Multi-Actor Information System for integrated coastal zone management

Regional authorities in coastal zones need to be supported in identifying the relevant stakeholders, their objectives, and means to resolve conflicting interests that have adverse impacts on the marine environment and sustainable development. We developed a Multi-Actor Information System (MAIS) that provides this type of support to regional authorities in the Banten Bay area, part of the province of West Java. The influence analysis module of MAIS was evaluated in a case study in the Bojonegara subdistrict. Structured interviews were conducted at 12 organizations to determine their interests, their means of control, and their inter-organizational dependencies. The case study provided regional authorities with important information about the potential for conflicts in the bay. The influence analysis identified relevant actors, issues, and means to resolve conflicts. The influence analysis also revealed additional parties and issues that have to be involved to prevent negative developments in the area. The user-friendly integration of multimedia technology and concepts of social network analysis into MAIS provides the regional authorities with a powerful tool for future monitoring and assessment of potential conflict situations in the Banten Bay.