Coastal wetland participatory management strategies: A systematic literature review

Articles in Press

Document Type : Reviewers

Authors

1 Agricultural Extension, Communication and Rural Development Department, Faculty of Agriculture, the University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran

2 Agricultural Extension and Education Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal AleAhmad Road, Tehran, Iran

3 Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran

10.22124/cjes.2025.8894

Abstract

Wetlands provide a variety of ecosystem services and vital resources for both nature and local communities, enhancing livelihoods and human well-being. They play a crucial role in coastal protection, recreational activities, and tourism. However, in the past two decades, many wetland areas have either dried up or encountered various threats that could lead to the degradation of this natural heritage. A key factor contributing to these challenges is the lack of participation by local communities in wetland management. This review analyzed 190 selected articles from the Scopus database, examining key dimensions such as wetland management, wetland conservation, wetland governance, lake management, and marsh management. The thematic analysis of 30 scientific documents published by researchers worldwide indicates that coastal wetland management projects have employed several strategies. These include physical and nature-based conservation, restoration, sustainable use, sustainable harvesting, institutional and governance measures, adaptive management, integrated water resource management, knowledge enhancement, and comprehensive stakeholder participation. Engaging stakeholders, particularly local communities, in the decision-making process can facilitate achieving consensus, reduce conflicts, and enhance the success of projects. The results are expected to significantly contribute to future studies on wetland conservation across different countries. Macro-level strategies are crucial in coastal wetland management projects because they provide a long-term and coordinated vision that fosters synergy among diverse institutions and stakeholders. Such strategies help us manage conflicts of interest, optimize resource allocation, and integrate policies to prevent fragmented and short-sighted actions, thus enabling sustainable decision-making. Additionally, by considering environmental dynamics and climate change impacts, it enhances the flexibility and adaptability of management systems, enabling the effective and efficient protection of these sensitive and valuable coastal wetland ecosystems.

Keywords

References

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