In the heart of the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO), a groundbreaking initiative is underway to maximize biodiversity conservation across spatially fragmented Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Recognized globally as a hotspot of endemism and biodiversity, the SWIO basin is home to diverse marine ecosystems crucial for the preservation of the region’s natural heritage.
At the core of this initiative is the exploration of ecological connectivity, a vital yet underexplored element in the design of MPAs. Ecological connectivity governs the movement of marine species across fragmented habitats during various life stages. To bolster conservation efforts and ensure the success of MPAs, a powerful regional network is essential, one that links management actions and propels daring initiatives toward shared conservation goals.
To bridge this critical gap in knowledge, a collaborative regional research call for proposals, SIOMPA 2023, has been launched. This initiative aims to support projects delving into the evolution, functioning, and dynamics of the socio-ecosystems of the region. Researchers across diverse scientific disciplines, spanning from physical and biological sciences to human, social, and economic sciences, will address pivotal questions:
- What harmonized environmental monitoring of MPAs is essential to support ecosystem and biodiversity conservation while benefiting human societies?
- How are the ecosystems of the region structured and connected?
- What anthropogenic impacts affect the ecological states of ecosystems, and what measures can be proposed to mitigate these impacts?
- What are the interconnections between the ecological state of ecosystems, protective measures, and the human populations within the studied socio-ecosystems?
This transdisciplinary regional research call will assess the efficiency of marine biodiversity conservation measures, considering aspects like connectivity and the expected impacts of climate change. Supported by esteemed organizations such as Agence Francaise de développement (AFD), Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR), Fundo Nacional de Investigação (FNI) from Mozambique, National Research Foundation (NRF) from South Africa, National Research Fund (NRF) from Kenya, and Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), this initiative promises a comprehensive exploration of marine ecosystems’ intricacies.
Each funding organization will champion teams from its respective country, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across borders. Furthermore, AFD may extend support to teams in Comoros, Madagascar, and Mauritius, broadening the scope of this transformative research endeavor.
Following the opening of the SIOMPA Joint call, a webinar will be performed online on October 18th, from 4-5 pm (UTC+02:00). This webinar will highlight:
- Topics of the call;
- Global eligibility rules;
- Questions/answers session.
Hurry, the closing date for submissions is November 30, 2023, at 14:00 CET. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the future of marine biodiversity conservation in the Southwest Indian Ocean.