Progress in Achieving Goals of Governance, Participation, Equity and Benefit Sharing in Relation to Marine Protected Areas Chandrika Sharma International Collective in Support of Fishworkers The Oceans Day at Nagoya, 21 October 2010

SSF: biodiversity concerns? Small-scale fishing communities have long demanded action to protect and manage coastal and marine habitats and resources They have taken initiatives, as part of traditional and more recent systems, to conserve and manage resources These have included struggles and campaigns against destructive developments on the coast, and against destructive fishing gear Communities must be seen as allies and partners in conserving and managing coastal and marine resources

CBD and Marine Protected Areas The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has a target of bringing at least 10 per cent of oceans under protection by Programme Element 2of Protected Area Programme of Work (PA PoWPA) stresses: –full and effective participation of, and full respects for the rights of indigenous and local communities –Ensuring equity and benefit-sharing –Need to recognize traditional knowledge –Need to recognize different governance types

Protected Area PoW (Decision VII/28) Programme Element 2 on Governance, participation, equity and benefit-sharing Goal To promote equity and benefit- sharing Target: Establish by 2008 mechanisms for the equitable sharing of both costs and benefits arising from the establishment and management of protected areas

Protected Area PoW (Decision VII/28) Programme Element 2 on Governance, participation, equity and benefit-sharing Goal To enhance and secure involvement of indigenous and local communities and relevant stakeholders Target: Full and effective participation by 2008, of indigenous and local communities, in full respect of their rights and recognition of their responsibilities, consistent with national law and applicable international obligations, and the participation of relevant stakeholders, in the management of existing, and the establishment and management of new, protected areas

PoW on marine and coastal biodiversity Should contribute directly to poverty alleviation (MDGs); Should protect the preferential access rights of small-scale and artisanal fishers and fishworkers to traditional fishing grounds and resources Should promote an ecosystem approach

Progress in achieving goals? GBO-3 Significant increase in the coverage of protected areas, both terrestrial and marine' Programme element 2 remains the most under-implemented part of the programme Progress in achieving goals 2.1 and 2.2 way behind target

Progress in achieving goals? Studies undertaken by ICSF indicative In several countries SSF communities do not consider themselves equal partners (Tanzania, Thailand, Senegal, India, SA…) There have been clear costs for communities— expulsion from traditional fishing grounds and living spaces, arrests and other forms of human/ community rights violation—with few perceived real benefits. There is resistance to MPAs among local communities, violations of rules and regulations, continuation of illegal fishing, undermining the effectiveness of the MPA itself.

Progress in achieving goals? Achievements of both goals of biodiversity conservation and human wellbeing are being compromised Calling for higher target for areas under coverage meaningless if governance issues are not addressed Urgent need to meet targets under Programme Element 2—on governance, participation, equity and benefit sharing This is also an obligation under CBD, under human rights law, MDGs...