An institutional analysis of value creation from Lami Dump, Fiji

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of the decision-making processes for the rehabilitation and reuse of Lami dump, Fiji, closed in 2005 after 60 years of contributing negative effects on human health, amenity and the condition of the surrounding environment. Using semi-structured interviews, this research investigated the value creation opportunities of reuse sought by a diverse range of parties including government ministries, local governments, the donor, NGOs and civil society, researchers, the private sector, and communities. The analysis is based on the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, which defines institutions as the rules-in-place influencing whether and how actors are involved in a decision situation. The conversion of the site into a recreational park was the only feasible redevelopment option, constrained as it was by the amount of European Commission funding available for the site. Another significant factor was the low level and extent of stakeholder engagement. There are many institutions in place, stemming from legislation, which although emergent, have the potential to enable a wider range of values to be represented in future decision-making processes.