The involvement of the private sector in marine protected area planning, management, and conservation.  Case studies from the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific.
Session Organizer: Rick MacPherson

Description: Mountains to Sea is the operating principle behind integrated coastal zone management (or ICZM).  A holistic vision for coastal resource management--that healthy systems require healthy parts--requires us to consider the diverse stakeholders needed for meeting conservation objectives.  Science is effective in informing the design of successful marine protected areas (MPAs), only if balanced with socioeconomic, cultural, and political realities.  The importance of involving community stakeholders in MPA planning, design, and management is now widely acknowledged and accepted.  One key coral reef stakeholder group that has received increasing attention in recent years are private sector marine recreation providers (MRPs)--dive, snorkel, kayak, and boating operators.

MRPs in coral reef tourism destinations have a vested economic interest in supporting coral reef conservation, as their business depends upon a healthy reef.  They can play a key role in successful conservation if educated, aware, and involved in the process.  MRPs can also pose frustrating obstacles for marine park/resource managers if their needs are not addressed and they are not part of the conservation planning.  The Coral Reef Alliance has built support and collaboration of MRPs in marine protected areas.  Through case studies, we illustrate the importance of involving MRPs in coral reef conservation strategies and provide workshop participants with practical tools for building local support for conservation in areas such as financial support of resource management costs, assistance with biophysical monitoring, patrolling and enforcement of MPAs, educating visitors on best environmental practice, and providing local residents with non-extractive, non-destructive employment alternatives.