Open AccessThe role of awareness and engagement in safeguarding the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area
Author(s) -
Rachelle Linde
Publication year - 2021
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Dissertations/theses
DOI - 10.24124/2021/59185
Subject(s) - safeguarding , perpetuity , public relations , government (linguistics) , public engagement , resource (disambiguation) , political science , business , sociology , environmental resource management , medicine , computer network , linguistics , philosophy , nursing , environmental science , finance , computer science
The Muskwa-Kechika Management Area (M-KMA) in northern British Columbia is globally significant for its size, special resource management, and cultural and ecological values. These characteristics were secured in perpetuity through the British Columbian Government’s M-KMA Act in 1998. However, today low public awareness and engagement are seen as threats to the M-KMA’s effectiveness and longevity. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research examined the role of awareness and engagement in safeguarding the M-KMA by conducting semi-structured interviews and a media analysis, both of which informed a public survey. Informing the research design were underlying theories in sense of place, place branding, and the relationship of planned behaviour to place-protective behaviour. Additionally, resource management practices like ecosystem-based management informed the research design and methods of public participation in policy formation.