MPA Networks Twinning
About
The ‘Cooperation and common strategy between MPA networks of managers in the Atlantic Region’ twinning is designed to strengthen existing MPA networks and support their common actions, including both technical and policy support/advocacy components.
Networks of MPA managers are catalysts and facilitators for the development of well-managed ecological MPA networks. They are recognised for their capacity to respond to MPA managers’ needs and for being a platform of knowledge production and sharing. Working together, regional MPA managers’ networks have the potential to move the MPA agenda forward. They also share common challenges, such as how to guarantee their activities can continue in the medium and long term.
The main priorities of the twinning – given their relevance, priority and feasibility – are the following:
- sharing information, knowledge and tools;
- building network capacity;
- policy support/advocacy; and
- financing MPA managers’ networks.
Aims during the project:
- Expand the Transatlantic MPA Networks twinning by inviting new partners.
- Update and implement the Common Strategy of Atlantic MPA networks of managers with the main focus on the policy support/advocacy role of MPA networks and the strengthening of their structures.
- Enhance the policy support/advocacy activity of the MPA networks of managers in both national and international processes, and facilitate voices of managers to be heard.
- Explore a more active role of regional MPA networks to support thematic networking. Implement technical exchanges on the role of MPA networks in supporting MPA management for the conservation of migratory species, restoration of habitats, fundraising, or the links between ocean conservation and health.
- Integrate the knowledge and results of the other two twinning projects on resilience and marine mammals.
Partners
The main partners of this twinning include the following regional networks of MPA managers and national MPA agencies:
CaMPAM (Caribbean), MedPAN, NAMPAN, RAMPAO, OSPAR (North East Atlantic), Forum for the Conservation of the Patagonian Sea and areas of influence (South West Atlantic), REDPARQUES – Marine and Coastal Group (Latin America), CONANP Mexico, French Biodiversity Agency (France), Fundación Biodiversidad (Spain), NOAA USA-NAMPAN, D.G. Biodiversity-Dominican Republic, National Natural Parks of Colombia, Océanos Sanos (Uruguay), Departamento de Rocha (Uruguay), National Parks Senegal, Community MPAs Senegal, HELCOM.
Images: (top) Bermuda. Credit: The Ocean Agency. (right) MPA Networks Twinning video call. Credit: Ocean Governance project.
MPA Networks Twinning
Video: Networks of MPA managers – Making the Difference. Credit: Ocean Governance project.
Desk Study: Evaluation Framework for Marine Protected Area Manager Networks
This desk study has been written with the intention to evaluate and systematise the effectiveness of MPA Manager Networks, and it considers the dimensions of Marine Protected Area (MPA) Manager Networks that can be used in a self-evaluation of effectiveness. To inform the work of this study, interviews were conducted with MPA manager network managers and partners across the Atlantic, and a new network in the Indian Ocean. Based on the interviews, themes were identified and developed into an evaluation framework for MPA manager networks.
You can download and read the full study below.
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The relationship with the Ocean Governance project has opened a range of opportunities to learn from good experiences in other regions and to show what we do from CMAR. It has also allowed the creation of alliances to apply methodologies adopted from other Ocean Governance members in the Eastern Tropical Pacific region.
Jose Julio Casas, CMAR
The participation of SPAW-RAC in the Ocean Governance project has allowed us to learn from experiences and good practices of our counterparts related to the creation of networks of protected area managers, their good management, or their evaluation. Our participation in this project allows us on the one hand to feed our work of creation and coordination of network of managers of SPAW protected areas in the Caribbean. On the other hand, this global initiative allows us to underline the importance of the regional scale, and thus to put forward the role of the SPAW RAC, in a more global context of protection of the oceans and marine and coastal biodiversity.
Lucie Labbouz, SPAW-RAC
The Ocean Governance project has enabled the MedPAN network to be connected to other MPA manager networks and to discover other experiences that can enrich our work in the Mediterranean. The project has also enabled us to have a common voice and greater visibility at international events (IMPAC, CBD, UN Ocean Conference) in order to promote the value of MPA manager networks.
Marie Romani, MedPAN
The OG project has provided me with a community, which in turn has provided both perspective and concrete actionable ideas and practices from other areas and networks that I’m now exploring implementing in my region. It also provides an opportunity to network with peers and find inspiration and support.
Jannica Haldin, HELCOM