Challenges for Marine Protected Areas Vilm Seminar Biodiversity Conservation for Human Wellbeing 4 August 2015

Transcription

1 Challenges for Marine Protected Areas Vilm Seminar Biodiversity Conservation for Human Wellbeing 4 August 2015 Page 1

2 Challenges for Marine Protected Areas - and examples for addressing them Vilm Seminar Biodiversity Conservation for Human Wellbeing 4 August 2015 Page 2

3 Agenda 1. Threats to marine and coastal biodiversity 2. What are MPAs? Marine vs terrestrial ecosystems and management implications CBD strategic plan for biodiversity 3. Challenges in regard to identification designation management 4. Conclusion and recommendations Page 3

4 1. Threats to marine and coastal biodiversity Land use change and habitat loss Unsustainable fishing Eutrophication and pollution M Potenski C Furlong/Getty Images Climate change Source: Reuters MPAs as one tool to address these threats L Hislop Page 4

5 2. What are MPAs? IUCN: A clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the longterm conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values FAO: any marine geographical area that is afforded greater protection than the surrounding waters for biodiversity conservation or fisheries management purposes will be considered an MPA Rebecca Weeks Marine Photobank Page 5

6 Protected areas cover 3.41% of the oceans As of August 2014, Source: UNEP-WCMC Page 6

7 Marine vs terrestrial ecosystems Aichi target 11: By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and Source: Secretariat of the CBD (2014), Global Biodiversity Outlook 4, Page 7

8 Marine vs terrestrial ecosystems Multi-dimensionality and connectivity Third dimension: changes in species distribution in water column Very large scale over which marine connectivity occurs Currents and tides Surrounding / up-current influences from tides & currents More open systems: more exchange, influence by e.g. up-stream pollution Uncertainty More complex: wider diversity of niches and greater number of trophic levels Logistical problems of observing and studying marine environments; high costs J Ziegler Page 8

9 Marine vs terrestrial ecosystems Property rights Less distinct boundaries; poorly defined rights of access and use Marine activities largely regulated on sectoral basis, i.e. different authorities Enforcement and management Multiple access points Innocent passage afforded to all vessels (UNCLOS) Detection of illegal/ unregulated activities and their impacts Page 9

10 CBD Strategic Plan for Biodiversity Aichi target 11: By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes. Upcoming: Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Page 10

11 3.1. Identification of MPAs especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services Not only focus on biodiversity hotspots but also ecosystem services hotspots Page 11

12 Biodiversity Hotspots Page 12

13 3.1. Identification of MPAs especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services Not only focus on biodiversity hotspots but also ecosystem services hotspots Data on marine ecosystems and ecosystem services and how well current MPAs protect these Need for selection criteria Page 13

14 3.1. Identification of MPAs especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services Not only focus on biodiversity hotspots but also ecosystem services hotspots Data on marine ecosystems and ecosystem services and how well current MPAs protect these Need for selection criteria Data collection is expensive and time consuming Precautionary approach Page 14

15 Online library of the Acaú-Goiana Extractive Reserve, Brazil Developed & maintained by students of the University of Pernambuco Objectives: Improve access to information Collect sound information for MPA management plan Identify knowledge gaps Connect researchers based at geographically distant institutions Impacts: Up-scaling: new online libraries in/for other MPAs in Brazil Reserve known across the region and beyond Page 15

16 3.2. Designation of MPAs Setting the goals What is the primary objective of the MPA? Page 16

17 Objectives of an MPA as defined by IUCN per category Conserve outstanding ecosystems, species and/or geodiversity features Protect long-term ecological integrity of natural areas Protect natural biodiversity, underlying ecological structure and support environmental processes, promote education and recreation Protect specific outstanding natural features and associated biodiversity and habitats Maintain, conserve and restore species and habitats Protect and sustain important seascapes, associated nature conservation and other values created by interactions with humans through traditional management practices Protect natural ecosystems and use natural resources sustainably Page 17

18 3.2. Designation of MPAs Setting the goals What is the primary objective of the MPA? Determine optimum size, number and location of MPAs Page 18

19 3.2. Designation of MPAs Setting the goals What is the primary objective of the MPA? Determine optimum size, number and location of MPAs ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes. MPA networks A group of individual sites is not yet a network! Systems or networks of MPAs over large regions or between nations Page 19

20 Lauru Ridges to Reefs Protected Area Network First locally-managed marine area network in Melanesia Established in a community-led process and based on master conservation plan; full ownership by local communities James Hardcastle Impacts: Jimmy Kereseka Stocks of commercial species noticeably recovered Alternative livelihood options (ecotourism) generated revenues Conservation priorities improve stakeholders bargaining power when negotiating with mining companies and national government Better knowledge of natural and cultural resources Page 20

21 3.2. Designation of MPAs Setting the goals What is the primary objective of the MPA? Determine optimum size, number and location of MPAs ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes. Three designs most commonly used: small single area, large single area or network of areas MPA networks A group of individual sites is not yet a network! Systems or networks of MPAs over large regions or between nations Who pays? Sustainable, long-term financing is essential Page 21

22 Conservation Trust Fund for Sustainable Financing of MPAs Public-private partnership between CONANP and the Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature (FMCN) which supports basic operation of MPA with the revenue from the trust Impacts: Close collaboration for 17 years in this PPP that is considered highly successful Collaboration is expanding to the fisheries sector Page 22

23 Categories Different categories based on primary management objective which should apply to min 75% of the area: Ia Strict Nature Reserve Ib Wilderness Area II National Park III Natural Monument or Feature IV Habitat/Species Management Area V Protected Landscape/Seascape VI Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources papahanaumokuakea.gov Page 23

24 Page 24

25 Fish et al (2004) Page 25

26 3.3. Management of MPAs effectively and equitably managed Management Plan - Avoid another paper park Primary objective of MPA Regulations: quotas, equipment restrictions, licenses & permits, Enforcement Monitoring Governance Page 26

27 3.4. Management of MPAs Governance Use of marine resources governed by different laws and regulations MPAs overlap multiple jurisdictions and involve multiple management partners with different responsibilities Page 27

28 3.4. Management of MPAs Governance Use of marine resources governed by different laws and regulations MPAs overlap multiple jurisdictions and involve multiple management partners with different responsibilities Need to Effectively coordinate multiple jurisdictions Establish a more coordinated program of management, assistance, and information-sharing Page 28

29 3.4. Management of MPAs Governance Use of marine resources governed by different laws and regulations MPAs overlap multiple jurisdictions and involve multiple management partners with different responsibilities Need to Effectively coordinate multiple jurisdictions Establish a more coordinated program of management, assistance, and information-sharing Public engagement in MPA planning is vital to achieving conservation goals Page 29

30 Management Committees for participatory MPA management Participative processes for establishment and zoning of an MPA, involving local fishermen in its creation and categorization Impacts Fishermen are active partner for current management through the Management Committee Fishermen themselves contribute to control and surveillance Reduced conflicts at the local level More sustainable use of marine resources Page 30

31 Excursion: Protecting biodiversity of the High Sea Government representatives agreed to launch a formal preparatory process for a global and legally-binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction under UNCLOS Formal preparatory committee starts in early 2016 Designation of a global system of MPAs Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into the governance of high seas fisheries, shipping and seabed mining Providing for more effective access to marine genetic resources Page 31

32 Excursion: EBSAs CBD process to identify most ecologically and biologically important ocean areas Identification based on 7 scientific criteria Encouragement of CBD to cooperate to identify and adopt appropriate measures for conservation and sustainable use (e.g. establishing MPA networks) Page 32

33 Excursion: EBSAs = Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas CBD process to identify most ecologically and biologically important ocean areas Identification based on 7 scientific criteria Encouragement of CBD to cooperate to identify and adopt appropriate measures for conservation and sustainable use (e.g. establishing MPA networks) Page 33

34 4. Conclusion and recommendations CBD provides an international framework But even if 10% are protected, 90% are not How inappropriate to call this planet Earth when it is quite clearly Ocean. Arthur C. Clarke Page 34

35 4. Conclusion and recommendations Five factors for effective protection (Edgar et al., 2014): 1) Full protection 2) Enforcement of protection 3) Age greater than 10 years 4) Size more than 100km 2 5) Isolation Page 35

36 4. Conclusion and recommendations Increase area covered fully protected Ensure management effectiveness of all MPAs Increase number of MPA networks Integrate MPAs into broader seascape and landscape Target protection of both biodiversity and ecosystem services Recognise MPAs as solutions for climate change adaptation, mitigation and DRR, and include them in relevant international conventions and strategies Detect and prevent IUU with focus on MPAs Page 36

37 4. Conclusion and recommendations Use new technology, social media and learning networks Develop innovative partnerships Secure new long-term funding Harness business and private sector Share data Integrate MPAs as a conservation measure into broader area management plans Marine Spatial Planning Page 37

38 4. Conclusion and recommendations Page 38

39 Thank you for your attention! Janina Korting Page 39