Abstract Summary
CORAL RESTORATION IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS, SUSTAINABILITY FOR WHO? A STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS OF FACTORS OF SUCCESS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF ‘RECEPIENTS’ Daryl McPhee, Lynne Armitage, Igo Gari, Faculty of Society and Design, Bond University, 14 University, Robina, Queensland 4226, Australia Sustainability remains a challenge despite significant investments in developing countries and this research aims to examine the factors that contribute to or impede project sustainability from the perspective of ‘recipients’ in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Stakeholders have varied perceptions of what sustainability means and how to achieve it. Understanding sustainability in projects and using that understanding to bring maximum benefit to the recipients of a project would be the ideal option. The best and possibly the only way sustainability can be realised is through relevant projects that transform decision-making, community consultation and participation, and on-ground actions. Importantly, these projects need to demonstratively improve the standard of living for citizens. Furthermore, they should also have a lasting effect or continue beyond the formal completion of the project itself. In January, 2018, the researcher planted 500 coral fragments in a Marine Protected Area in Bootless Bay, PNG as part of his PhD research to test ‘rural livelihood sustainability’. The objective is to promote awareness, conservation, sustainable management of marine ecosystem and create local economic opportunities while ensuring food security and creating a platform for scientific research. This project is the researcher’s way of giving back to his local village. There have been several publications by international development organizations that have contributed to and share a common understanding of sustainability and the key factors that affect project sustainability. However, the focus has been mainly from the perspective of the funding authorities and project teams and not from the beneficiary governments and communities. Thus, there is lack of knowledge on what defines sustainability in rural development projects. The results and findings of this research will increase knowledge on sustainability and assist stakeholders in future decision-making processes and actions in rural development in the Pacific. The study has the potential to influence policy and project management research. igo.gari@student.bond.edu.au
