z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
A decade and a half of learning from Madagascar's first locally managed marine area
Author(s) -
Gardner Charlie J.,
Cripps Garth,
Day Liz Prémesnil,
Dewar Katrina,
Gough Charlotte,
Peabody Shawn,
Tahindraza Gilde,
Harris Alasdair
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
conservation science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-4854
DOI - 10.1111/csp2.298
Subject(s) - natural resource management , corporate governance , citizen journalism , context (archaeology) , natural resource , business , poverty , scale (ratio) , resource (disambiguation) , adaptive management , marine conservation , environmental resource management , marine protected area , resource management (computing) , public relations , environmental planning , political science , economic growth , geography , ecology , economics , habitat , biology , computer network , cartography , archaeology , finance , computer science , law
While the participatory management of small scale fisheries has been widely promoted, we have limited understanding of the factors influencing its effectiveness. Here, we highlight lessons learnt from the implementation of Madagascar’s first locally managed marine area (LMMA), drawing on our insights and experiences as staff of a co-managing non-governmental organisation (NGO). We describe the LMMA’s context and history, and highlight aspects of our approach that we feel underpin its outcomes, including: i) co-management rather than community-management, ii) the permanent field presence of a supporting NGO, iii) a management focus on locally-important natural resources, iv) the implementation of poverty-alleviation initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to management, v) decision-making by resource users rather than scientists, vi) a diversified, entrepreneurial funding model, and vii) an emphasis on monitoring and adaptive management. We also highlight several challenges, including: i) the inability to influence fishery supply chains, ii) promoting participation and good governance, iii) promoting rule application, iv) standing up to outsiders, v) promoting environmental management in the long term, and vi) maintaining funding. Our experiences suggest that small scale fishers can be effective natural resource managers in low income contexts, but may need extended support from outsiders; however the role of supporting NGO is nuanced and complex.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here