Status and potential of locally-managed marine areas in the South Pacific: meeting nature conservation and sustainable livelihood targets through wide-spread implementation of LMMAs

Erika Techera, Hugh Govan, Alifereti Tawake, Kesaia Tabunakawai, Aaron Jenkins, Antoine Lasgorceix, AnneMaree Schwarz, Bill Aalbersberg, Bruno Manele, Caroline Vieux, Daniel Afzal, Delvene Notere, Eroni Tulala Rasalato, Helen Sykes, Hugh Watson, Hugo Tafea, Isoa Korovulavula, James Comley, Jeff Kinch, Jess FehelyJulie Petit, Louise Heaps, Paul Anderson, Pip Cohen, Pulea Ifopo, Ron Vave, Roy Hills, Seini Tawakelevu, Semese Alefaio, Semisi Meo, Shauna Troniak, Siola’a Malimali, Suzie Kukuian, Sylvia George, Talavou Tauaefa, Tevi Obed

Research output: Book/ReportOther outputpeer-review

Abstract

The South Pacific has experienced a remarkable proliferation of Marine Managed Areas (MMAs) in the last decade. These protected areas, implemented by over 500 communities spanning 15 independent countries and territories represent a unique global achievement. The approaches being developed at national levels are built on a unique feature of the region, customary tenure and resource access, and make use of, in most cases, existing community strengths in traditional
knowledge and governance, combined with a local awareness of the need for action, resulting in what have been most aptly termed Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs). The main driver in most cases, is a community desire to maintain or improve livelihoods, often related to perceived threats to food security or local economic revenue. In the South Pacific, conservation and sustainable use are often seen as inseparable as part of the surviving concepts of traditional environmental stewardship. The extent of this shift towards Community Based Resource Management in Melanesia and Polynesia is unprecedented on a global scale and is the subject of this report.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationSuva, Fiji
PublisherSPREP/WWF/WorldFish-Reefbase/CRISP
Number of pages133
ISBN (Electronic)978-982-04-0403-8
ISBN (Print)978-982-04-0402-1
Publication statusPublished - 2009

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