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Governance of Protected Areas: Understanding How Collaborative Partnerships Can Improve Outcomes for Conservation, Tourism and Local Communities

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Thesis is embargoed until 18th August 2027(4.08 MB)

Date

2025

Authors

Sarhan, Mahmoud

Supervisor

Pernecky, Tomas
Orams, Mark
Lück, Michael

Item type

Thesis

Degree name

Doctor of Philosophy

Journal Title

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Volume Title

Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

Protected Areas (PAs) are confronted by increasingly complex challenges in concurrently addressing tourism pressures and conservation objectives, requiring innovative governance approaches that integrate stakeholder collaboration, sustainable management, and diverse local perspectives. This research investigated tourism governance and collaborative partnerships within PAs in Aotearoa/New Zealand, precisely examining the multifaceted conditions and dynamic interactions that influence conservation and tourism practices. Guided by a pragmatic and constructivist research paradigm, the study employed a case study methodology focusing on three strategically selected sites: Tiritiri Matangi Scientific Reserve (known as Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary), Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (known as Goat Island Marine Reserve), and Waiheke Island, located in the North Island of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Through an extensive scoping review and nuanced within-case and cross-case analytical approaches, the research investigated governance structures, stakeholder collaboration mechanisms, and community participation dynamics. The literature review examined protected area tourism governance, emphasising the effectiveness of multi-stakeholder partnership in conservation and tourism. It identified gaps, trends, and debates while synthesising theoretical perspectives to guide the study. The scoping review focused on multi-stakeholder partnerships and introduced two innovative frameworks for partnership governance and evaluation, addressing gaps and advancing understanding of governance within PAs. The case studies revealed unique insights into governance models. The Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary case study examined community-led governance through the partnership between the Department of Conservation and the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi. The Goat Island Marine Reserve (GIMR) case study examined governance and stakeholder dynamics at New Zealand’s first marine reserve, shedding light on government-research-led approaches to conservation and tourism. The Waiheke Island case study addressed community-government dynamics in balancing tourism growth with environmental sustainability amid increasing visitations. The cross-case analysis compared these diverse models, identifying commonalities and differences, and providing new insights into key aspects of PA governance. It highlighted the importance of adaptive governance by prioritising local stakeholder involvement. The study underscores the value of integrating indigenous Māori worldviews, community insights, private sector expertise, and research institutional knowledge within co-governance frameworks. It identified key success factors for effective stakeholder collaboration and partnerships, including shared visionary objectives, long-term commitment, transparent communication, and inclusive dialogue that values diverse perspectives. It focused on the roles of community activism, volunteerism, research institutions, and visitor centres to advance dynamic, community-driven governance. Additionally, the study mapped potential barriers to collaborative governance, offering insights into challenges that can hinder stakeholder collaboration and engagement in protected area governance. A key outcome of this research is the development of the Protected Area Tourism Governance Framework, an analytical tool that provides a holistic model for understanding PA tourism and governance systems. This framework addresses the complexities of PA governance and offers a strategic pathway for conservation and tourism development, fundamentally valuing collaboration, adaptability, and profound respect for the socio-ecological systems that sustain both natural environments and local communities. The study makes contributions to both theoretical understanding and practical applications. It provides concrete, actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners, demonstrating how collaborative approaches can enhance conservation outcomes and support sustainable tourism development. The research offers a roadmap for more effective and nuanced governance of PAs, successfully bridging theoretical insights with practical applications in an increasingly complex environmental landscape.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10292/19690

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Doctoral Theses