Institutional frameworks for human dimensions: reflections for marine protected areas in Brazil

Abstract

Human Dimensions (HDs) have appeared in the scientific literature linked to the application of alternative approaches to natural resource management. National and international institutions (policies, guidelines, and global goals) guided these discussions on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The study aimed at relating these frameworks to the components of HDs. In this sense, a literature review was carried out based on criteria established by Barreto et al. (2020), guiding the selection of 92 peer-reviewed articles complemented by documents related to institutional frameworks. The analysis linked the institutional aspects selected to the components of HDs outlined in the literature. The research revealed the theory of the commons as an influencer in creating the concept of HDs, showing that its understanding goes beyond the univocal idea of human dimensions as the control and regulation of human behavior. Furthermore, five challenges for the integration of HDs in management approaches are highlighted from the connection between the institutional frameworks and the components of HDs. There are signs of a management model in transition that considers and emphasizes human dimensions; however, technocratic and centralizing approaches still prevail.