Sustainable governance of natural gas exploration: A coastal forest ecosystem perspective

Abstract

Coastal forest ecosystems can benefit from an empirical study of the sustainable governance of natural gas exploration. But, policymakers and practitioners cannot make informed decisions in the absence of thorough and comprehensive research. This study examines empirical research on the sustainable governance of natural gas exploration within the coastal forest ecosystem, identifies research gaps and outlines future directions. Researchers utilised the theories, context, characteristics, and methodologies (TCCM) analysis in the systematic narrative review of nine studies. The study findings revealed that sustainable governance of natural gas exploration to lessen coastal forest ecological consequences is questionable since most of the study indicated negative impacts on coastal forests. Furthermore, the study findings contributed by identifying the most prominent theories, such as economic theory and efficient taxation, which are thought to maximise long‐term economic benefits while minimising the degradation of forest ecosystems. Natural gas exploration‐related taxes have the potential to support conservation initiatives and coastal forest ecosystem restoration. Furthermore, the study acknowledges that most studies do not have guidelines for evaluating the concepts of sustainable governance. Moreover, the research suggests the need for sustainable governance that strikes a balance between the goals of natural gas development and the protection of coastal forest ecosystems, enacts laws and regulations that promote good governance towards the Green House Gases protocol, and sets up monitoring and control mechanisms. Furthermore, the government should provide incentives, such as research grants, to encourage research and dissemination, as well as sustainable management techniques for natural gas extraction and coastal forest ecosystem management and conservation.