The effects of shocks and stressors on sustainability-focused governance systems
by Valerie A. Sheppard; Peter W. Williams
International Journal of Tourism Policy (IJTP), Vol. 7, No. 1, 2017

Abstract: Despite decades of best intentions and initiatives, progress on creating more sustainable forms of development has been slow, piecemeal, and generally disappointing. Sustainability advocates contend this is due, in part, to governance systems lacking mechanisms needed to respond to system shocks and stressors in a resilient manner. Consequently, attention has turned to exploring the efficacy of sustainability focused governance models. This paper uses a case study of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, British Columbia, Canada to understand how three interconnected critical events affected governance processes and priorities, as well as the overall resilience of its sustainability-oriented governance system. The findings highlight that while the governance system's shorter-term priorities were significantly altered by these events, its long-term sustainability goals and objectives remained intact. The findings also emphasise the need to embed flexibility into the interpretation of sustainability's short and long-term priorities and the importance of succession planning for ongoing sustainability progress.

Online publication date: Fri, 10-Mar-2017

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