Assessing adaptive capacity of institutions to climate change: A comparative case study of the Dutch Wadden Sea and the Venice Lagoon

Climate Law ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Munaretto ◽  
Judith E. M. Klostermann
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Wadden Sea ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Venice Lagoon ◽  
Change Leadership ◽  
Decision Processes ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Learning Capacity ◽  
Governance Systems

In this study we assess the adaptive capacity of relevant institutions for ecosystems and environmental management in two complex systems: the Dutch Wadden Sea and the Venice Lagoon. A new tool called the Adaptive Capacity Wheel (ACW) is used to diagnose strengths and weaknesses in the institutional systems in these two areas. An overview of both strengths and weaknesses leads to a better understanding of the system of governance and enhances the discussion of how it can be improved. The ACW identifies six dimensions that are relevant for the adaptive capacity of a society, according to the literature on climate adaptation and governance. They are variety, learning capacity, room for autonomous change, leadership, availability of resources, and fair governance. Then, we compare the two cases drawing attention to the physical and institutional similarities and differences that could explain the level of adaptive capacity we found. In this study, the physical and economic characteristics of the two regions proved to be quite similar, while the institutional system was very different. These two different governance systems, however, lead to a similarly low level of adaptive capacity. In theWadden, decision processes are slowed down because of a lack of authority and leadership. On the dimension of learning, the Wadden case scores positively. In Venice, lack of cooperation and accountability limit learning. Venice scores well on the autonomous ability to change. We conclude that in both cases there is a lot to be improved and that the two regions can learn from each other. Venice could, for example, improve learning with structures similar to those in theWadden, such as theWadden Academy. TheWadden area could learn from Venice about how to inform the larger public on potential flooding.

scholarly journals The Impact of Interplay Between Formal and Informal Institutions on Corporate Governance Systems: a Comparative Study of CEECs

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 85-104
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Godlewska ◽  
Tomasz Pilewicz
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Deductive Reasoning ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Individual Case ◽  
Informal Institutions ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Governance Systems ◽  
Formal And Informal Institutions ◽  
The Impact

The central point of this paper is to present the results of comparative case study research concerning the impact of the interplay between formal and informal institutions in the corporate governance systems (CGS) of Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC). Particular focus was put on the values of the corporate governance codes (CGC) of CEECs, as well as on transparent ownership structures, transactions with related parties, the protection of minority shareholders, independent members of supervisory boards, and separation between the CEO position and the chairman of the board of directors. The main subject of interest concerns two research areas: the character of the relationship between formal and informal institutions, as well as whether the interplay between them is relevant to the CGSs of CEECs. Moreover, the author investigates whether the CGCs of CEECs consist of regulations that are compatible with the values set up in preambles using research methods such as individual case study or deductive reasoning. The conclusion presented in the paper was drawn on the basis of a review of the literature and research on national and European corporate governance regulations, as well as the CGC of CEECs. The primary contribution this article makes is to advance the stream of research beyond any single country setting, and to link the literature on the interplay between formal and informal institutions related to CGSs in a broad range of economies in transition (‘catch up’ countries) like CEECs. This paper provides an understanding of how the interplay between formal and informal institutions may influence the CGCs of CEECs.

Current Adaptations and Future Prospects of Himalayan Farming

2017 ◽  
pp. 296-346
Author(s):  
Tor H. Aase ◽  
Nina B. Holmelin ◽  
Bob van Oort ◽  
Nand Kishor Agrawal ◽  
Sarah Nischalke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Future Climate ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Policy Options ◽  
Policy Management ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Production Conditions

Chapter 10 applies the two methods of comparative case study and cumulative case study to address the three main research questions raised in the introduction. Present adaptations are seen in relation to projected future climate changes and in relation to uncertain production conditions in general. Drivers of change and adaptive capacity are identified, and, lastly, a list of policy options that can enhance adaptive capacity are related to levels of policy management.

scholarly journals Corruption Risks in Renewable Resource Governance: Case Studies in Iceland and Romania

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Gisladottir ◽  
Sigurbjörg Sigurgeirsdottir ◽  
Ingrid Stjernquist ◽  
Kristin Vala Ragnarsdottir
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Resource ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sustainable Resource Management ◽  
Resource Governance ◽  
Forestry Sector ◽  
Governance Systems ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Shed Light

<p>In this research, we attempt to shed light on the question of where corruption risks in the governance of renewable resources are located and how they have been addressed in European countries that have different levels of corruption. A comparative case study design was chosen, looking into the fisheries sector in Iceland and the forestry sector in Romania. We conducted 25 semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders sampled through a snowball method. Qualitative coding and systems analysis were used to analyse the interviews. The results indicate that comprehensive and ambitious legislation does not necessarily translate into successful resource governance systems. In general, the institutions that were put in place to enforce and monitor the legal codes and regulations did not have the capacity to carry out their role. Additionally, interviewees were generally found to have a widespread perception of there being a corrupt relationship between politics and big companies operating in their sectors. Our findings suggest that when people hold such perceptions, it undermines anti-corruption policy efforts in the resource sectors, which can then impede sustainable resource management.</p>

scholarly journals Scaling-Up Sustainable Development Initiatives: A Comparative Case Study of Agri-Food System Innovations in Brazil, New York, and Senegal

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 4057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rositsa Ilieva ◽  
Andreas Hernandez
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Development Initiatives

To effectively address the sustainability crises our planet faces, decision-makers at different levels of government worldwide will have to get a handle on three key challenges: learning from Global North and South initiatives in tandem, taking stock of social innovations alongside technological fixes, and nurturing grassroots sustainable development initiatives next to, or in place of, top-down corporate and government interventions. Current scientific literature and grant-making institutions have often reinforced the compartmentalized fashion in which we learn and draw policy lessons from North/South, social/technical, and bottom-up/top-down sustainability initiatives, including local food system innovations. The strategic levers for global sustainable development lying in-between are thus left out. This paper uses exploratory, multiple case study analysis to address this omission. By concurrently drawing lessons from grassroots innovations in Brazil, New York, and Senegal—three profoundly different socioeconomic and geographic contexts—we identify common pressure points that have enabled local communities to drive system-wide transformations toward climate adaptation, resilience, and sustainability in the agri-food system. The findings of this paper would be of value to scholars, government officials, and community groups engaged in agri-food systems sustainability and interested in the processes of change that have allowed budding innovations to stabilize and scale up.

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