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

2. 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 I M P A C 1

3. 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 I M P A C 1

4. 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. I M P A C 1

5. Developing MPA networks Key Recommendations Ecologically  need for comprehensive, 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 I M P A C 1

6. 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 I M P A C 1

7. 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 I M P A C 1

8. 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 I M P A C 1

9. Developing MPA networks Key Recommendations Spatially Recognise need 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 I M P A C 1

10. 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 I M P A C 1

11. 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 I M P A C 1

12. 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’ community efforts  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 I M P A C 1

13. 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. I M P A C 1