In whose interest? An exploratory analysis of stakeholders in Norwegian coastal zone planning

In Norway, coastal zone management is formally structured in a way that involves stakeholders in the planning processes—in the anticipation that participation will make the process more democratic and hence legitimate. Whether this is also the actual outcome is an empirical question, depending on which stakeholders are most active and effective in the management decision-making process, and to what extent they are able to sort out their differences and conflicting aspirations. In this paper we present findings of an exploratory study of the coastal zone planning process in 27 Norwegian municipalities. We focus on stakeholder composition and key attributes. Who seems to make a real impact in the planning process? Who are the most powerful among the various parties involved? Whose interests and concerns are considered to be the most urgent and justifiable, as seen from the perspective of the administrators who are the key co-ordinators in the planning process?