Open AccessFulfilling global marine commitments; lessons learned from Gabon
Author(s) -
Metcalfe Kristian,
White Lee,
Lee Michelle E.,
Fay J. Michael,
Abitsi Gaspard,
Parnell Richard J.,
Smith Robert J.,
Agamboue Pierre Didier,
Bayet Jean Pierre,
Mve Beh Jean Hervé,
Bongo Serge,
Boussamba Francois,
De Bruyne Godefroy,
Cardiec Floriane,
Chartrain Emmanuel,
Collins Tim,
Doherty Philip D.,
Formia Angela,
Gately Mark,
Gnandji Micheline Schummer,
Ikoubou Innocent,
Kema Kema Judicael Régis,
Kombila Koumba,
Kongo Pavlick Etoughe,
Manfoumbi Jean Churley,
Maxwell Sara M.,
Mba Asseko Georges H.,
McClellan Catherine M.,
Minton Gianna,
Ndjimbou Samyra Orianne,
Nkoane Ndoutoume Guylène,
Bibang Bi Nguema Jean Noel,
Nkizogho Teddy,
Nzegoue Jacob,
Kouerey Oliwina Carmen Karen,
Otsagha Franck Mbeme,
Savarit Diane,
Pikesley Stephen K.,
du Plessis Philippe,
Rainey Hugo,
Kingbell Rockombeny Lucienne Ariane Diapoma,
Rosenbaum Howard C.,
Segan Dan,
Sounguet GuyPhilippe,
Stokes Emma J.,
Tilley Dominic,
Vilela Raul,
Viljoen Wynand,
Weber Sam B.,
Witt Matthew J.,
Godley Brendan J.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
conservation letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.153
H-Index - 79
ISSN - 1755-263X
DOI - 10.1111/conl.12872
Subject(s) - convention on biological diversity , stakeholder , marine protected area , biodiversity , environmental planning , environmental resource management , marine conservation , business , diversity (politics) , marine biodiversity , political science , geography , ecology , public relations , economics , habitat , law , biology
As part of the Post‐2020 Biodiversity Framework, nations are assessing progress over the past decade in addressing the underlying drivers that influence direct pressures on biodiversity and formulating new policies and strategies for the decade to come. For marine conservation, global marine protected area (MPA) coverage is still falling short of the 10% target set in 2010. Here we show that while this reflects a lack of progress in many low‐ and middle‐income countries, a few of these nations have met or exceeded international commitments. To provide an in‐depth explanation of how this was achieved in Gabon, we summarize the lessons learnt by our consortium of policy makers and practitioners who helped implement a comprehensive and ecologically representative network of 20 MPAs. We show the importance of creating a national framework, building long‐term stakeholder support, and focusing on research that guides implementation and policy; and outline a four‐step approach that countries and donors could use as an example to help meet international commitments. By responding to calls to share lessons learned to inform future Convention on Biological Diversity targets, we show how Gabon's experiences could inform change elsewhere.