Gabon’s network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) provides a blueprint that could be used in many other countries, experts say. Since announcing a new MPA network in 2014, Gabon has created 20 protected areas — increasing protection of Gabonese waters from less than 1% to 26%.

Since announcing a new MPA network in 2014, Gabon has created 20 protected areas — increasing protection of Gabonese waters from less than 1% to 26%.

The new paper — by Gabonese policymakers, NGOs and researchers from the University of Exeter — highlights the lessons from this work and its relevance elsewhere.

«A combination of factors made this MPA network possible, but a crucial first step was the creation by President Ali Bongo Ondimba of a government-led initiative called ‘Gabon Bleu’ in 2013,» said Dr Kristian Metcalfe, of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

«This sent out a clear signal that the Gabonese government wanted to develop an MPA network.

«That ensured all sectors — from government agencies to ocean resource users — were engaged in the planning process, and it gave confidence to external funders and the private sector to support the research that underpins the MPAs.

Story Source:
Materials provided by University of Exeter. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.