The environment faces growing human pressures, driven by biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. These crises disrupt ecosystems and human livelihoods, with oceans – covering 70% of the planet – playing a key role in climate regulation, biodiversity preservation, and resource provision. Yet, marine and coastal ecosystems are on the front line. With 40% of the global population living near coasts and billions relying on the ocean for survival, urgent action is crucial. There is a need to rely on a highly-functional and ecologically healthy marine and coastal environment to foster development, namely a transformative change. To this end, governance framework should transition towards more cross-sectoral integration, while ensuring effective measures, scaled to the magnitude of the issues. Blue governance is perfectly in line with the internationally recognised global approach to address the triple global crisis, as long as the “Blue” aspect receives particular emphasis. This thesis provides an overview of my research on some of the many interconnected aspects of ocean governance. The first chapter, “Area-based Conservation as a Tool for Transformative Governance”, explores a concrete management instrument, illustrating public policy implementation. The second chapter, “Wave Reserves: A Breath of Fresh Air for Coastal and Marine Conservation”, examines how Wave Reserves and Surf Conservation create opportunities for both environmental protection and local empowerment. The third chapter, “Fisheries, Supply Chain, and Food Security”, focuses on marine resources, analyzing public policies on access regimes and value capture along the supply chain. Finally, the last chapter, “From SDGs to Local Policies: The Need for a Cross-Cutting Approach”, addresses decision-making processes and how policies can enhance environmental conservation. The findings of this thesis can inform sustainable development policies through concrete case studies at multiple levels. By combining field experience and theoretical expertise, it offers practical recommendations for policymakers, conservationists, and stakeholders while providing valuable insights for development agencies and financial actors supporting marine and coastal conservation with local community involvement.
Blue Governance: Perspectives and Tools for Improving Ocean Protection
Touron-Gardic, G. (Author). 2 Feb 2026
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis