Since the efficacy of MPAs heavily depends on their effective governance and management, a multidisciplinary team of MPA practitioners reviewed the governance and management of MPAs and their history in South Africa, recognising four distinct development periods from 1964 to the present. Progress in MPA governance and management was assessed over these periods for 17 critical components. Fifteen components showed improvement—including legislation and policies, MPA establishment, planning and design, and staff training and skills—whereas progress for most other components was weaker. Zero net gains were recorded for enforcement and compliance, and for staff numbers. Recommendations are provided, with eight critical needs identified to help inform the improvement of MPA government and management effectiveness in South Africa: (1) specify detailed objectives for every MPA; (2) fast-track management plans for new MPAs; (3) improve law enforcement and compliance; (4) enhance participation of adjacent communities and other stakeholders; (5) address MPA-related social impacts and injustices, and improve benefit sharing; (6) ensure financial sustainability; (7) strengthen evaluations of management effectiveness; (8) improve cooperation between government authorities responsible for MPAs and fisheries. Since similar issues have been observed in many countries, this work could also help inform practices across the WIO region.
Links: tinyurl.com/sampa2023