Map of project area study sites in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay Lessons in developing a dugong and seagrass conservation management plan for the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay in Sri Lanka The dugong is a protected species in Sri Lanka but highly threatened due to hunting and fishing activities. The project titled ‘Development of a multiple community-based marine resources management plan in the Gulf of Mannar’ was implemented by IUCN from June 2015 to October 2018. The project area includes the largest seagrass meadows in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay within the coastal waters of Sri Lanka. The main objectives were to establish community conservation groups in the project area to support conservation, to review and understand the existing policy framework and identify policy gaps, to establish a marine protected area dedicated to the conservation of seagrass meadows and to develop a management plan for the conservation of the dugong and seagrasses. IUCN is a membership union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. IUCN Sri Lanka Country Office was established in 1988 and the National Governing Committee include government and non-government members. IUCN Sri Lanka Country Office implements a diverse portfolio of conservation projects throughout the country to protect species, reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being. The programmes cover conservation and management of critical habitats, policy/legal and institutional support, environmental awareness and education and provides technical support for sustainable development. Map of project area study sites in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay Three conservation groups were formed at Vidattaltivu, Arippu and Kudawa/Kandakuliya consisting of 69 individuals. The majority were young fishermen. Conservation relevant information was disseminated through lectures and discussions. A leaflet and poster was published as well as a Facebook page for informing and influencing the public and other stakeholders. Reports were prepared on the community governance structures, policy review and gap analysis. A draft management plan was prepared. Results of a study conducted in 2017 to test the attitudes of fishers towards conservation to assess the long-term support for conservation revealed that 90 % of the respondents agreed that resources are dwindling and that fishing would not be sustainable in the future. Conservation awareness was high; 85 % stated that marine resources need protection and 90 % responded that marine resources have to be sustainably utilised. More than 80 % of the fishermen were aware that many marine species are threatened including the Dugong. More than 90% agreed that they are willing to support conservation. Lack of law enforcement and poor management continue to affect conservation. Conservation success over the long-term depends on effective community support through empowerment, by involving them in a partnership in management. The necessary framework to facilitate these arrangements lie with the government departments. There is a lack of trust between the management authorities and fishers. Communities are reluctant to support management in the absence of law enforcement to stop illegal and destructive fishing. It was difficult to obtain community support to establish marine protected areas as most fishermen were reluctant to support the establishment of marine protected areas fearing that they will lose their livelihoods. Collecting data from fishers in Vidattaltivu Discussions with a community conservation group in Arippu To work with the communities to obtain their support to establish and manage the three areas identified for establishing marine protected areas. IUCN will support the formation of community conservation groups throughout the project area and in other parts of the country to build a network of conservation oriented young fishermen and others in coastal communities. IUCN will promote public - private sector and community partnerships in conservation efforts and continue to support the community conservation groups formed in the project area. Management planning meeting Proposed MPAs