Documentation and dissemination of results

Post training monitoring of progress and feedback

The monitoring of the interpretive efforts over time is essential as it provides continued reinforcement that the interpretation is working. Furthermore, it also acts as an opportunity for the operators to come together and discuss openly challenges faced, challenges overcome and success stories they have enjoyed. Learning from each other is the best possible feedback and having a facilitated opportunity to do this makes it realistic and beneficial to the overall effort of protecting the marine resources. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) took on the responsibility of monitoring the interpretive efforts. The KWS was able to oversee a few meetings with various operators to discuss progress but sadly the monitoring momentum slowed down after the initial meetings.

Having regular meetings is essential. Do not assume that since the interpretive efforts are working well 2 weeks after the workshop that they will continue to do so for many more weeks thereafter. Continual reinforcement is a necessity.

In this particular solution the feedback sessions were appointed to a third party. Sadly this third party did not uphold their commitment to host these feedback sessions and as a result the interpretive efforts gradually reduced over time. When the same workshop was conducted in another Kenyan marine park efforts were made to maintain these feedback sessions and as a result interpretive efforts worked better over the long run.

Monitoring

Documentation and dissemination of results

Review phase

Local

Interpretive tools to influence behavior

Distribution of materials on the reef environment to snorkel operators.

Sander den Haring

Distribution of materials on the reef environment to snorkel operators.

Sander den Haring

Distribution of materials on the reef environment to snorkel operators.

Sander den Haring

Distribution of materials on the reef environment to snorkel operators.

Sander den Haring

To facilitate the interpretive efforts reaching the snorkeling clients a set of materials was designed and created to be used by the snorkel operators. This set of materials included: a 20-sided, A3, waterproof flip chart depicting organized information on the reef environment, a double sided water proof marine life identification slate, a salesman folder (used to sell excursions in a more organized and professional manner), flags used to brand the boats that undertook the training and deliver interpretive efforts, a uniform branded with the workshop logo and sign boards placed along the beach explaining what the branded logo stands for (so clients can choose their boats accordingly) and also depicting the newly developed code of conduct all boats will adhere to. This code of conduct was developed during the workshop in one of the group discussions.

Available funding for material production and free distribution of materials.

It is important to create easy to use and clear materials that any of the target audience (in this case coastal snorkel boat operators) can use. Apart from just designing these materials, it is essential that training be included in how to use these materials. This offers the target audience an opportunity to ask questions about the materials or overcome their fears of not understanding what each material is used for. The training session described above was essential in making the target audience more comfortable with the materials. Some of the participants who were too shy during the training to make use of this practice session were not seen using the materials after the workshop. Showing the target audience how easy it is to use these materials is very important.

Implementation

Monitoring

Documentation and dissemination of results

Local

Subnational

National

Community data collection and participatory analysis

Kisiwa Panza Village Fishers Committee participatory analysis workshop

Mwambao

Kisiwa Panza Village Fishers Committee participatory analysis workshop

Mwambao

Training data recorders in Kukuu, Pemba

Mwambao

Kisiwa Panza Village Fishers Committee participatory analysis workshop

Mwambao

This building block relates to the ownership and in situ analysis of collected monitoring data. At the pilot site, four village school-leavers were recruited and trained to record data on octopus catches at each of two landing sites. Training was given in weighing and measuring the catch of 30 fishers/day over the 16 main fishing days of the lunar month (spring tides). Data books were then submitted monthly to the data logger; a local school teacher who was trained in excel using a laptop computer. Project leaders kept in regular contact with data recorders and the results were checked to identify problems at an early stage. After 8 months of recording, two parameters were chosen by which to examine the results of the exercise with the recording team: total catch per fishing period for both landing sites, and average size of octopus per fishing period. Recorders were shown how to make bar-charts to display the results. A detailed discussion with project leaders explored what the data and trends might suggest. The data recorders then visited the headquarters of the Department for Fisheries Development and presented their results. An ensuing discussion explored the implications for management and any changes suggested.

Members of the community that can read and write in order to be able to make written records of catch data
Buyers who are amenable to their catch being weighed and recorded at the landing site
A community member who can be trained to log data on a laptop
Regular support and interest in the work of the data recorders by project leaders
A supporting partner/project leader who can facilitate simple analysis of data collected in a participatory manner

Data recorders need a thorough understanding of the data to be collected and of the importance of correct recordings. (People’s exact names and ages, as well as the time spent fishing are important so that fishing effort can be calculated for instance).
Regular logging and checking of data is crucial so that mistakes or misunderstandings can be picked up early and corrected accordingly (use of a restricted entry form (macro) helps minimize errors).
Participatory analysis of data needs to be given adequate time and kept at a level that is easily assimilated and presented.
Participatory analysis of data gives the data recorders and the Village Fisheries Committee pride and confidence in their work and raises their standing with Fisheries Department officers. It also gives them evidence/references for discussion of future management options with the community.

Monitoring

Documentation and dissemination of results

Review phase

Local

Alternative livelihoods

Shrimp farming cage

Jonas Kemajou Syapze

Shrimp farming and cassava cultivation to reduce the pressure on mangroves and increase the resilience of women to climate change impacts.

Only available in French. To read this section in French, please download the document "Blue Solution Template in French: ‘Alternative à la dégradation des mangroves et mieux-être des femmes’” from the bottom of this page, under 'Resources'.

Documentation and dissemination of results

Local

National

Blue Solution Template in French: ‘Alternative à la dégradation des mangroves et mieux-être des femmes’

Community management

Amelioration and adaptation of smoking ovens

Jonas Kemajou Syapze

Smoking ovens before and after the project

Jonas Kemajou Syapze

Women organized in initiative groups in each community. Community saving allowing for the regeneration of 3 ha of mangrove forest.

Implementation

Documentation and dissemination of results

Local

National

Blue Solution Template in French: ‘Alternative à la dégradation des mangroves et mieux-être des femmes’

Critical reflection and review

Reflection and review gives room to an evaluation of the learning and change that has occurred and the contributing factors. It is an essential part of the process to ensure that learning continues. Engaging in a critical reflection and review of the changes that have happened enables dissonance borders to be stretched and for participants to acknowledge mistakes and successes and to be able to determine the reasons why. Through engaging in a reflexive practice, new influences and pressures were also considered as benefits and or constraints. These then informed subsequent actions.

Synthesizing information, creating space for knowledge learning and sharing of experiences to understand and change outcomes from local people’s perspectives. Understanding the different roles and responsibilities has proven to strengthen relationships necessary for sustainable prosperity of interactions locally and globally.

Lesson learning has been a priority from the outset and the project adopted a participatory action framework for its evaluation. A range of data collection methods was used, ranging from informal discussions and focus groups to photo-voice exercises. As the data and lessons learned were through a collaborative process, so the shift toward sustainable change outcomes was also collaborative, highlighting the importance of shared learning and importance of creating space for a deliberative dialogue between different participants. This reflexive approach ensures those lessons are continually learned collaboratively and that sustainable change and adaptation become synonymous.

Monitoring

Documentation and dissemination of results

Review phase

Local

Subnational

Official website of Sazani

Awareness raising among challenged stakeholders

Presenting the Maritime Atlas.

Presentation of the programme.

The challenge of sustainable governance of marine and coastal resources and territories has recently emerged in Mauritania. Definitely there is still a lack of understanding about what is at stake (environmental, social and economic levels). Therefore our programme invests in awareness raising among challenged stakeholders like the civil servants, fishermen, coastal communities, local NGOs… through: (i) production and up keeping of communication tools (flyers, film, posters, websites, social networks, newsletter), (ii) training courses, conferences…

Communication represents an important task which has to be taken into account regarding the financial and human resources of the programme

The facebook page is a real success
Images have more impacts than big reports!
It is sometimes difficult to find skilled professionals in communication available in the country

Implementation

Documentation and dissemination of results

National

Multi-national

Official website of the Programme Biodiversity, Oil and Gas

Facebook: Programme Biodiversity, Oil and Gas

Film “Immersion en Terre Inconnue”

Scientific data for decision making

Out on the sea.

ProGRN Mauritania, GIZ

Data collection

Implementing a marine spatial planning without knowing territories and resources is meaningless. Major breakthroughs in Mauritanian marine environment knowledge have been made recently that confirm scientific research is highly necessary to set a course towards clean and rich seas. Therefore several tools are necessary to adjust policies to the local context (sea uses regulations, norms and standards…). This is the reason why the programme BOG has supported national stakeholders to consolidate existing knowledge and design research programs to map vulnerable zones. As a result a Maritime Atlas of Vulnerable Sea Areas in Mauritania has been issued in French, Arabic and English. The program also initiated a set of ship-based surveys to assess seabirds and marine mammals off Mauritanian coasts: a key factor to understand and, thus, protect, marine biodiversity. In addition, a monitoring and early warning system for micro-contaminants has been designed and is now operating under the supervision of a coordination of 6 national institutions. Sediments, fish, bivalves, crabs, water are sampled and chemical as well as bioassays and biomarkers analyses were made in order to establish baseline levels of micro-contaminants.

Existing capacities among local scientific institutions was a real asset
International networking with scientific institutes (increase publication capacity, value local research…)
The objectives of the ministry of environment to set up national norms and standards also eased the process

English as the international scientific language is a real challenge in such country
Technical institutions won’t naturally take the lead for the monitoring and early warning system. The project needs to think of a more workable organization
New mission and mandate are not considered as such as soon as financial partners are identified…
As a consequence the main lesson learnt: appropriation unfortunately strongly depends on money

Implementation

Documentation and dissemination of results

National

Multi-national

Maritime Atlas of Vulnerable Sea areas in Mauritania

Film "Une journée à bord du bateau Al Awam"

Cruise report of the ship-based seabird and marine mammal surveys off Mauritani…

Mapping Terra Incognita

Brochure "Monitoring"

Monitoring of Mauritanian Marien Environment Quality

Data request form

Scientific results and data are often published in formats that managers cannot access or find challenging to process and extract directly useful information (e.g. scientific publications). Once managers know what data they need to inform management (have thought through objectives and indicators), they can create a data request form asking researchers for the specific data most relevant to MPA management and in the format managers are using to allow rapid understanding and integration into existing databases.

Training in understanding marine and coastal ecosystems. Managers know what data they need for management. Scientists are willing to share data (may require memorandum of understanding – as part of data request form – specifying how data will be used).

Managers are frequently frustrated by lack of access to data collected in their MPAs. Scientists often do provide data, but in formats not preferred by managers. We surveyed MPA managers from 8 nations to determine how they would like to receive data from managers, then helped them develop data request forms reflecting their needs, and in the units that they understand. Researchers have expressed willingness to complete these forms, especially when they contain an memorandum of understanding indicating that data will be used for management and not in publications or presentations without prior consent and acknowledgements. This has increased access of data by managers.

Planning phase

Monitoring

Documentation and dissemination of results

Review phase

Local

National

Locally managed marine areas

Traditional fisher

Traditional fishers

Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) are zones managed by coastal communities to help protect fisheries and safeguard biodiversity. Through the use of Dina – customary laws that are recognised by the Government of Madagascar –partner communities have designed effective rules that can be enforced locally to ban destructive fishing practices, protect endangered species and designate priority marine areas for protection. To ensure the long-term financial sustainability of LMMAs, a variety of mechanisms including marine ecotourism programmes, seafood supply chain incentive schemes, eco-certifications for sustainable fisheries, and payment for ecosystem services are developed. Velondriake is Madagascar’s first LMMA where elected representatives from 25 villages have put in place a management plan that includes permanent reserves, temporary octopus fishery closures, community-based aquaculture of seaweed and sea cucumbers, all regulated through a series of locally developed and enforced rules (Dina). Preliminary protected status was granted by the Government of Madagascar in 2010 and definitive protected status was successfully acquired in 2015.

Community motivation for creating LMMAs has been established throughtemporary octopus fishery closures, which boost octopus landings and fisher incomes. The legal basis for LMMAs is the use of Dina – customary laws recognised by the Government – with additional frameworks allowing LMMAs to be formally designated as community managed protected area. Effective community management is supported through Madagascar’s national LMMA network, which facilitates exchanges and forums to share experiences.

Managing fisheries and marine resources works best when responsibility is placed in the hands of local communities. This is particularly true in low-income countries where there is often limited capacity and infrastructure for fisheries management and marine conservation. Our experience in Madagascar has shown that peer-to-peer learning is a highly effective tool for building local capacity and confidence in marine conservation.

Implementation

Monitoring

Documentation and dissemination of results

Local

Subnational

National

Locally led marine conservation (webpage)

Locally led marine conservation - putting communities at the heart of marine ma…

MIHARI - Madagascar Locally Managed Marine Area Network (website)