151
governmental and other actors who have particular interests and capabilities with
regard to specifi c environmental domains. Structural and discursive factors also
shape conditions under which processes of change occur. We use the concept of
refl exive governance as the main analytical vehicle to understand key components
in contemporary governance modes, as well as to elaborate on possible pathways to
make Baltic Sea environmental governance more sustainable.
This chapter is structured as follows: As EAM is increasingly seen as the manner
in which governance should take place, we fi rst provide a brief description of this
management approach. We then give a brief description of the historical background to existing institutions and regulatory structures so as to understand contemporary Baltic Sea environmental governance structures and potential future
pathways. Therefore, this chapter provides a section on key regional organisations,
initiatives and regulations and highlights the increasing infl uence of the EU. This
general background is then followed by an account of the concept of refl exive governance, which in turn forms the theoretical basis for the following extended analysis of contemporary governance structures with empirical examples from the areas
of chemical pollution , overfi shing , eutrophication, invasive alien species and pollution from shipping (see other chapters in the book). Finally, in Sect. 4 , we discuss
how the concept of refl exive governance can shed light on existing weaknesses of
governance structures and how increased refl exivity could contribute to a more sustainable Baltic Sea.
In terms of method, our analysis is based on a comparative case study approach.
The empirical data is drawn from fi ve case studies conducted in the RISKGOV project. These case studies are documented in (Haathi et al. 2010 ; Hassler et al. 2010 ;
Lemke et al. 2010 ; Sellke et al. 2010 ; Udovyk et al. 2010 ) and further analysed in
Part I of this book (Hassler 2016 ; Karlsson and Gilek 2016 ; Karlsson et al. 2016 ;
Sellke et al. 2016 ; Smolarz et al. 2016 ). The case studies were undertaken during
2009–2014 and were all based on secondary literature, analysis of key policy documents, semi-structured qualitative interviews with key actors in the respective risk
areas (in total about 100) and participatory observations during conferences, workshops, consultations and round-table stakeholder conferences. A common analytical
and methodological framework guided all fi ve case studies which ensured comparability of the cases (see Gilek et al. 2016 ; Hassler et al. 2011 for further details).
7.2 The Ecosystem Approach to Management (EAM)
The Ecosystem Approach to Management (EAM) , which endorses a multi-sector
approach, has recently been embraced by key policy and regulatory actors. EAM
underlies the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Marine Strategy Framework
Directive ( MSFD ), the EU Sixth Environmental Action Programme and even more
so the EU’s Baltic Sea Strategy and Maritime Policy.
EAM is a response to today’s deepening biodiversity crises and promotes a broad
holistic approach that goes beyond traditional management based on single species
7 The Ecosystem Approach to Management in Baltic Sea Governance: Towards…
governmental and other actors who have particular interests and capabilities with
regard to specifi c environmental domains. Structural and discursive factors also
shape conditions under which processes of change occur. We use the concept of
refl exive governance as the main analytical vehicle to understand key components
in contemporary governance modes, as well as to elaborate on possible pathways to
make Baltic Sea environmental governance more sustainable.
This chapter is structured as follows: As EAM is increasingly seen as the manner
in which governance should take place, we fi rst provide a brief description of this
management approach. We then give a brief description of the historical background to existing institutions and regulatory structures so as to understand contemporary Baltic Sea environmental governance structures and potential future
pathways. Therefore, this chapter provides a section on key regional organisations,
initiatives and regulations and highlights the increasing infl uence of the EU. This
general background is then followed by an account of the concept of refl exive governance, which in turn forms the theoretical basis for the following extended analysis of contemporary governance structures with empirical examples from the areas
of chemical pollution , overfi shing , eutrophication, invasive alien species and pollution from shipping (see other chapters in the book). Finally, in Sect. 4 , we discuss
how the concept of refl exive governance can shed light on existing weaknesses of
governance structures and how increased refl exivity could contribute to a more sustainable Baltic Sea.
In terms of method, our analysis is based on a comparative case study approach.
The empirical data is drawn from fi ve case studies conducted in the RISKGOV project. These case studies are documented in (Haathi et al. 2010 ; Hassler et al. 2010 ;
Lemke et al. 2010 ; Sellke et al. 2010 ; Udovyk et al. 2010 ) and further analysed in
Part I of this book (Hassler 2016 ; Karlsson and Gilek 2016 ; Karlsson et al. 2016 ;
Sellke et al. 2016 ; Smolarz et al. 2016 ). The case studies were undertaken during
2009–2014 and were all based on secondary literature, analysis of key policy documents, semi-structured qualitative interviews with key actors in the respective risk
areas (in total about 100) and participatory observations during conferences, workshops, consultations and round-table stakeholder conferences. A common analytical
and methodological framework guided all fi ve case studies which ensured comparability of the cases (see Gilek et al. 2016 ; Hassler et al. 2011 for further details).
7.2 The Ecosystem Approach to Management (EAM)
The Ecosystem Approach to Management (EAM) , which endorses a multi-sector
approach, has recently been embraced by key policy and regulatory actors. EAM
underlies the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Marine Strategy Framework
Directive ( MSFD ), the EU Sixth Environmental Action Programme and even more
so the EU’s Baltic Sea Strategy and Maritime Policy.
EAM is a response to today’s deepening biodiversity crises and promotes a broad
holistic approach that goes beyond traditional management based on single species
7 The Ecosystem Approach to Management in Baltic Sea Governance: Towards…