INTEGRATIVE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURING FOR RESOURCE SUSTAINABILITY AND HUMAN SECURITY

N° ISBN - 978-2-7380-1284-5International audienceGovernance has significant implications on the advancement of social and economic development. In the Philippines, the role of the state in the utilization and management of natural resources remain strong. After the devolution of key state powers in 1991, governance at the local level has accelerated the strengthening of local governments, non-state actors and the private sector and has contributed to a movement towards addressing problems and issues in managing natural resources. This paper examines the processes of creation and operation of multi-sectoral alliances led by local governments to ensure that resources are sustained and people are protected. Research has revealed that most of these alliances were formed to respond collectively to impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Since the scale, magnitude and uncertainties of environmental problems such as watershed degradation, flooding, depletion of fish stocks, soil erosion and siltation cannot be resolved by national government alone, local actors pooled their distinct capacities and reconfigured the delivery of public services and goods. The function of alliances is boosted by local leaders who support a model of collaboration, adoption of new policies, scientific knowledge and expanded partnership. Local politics and administration have developed certain flexibilities that transcended defined territories. Alliances also play the role of critical links between local and national development agencies and plans leading to greater service to disadvantaged communities for food, welfare and security from the direct effects of natural disasters. Alliances have dynamics of continuous growth and expansion, but will experience weakness when common interest wanes