Regional environmental governance in Northeast Asia : the UNDP/GEF YSLME's role in fostering regional cooperation

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Despite the stark increase in the number of bilateral interactions between countries in
Northeast Asia, development of multilateral institutions and other forms of regional
cooperation have remained quite modest. This paper explores the reasons why it is
difficult for countries in the region to cooperate, and also examines a case that has
important implications for better governance and international cooperation in
Northeast Asia. Historical animosity and mistrust are major obstacles to forming
highly institutionalized forms of governance. The effectiveness of governance is
assessed and measured across three dimensions – the issues, actors and forms. The
paper argues that the element of trust is important in all three dimensions, and that it
is crucially necessary in a region that is tainted by mistrust. The UNDP/GEF YS
LME Project was selected as a case study because it has important implications for
building better governance and trust amongst countries in Northeast Asia. The case
demonstrates that the appropriate selection and combination of options under the
three dimensions of governance can help build better governance and also build trust
amongst the participating actors.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• I. Introduction 9
• 1.1 Cooperation in Northeast Asia 11
• II. Literature Review 14
• 2.1 Major Hurdles to Cooperation 14
• III. Governance, Threats and Trust 18
• 3.1 Governance 18
• 3.2 Common Threats, Threat Perception and Governance 20
• 3.3 Social Capital and Trust 21
• 3.4 Governance, Threats and Trust 23
• IV. Case Study: UNDP/GEF YSLME and Regional Environmental Governance26
• 4.1 Background Information 26
• 4.2 UNDP/GEF YSLME and Governance 29
• 4.3 UNDP/GEF YSLME and Trust Building 32
• V. Conclusion 37
• Bibliography 39
• Appendices 45