges, development evaluators are seeking methods with which to assess results at the country, sector, theme, policy, and even global levels. As the development community recognizes the importance of not only a comprehensive but also a coordinated approach to developing country challenges and emphasizes partnerships, development evaluators are increasingly engaged in joint evaluations. These joint evaluations, while advantageous in many respects, add to the complexity of development evaluation (OECD 2006). Additionally, development evaluators increasingly face the measurement challenge of determining the performance of an individual development organization in this broader context and of identifying its contribution. This text is intended as a tool for use in building development evaluation capacity. It aims to help development evaluators think about and explore the new evaluation architecture and especially to design and conduct evaluations that focus on results in meeting the challenges of development.
  • Publication
    Empowerment in Practice : From Analysis to Implementation
    (Washington, DC: World Bank, 2006) Alsop, Ruth; Bertelsen, Mette; Holland, Jeremy
    This book represents an effort to present an easily accessible framework to readers, especially those for whom empowerment remains a puzzling development concern, conceptually and in application. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 explains how the empowerment framework can be used for understanding, measuring, monitoring, and operationalizing empowerment policy and practice. Part 2 presents summaries of each of the five country studies, using them to discuss how the empowerment framework can be applied in very different country and sector contexts and what lessons can be learned from these test cases. While this book can offer only a limited empirical basis for the positive association between empowerment and development outcomes, it does add to the body of work supporting the existence of such a relationship. Perhaps more importantly, it also provides a framework for future research to test the association and to prioritize practical interventions seeking to empower individuals and groups.
  • Publication
    Global Economic Prospects, January 2025
    (Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-01-16) World Bank
    Global growth is expected to hold steady at 2.7 percent in 2025-26. However, the global economy appears to be settling at a low growth rate that will be insufficient to foster sustained economic development—with the possibility of further headwinds from heightened policy uncertainty and adverse trade policy shifts, geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation, and climate-related natural disasters. Against this backdrop, emerging market and developing economies are set to enter the second quarter of the twenty-first century with per capita incomes on a trajectory that implies substantially slower catch-up toward advanced-economy living standards than they previously experienced. Without course corrections, most low-income countries are unlikely to graduate to middle-income status by the middle of the century. Policy action at both global and national levels is needed to foster a more favorable external environment, enhance macroeconomic stability, reduce structural constraints, address the effects of climate change, and thus accelerate long-term growth and development.