Working with local authorities (City Hall, Military and National Police) required prior strategic meetings and training of their personnel. Training prepared the military personnel for assistance in night patrols throughout the season, providing security to our employees whilst also sensitising them to conservation practices. It is common to receive job applications from military personnel after they have finished their service due to this experience and sensitisation. Meetings with the city hall and national police allow the conservation strategy to be shared, allowing for more effective response to infractions during the season. Whilst this was an uncommon event, even those infrequent encounters allowed for engagement and sensitisation of police officers and technicians of the council. Community engagement through initiatives such as the partnership with the local fishermen’s associations, was successful in sensitisation of a key community in conservation practices. This was achieved through giving incentives to the association (e.g. donation of material) in return for volunteer patrols of a beach neighbouring the MPA of Costa Fragata.
Contact and training with the relevant authorities; City hall, Military, National Police. An established connection with the community groups targeted through previous partnerships/projects or a spokesperson within that community that can encourage their community to partake in such initiatives. Continuous communication and follow up with all stakeholders throughout the project implementation and after through alternative means of sensitisation.
Direct employment is not necessarily the best and only option to engage with the local community. Constant presence before, during and after project implementation is key to a strong partnership or sensitization effect within the community and the stakeholders. Understanding the motivations or requirements of targeted communities and stakeholders can allow for a stronger, longer lasting partnership. The more knowledge and skills that can be shared in preparation for implementation of the project allows for a more effective implementation of the strategy. An example in this case, with the training of the military prior to the initiation of the patrols, a greater level of participation and interest was observed from the soldiers.