Adaptive Governance Models in Coastal Ecosystem Management to Support Environmental Resilience

Abstract

This study aims to analyze adaptive governance models in coastal ecosystem management to support environmental resilience in coastal villages of Pesisir Barat Regency, Lampung Province, Indonesia. The study responds to the growing need for governance systems that can address coastal erosion, tidal flooding, mangrove degradation, livelihood vulnerability, and fragmented institutional coordination. A qualitative case study design was used to explore the meanings, experiences, and governance practices of local actors. Data were collected from 28 informants through semi-structured interviews, limited participatory observation, and document analysis in Pekon Pahmungan, Pekon Walur, and Pekon Tembakak from May to August 2025. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings reveal five main themes: actor coordination, community participation, local ecological knowledge, institutional flexibility, and social learning. The study shows that coastal communities possess adaptive capacity through informal cooperation, practical environmental knowledge, and collective learning. However, this capacity remains constrained by irregular coordination, unequal participation, weak documentation, limited resources, and project-based governance. The study contributes to adaptive governance theory by emphasizing the importance of local experience, institutional flexibility, and learning-based decision-making in coastal resilience. The findings imply that coastal policy should strengthen permanent multi-stakeholder forums, community-based monitoring, gender-inclusive participation, and integration of local knowledge into formal planning.