Theme 2 Developing MPA networks Particular thanks to: Theme 2 Concurrent Session Rapporteurs,

1. I M P A C 1 G E E L O N G A U S T R A L I A 2 0 0 5 Theme 2 Developing MPA networks Particular thanks to: Theme 2 Concurrent Session Rapporteurs, Dan Laffoley, Gilly Llewellyn

2. I M P A C 1 Preamble • MPA networks have the potential to impact people’s livelihoods across a range of sectors. • Building more effective MPA networks is a fundamental requirement in order to achieve effective marine conservation; however actions need to be taken in conjunction with: •  Sustainable resource use • Integrated Oceans & Coastal Management • Reductions in land sourced & ocean sourced pollution • Top down planning processes & effective efforts at the local scale; and • Targeted education programs & communications

3. I M P A C 1 MPA networks In relation to building MPA networks, experience shows that the following elements are important or critical: • Learning through doing, connected with adaptive management • Using best available science • The science should be usable and understandable by stakeholders & wider community • Meaningful early and targeted public engagement • A clear, structured and transparent process, with realistic timescales for the engagement of stakeholders, Indigenous people, and the wider public

4. I M P A C 1 Developing MPA networks Key Recommendations The presentations and discussions in Theme 2 made many recommendations, which are best grouped under either: • Ecological • Economic • Social • Spatial • Temporal • Scientific • Institutional  This guidance should stem from the IUCN definition of a MPA and will explicitly define a MPA network.

5. I M P A C 1 Developing MPA networks Key Recommendations Ecologically • need forcomprehensive, adequate & representative networks •   consider connectivity, sustainable development, & issues like connectivity and resilience • realistic time-scales & a transparent, structured approach • need for a clear problem statement

6. I M P A C 1 Developing MPA networks Key Recommendations Economically • need to establish clear goals and objectives, - ambitious, measurable and verifiable •   a balanced & proportioned approach to resource protection driven by the precautionary principle • consider resource allocation issues & displacement of existing uses • flexibility in approach, depending on socio-economic setting, and cultural & political context

7. I M P A C 1 Developing MPA networks Key Recommendations Socially • importance of education to inform the public, stakeholders and Indigenous people, and gain their support •  actively seek the views, experience and support of other sectors (particularly fisheries managers) • invest significant time up front to build formal & informal relationships with Indigenous peoples, local communities & the wider public - foster trust and respect

8. I M P A C 1 Developing MPA networks Key Recommendations Socially (cont) • appropriate targeting of messages relevant to the audience •  importance of a champion, good leadership, and building political will for the MPA network • local information can sometimes provide more reliable and comprehensive than formal reports • effective policies supporting MPA networks are underpinned by effective public participation

9. I M P A C 1 Developing MPA networks Key Recommendations Spatially  Recogniseneed for significant scaling up of effort in all regions if the 2012 target is to be met: •  match policies and action on developing MPA networks to the large ecological scales involved • networks should be developed as an integrated & integral element of wider ocean/coastal management • utilize international instruments, programs and conventions to facilitate progress

10. I M P A C 1 Developing MPA networks Key Recommendations Temporally • best practice may be represented by implementing an entire network in one go, while in other situations, an incremental process may be more appropriate

11. I M P A C 1 Developing MPA networks Key Recommendations Scientific • acknowledge and use science, traditional ecological knowledge and socio-economic information •  use the best available science to underpin network development • current world database on MPAs is deficient and there is a need to obtain better data on MPAs • capture, and share globally,current experiences & best practices • DSS’s are valuable, but do not replace human judgement and will not provide a final solution

12. I M P A C 1 Developing MPA networks Key Recommendations Institutional • recognize the limitation that MPAs are unable to address certain threats, and efforts must be made to coordinate with other relevant agencies •  effective MPA networks need to involve a ‘top down’ planning process, combined with ‘bottom up’ communityefforts • where jurisdictional or ownership issues occur, all parties should work to identify & progress common conservation goals • long term success of a network relies on an effective process by responsible focused agencies undertaking a consistent long-term program of MPA planning

13. I M P A C 1 What is a MPA network? A group or system of MPAs that: • when considered collectively, fulfils ecological aims more effectively and comprehensively than individual MPAs can achieve on their own; • provides for the effective protection of large-scale ecological processes and patterns; and • effectively enhances the management effects, and the social and economic benefits, over a broader area.