Governing dual objectives within single policy mixes: an empirical analysis of large carnivore policies in six European countries

de Boon, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0067-8877, Sandström, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7674-6197, Arbieu, U. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0655-8756, Hansen, I. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5375-0775, Lehnen, L. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2481-7344, Marino, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3150-0118, Pohja-Mykrä, M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6997-1655, Risvoll, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5173-4456, Strand, G.-H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7516-0282 and Rønningen, K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4438-7943 (2021) Governing dual objectives within single policy mixes: an empirical analysis of large carnivore policies in six European countries. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, 23 (4). pp. 399-413. ISSN 1523-908X doi: 10.1080/1523908X.2020.1841614

Abstract/Summary

Policy mixes (i.e. the total structure of policy processes, strategies, and instruments) are complex constructs that can quickly become incoherent, inconsistent, and incomprehensive. This is amplified when the policy mix strives to meet multiple objectives simultaneously, such as in the case of large carnivore policy mixes. Building on Rogge and Reichardt's analytical framework for the analysis of policy mixes, we compare the policy mixes of Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany (specifically Saxony and Bavaria), and Spain (specifically Castilla y León). The study shows that the large carnivore policy mixes in the case countries show signs of lacking vertical and horizontal coherence in the design of policy processes, weak consistency between objectives and designated policy instruments, and, as a consequence, lacking comprehensiveness. We conclude that creating consistent, coherent, and comprehensive policy mixes that build on multiple objectives requires stepping away from sectorized policy development, toward a holistic, systemic approach, strong collaborative structures across policy boundaries and regions, the inclusion of diverse stakeholders, and constant care and attention to address all objectives simultaneously rather than in isolation.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/93796
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/1523908X.2020.1841614
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Publisher	Routledge
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item