André F.Reynolds Castel-Branco da Silveira BA, MA

PhD candidate

André's research is concerned with processes of institutional change in governance structures of complex social-ecological systems, namely river basins. His work focuses on China's Pearl River (Zhujiang), particularly the Xijiang section; and it involves a critical review of the European Union's experience, with the aim to inform the analysis of institutional evolution and adaptation in the Chinese case.

Biography

Having been based in Macau for 7 years, André worked as a researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies, Technical University of Lisbon, being part of a multidisciplinary research team. During this period, he was also coordinator of special projects in the International Institute of Macau, in particular those involving collaborative research in social and political science, public policy-oriented workshops, as well as inter-regional dialogue in science and culture (China-EU, China-Southern Africa, China-Brazil). His Master's thesis focused on China-EU cooperation, particularly as far as environmental sustainability is concerned.

In late 2007, André initiated research work on river basin governance in China's Pearl River (Zhujiang), in close collaboration with the Sun Yat-sen University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Career

2002 to present date: Affilliated Researcher, International Institute of Macau;
2004-05: Lecturer, Public Administration Department, Macau Polytechnic Institute;
2001 - to present: Afilliated Researcher, Institute of Oriental Studies, Technical University of Lisbon

Qualifications

2007- MA in European Integration Studies;
2001 – Degree in International Relations (specialisation in Asia and Africa);

Research

André's doctoral research concerns processes of institutional change in river basin management, particularly focusing on drivers and constraints of institutional change, and approaches that inhibit or enhance coherence and adaptability in river basin governance. The study of the European Union's experience will be used to assist in understanding how China's approaches to river basin management may possibly evolve, while taking into account regional political economy and socio-political conditions in the Chinese case study area.

Thus, EU experience will be studied first, given its value for the study of complex spatial, sectoral and multi-scale institutional inter-relationships, and their importance in processes of institutional change. In particular, this research will study processes triggered by EU regulations such as the Water Framework Directive, which aim to unify goals, improve procedures, and promote stakeholder cooperation, but which need to accommodate and adapt existing national and regional institutions. The Rhine will provide a case study, with the process of improving institutions and procedures concerned with water quality being central.

With an understanding gained from the European case of evolution and adaptation in river basin institutional structures, an important case study will be undertaken of China's Pearl River basin.

It is hoped that the project may suggest a useful mutual learning framework between European Union and China, presently engaged in a large cooperation programme and a specific policy dialogue in this realm.

Publications

Books

Co-author, September, 2009 "Tendências de Integração Regional no Sul da China: Desafios e Oportunidades" [Trends in South China's Regional Integration Process: Challenges and Opportunities], published by the International Institute of Macau and the Macau Polytechnic Institute (Portuguese version);

Articles

September, 2002 "Caracterização das relações entre a Europa Ocidental e a República Popular da China" [Characterisation of Western Europe – P.R. China relations] , n.º 57 of Revista de Administração Pública de Macau, (Portuguese and Chinese versions);
September, 2001 "As Zonas Económicas Especiais da República Popular da China", [China's Special Economic Zones] n.º53 da Revista de Administração Pública de Macau, (Portuguese and Chinese versions)
June, 2001 "As Zonas Económicas Especiais, as Regiões Administrativas Especiais e Taiwan no seio da Grande China", [Special Economic Zones, Special Administrative Regions and Taiwan within Greater China], n.º 52 da Revista de Administração Pública de Macau, (Portuguese and Chinese versions);

Teaching

Lecturer teaching Research Methodology in Social Sciences and supervisor of final research projects (4^th year of the Public Administration degree), Macau Polytechnic Institute;

External activities

Affiliated Researcher, International Institute of Macau;
Affiliated Researcher, Institute of Oriental Studies, Technical University of Lisbon;
Member of Cambridge Philosophical Society