Stakeholders' analysis for supporting sustainable natural gas development in mainland Tanzania: Implications for coastal forest ecosystem management

Natural gas exploitation is a complex process that impacts diverse stakeholders, including individuals, groups, and organizations, in varied ways. People increasingly recognize the importance of stakeholder analysis in ensuring the sustainability of natural gas exploitation and mitigating ecological consequences for coastal forest ecosystems. This study employs an exploratory research design, utilizing NVIVO 12 Plus Software to collect and analyze qualitative data, identifying four key stakeholder categories: key players, context setters, subject players, and intermediaries. Key players are influential decision-makers with a vested interest in natural gas exploitation, while context setters, though equally influential, are primarily concerned with coastal forest ecosystem management and require targeted engagement to remain informed and satisfied. Stakeholders with limited influence but high interest require continuous communication and information-sharing to keep them engaged. Meanwhile, intermediaries play a key role in fostering sustainability by balancing both influence and interest. The findings highlight the critical need to balance natural gas exploitation with coastal forest conservation and management. Achieving this balance involves integrating environmental management practices into natural gas policies, plans, and programs to address concerns over biodiversity and ecosystem degradation. Stakeholder analysis is a powerful tool for fostering collaboration and designing innovative decision-making approaches that prioritize both sustainable development and ecological conservation. By addressing stakeholder concerns and promoting joint planning, such efforts can mitigate the adverse impacts of natural gas exploitation on coastal forests, ensuring a more sustainable path forward. This study underscores the importance of harmonizing natural gas exploitation with forest ecosystem conservation to achieve long-term sustainability through stakeholders’ analysis.