Kids in village nearby Mohéli Marine Park
Revitalizing community engagement in park management
- Local community engagement in the park’s decision-making and management has been revitalized, based on experiences from Madagascar, which permit ongoing and active participation of community members in implementation, with involvement and buy-in to projects developed to support management activities. The regular dialogue between protected area and village representatives provides information on the activities of the protected area; allows for presentations of results from research; and raises issues and challenges that need a management response. In parallel, the park acts as an intermediary with donors to facilitate the financing of activities and amenities in the villages.
1. Trust and reciprocity: between protected area staff and community members
2. Top-down and bottom-up political will to engage and improve performance to meet challenges
3. Understanding that protection activities are in the interest of national and global donors, but should ultimately satisfy local development and regional and national priorities
4. ‘Early wins’ – target areas of governance and decision-making that will show the highest chances of early and immediate success, such as octopus fisheries and prevention of water source contamination.
The protected area began in 2001 with an open process for community participation. This was eroded and systems became marginal. By 2014, only a shadow of the former arrangements remained, while the challenges facing local communities and PA staff were greater. However, the chief lesson learned is that even where there is an echo of past success, it can be recovered by focusing on what worked.
Secondly, momentum is important, but taking time is more so. Trust cannot be rebuilt in one day, by one project or group. Collaboration needs to be inclusive and work at the pace of the ‘slowest’ party. One lesson is to focus on some short-term ‘wins’ as well as a longer term goal, in tandem. In this case, convincing all parties that reef closures can work was best exemplified by the octopus fishery, which can recover rapidly. By demonstrating a benefit after a short period of engagement, more trust is invested into longer-term gains as well.