Public Governance of Sustainable Development Implementation: A Case Study of Coastal Municipalities in Lithuania

Abstract

This study aims to answer the research question what are the characteristics of existing institutional governance factors within Lithuanian coastal municipalities that lead to the establishment of a common aim of sustainable development across different coastal municipalities. The method employed includes a systematic academic literature review and document analysis. The data collected were coded according to predefined themes and sub-themes, facilitating the determination of extent to which institutional factors influencing the public governance of sustainable development are integrated into the structures and credentials of municipalities. The findings reveal that while some municipalities incorporate sustainability into their vision and strategic plans, there is a general lack of dedicated policies and accountability for sustainable development. The absence of a dedicated unit or responsible employee for sustainable development implementation further fragments the approach to addressing these issues. Communication methods and public engagement vary, impacting the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives. This study concludes that meta-governance serves as a unifying factor in public governance coordination among municipalities. To foster sustainable development in Lithuanian coastal cities, recommendations for policymakers are provided to increase transparency and civic trust, lead initiatives, and enhance dialogue through regional stakeholder forums or digital platforms for the co-creation of solutions across coastal municipalities.