From 23 April to 3 May 2025, the Hifadhi Blu Programme convened its first Collaborative Design Workshops with four grantees across the Western Indian Ocean. These workshops brought together management teams from:<\/p>\n
The goal: to collaboratively refine project strategies for improving marine protected area (MPA) management effectiveness<\/strong>, using tailored, site-based approaches grounded in systems thinking and stakeholder-led design.<\/p>\n Facilitated by Advanced Conservation Strategies<\/em><\/a> and supported by WIOMSA<\/em><\/a>, the workshops supported grantees in co-developing:<\/p>\n Highlights from the Site Workshops<\/strong><\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 Mombasa, Kenya (April 23\u201324)<\/strong> \ud83d\udd39 Seychelles (April 26\u201327)<\/strong> \ud83d\udd39 Comoros (May 2\u20133)<\/strong> \ud83d\udd39 Addo, South Africa (April 29\u201330)<\/strong> Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n These workshops mark a critical step in transitioning Hifadhi Blu projects from concept to implementation. They have laid the foundation for:<\/p>\n As Cohort 1 enters the implementation phase, the lessons from these workshops will inform the next cohorts\u2014ensuring that every intervention is locally rooted, systems-informed, and focused on tangible improvements in MPA management effectiveness.<\/p>\n Stay tuned as we share updates from each site and follow the journey of these locally-led, technically supported efforts to transform marine conservation in the Western Indian Ocean.<\/p>\n\n
\nWith a focus on creating a roadmap for a high-quality, inclusive management plan<\/strong>, the KWS team used structured group activities to identify and prioritize key information gaps, design a phased plan development approach, and integrate financial sustainability considerations into the planning process. The workshop built upon Kenya\u2019s Protected Areas Planning Framework (PAPF)<\/strong>, leveraging existing structures while creating space for innovation<\/p>\n
\nThe SPGA team applied systems thinking tools to design interventions across enforcement and science-based monitoring. Discussions emphasized the need for integrated monitoring, data-informed enforcement, and institutional learning through regional exchanges.<\/p>\n
\nWILDTRUST presented on the unique co-management model of the Mitsamiouli\u2013Ndroud\u00e9 MPA and discussed strengthening its co-management and participatory governance. The workshop emphasized community engagement as key pathways to effective management.<\/p>\n
\nThe SANParks team worked to develop a systems-informed strategy to address illegal marine resource extraction and enforcement challenges<\/strong> in the Addo MPA. Workshop discussions focused on the use of targeted enforcement technology<\/strong>, SCUBA-based ecological monitoring<\/strong>, ranger training<\/strong>, and community outreach<\/strong> as mutually reinforcing interventions. The process helped clarify how each action contributes to strengthened site protection and how their impact will be monitored over time.<\/p>\n\n