Public engagement in governance for sustainability: a two-tier assessment approach and illustrations from New Zealand

Public engagement (PE) is a recognized principle of governance for sustainability. Yet, the relationships between PE and sustainability prospects are poorly understood. This paper proposes a comprehensive evaluation approach to PE, based on a two-tier theoretical construct: an analytical framework, enabling qualitative assessments across various governance features; and a conceptual governance model, to help understand engagement opportunities holistically, for the (socio-)economic domain or natural resources of interest. A governance model is conceptualized for Protected Areas. The two-tier approach is illustrated to assess whether the engagement options available in New Zealand offer the public sufficient opportunities to safeguard environmental sustainability.