Applying a social-ecological well-being approach to enhance opportunities for marine protected area governance

Abstract

The design and implementation of ecologically effective marine protected areas (MPAs) are influenced by social acceptance and the impact of MPAs on communities. Integrative analyses of the social and ecological determinants of marine conservation efforts and MPA networks are lacking but are needed to achieve desired outcomes. We developed and applied a "socialecological well-being" (SEWB) approach to critically examine the linkages between MPAs and well-being in Southwest New Brunswick (Bay of Fundy, Canada). SEWB is defined as a social-ecological system state in which ecological resilience is sustained, while human needs are met and the quality of life of individuals is maintained. We examined (1) how stakeholders perceive benefits and costs of MPAs in relation to SEWB, and (2) how well-being insights contribute to the effectiveness of MPA governance. Using a qualitative case study approach, we conducted 49 semistructured interviews and 4 focus groups with fishers and other key informants at an existing MPA, as well as at an ecologically and biologically significant area that is a candidate for a future MPA. We identified 15 attributes of SEWB that related to MPAs, such as fishery access, community relations, place identity, and natural capital. Three key governance insights for decision makers emerged from the identification of these attributes: (1) displacement attributable to MPAs has implications across material, relational, subjective, and ecological dimensions; (2) effective collaboration is critical for community support, but perspectives about what constitutes effective collaboration may vary across stakeholder groups; and (3) aspects of MPA design fit poorly with the local context because they do not take social and ecological dynamics into account. Our findings empirically demonstrate the applicability of the SEWB framework, suggest a need to focus more on governance processes and improving fit, and highlight barriers to aligning national and local conservation priorities.

Evaluating the social and ecological effectiveness of partially protected marine areas

“…2018; Brueckner‐Irwin et al. 2019). Partially protected areas may be warranted for socioeconomic or political reasons (Sciberras et al.…”

“…2018; Brueckner‐Irwin et al. 2019), it is unclear whether this applies in PPAs. Partially protected areas have more complex regulations than FPAs because some extraction activities are permitted but not others, so they may be more difficult to understand, comply with, and enforce (Roberts et al.…”

How far have we come? A review of MPA network performance indicators in reaching qualitative elements of Aichi Target 11

“…It is not surprising that ecological outputs are most often assessed to determine MPA network effectiveness since MPAs are meant to protect biodiversity and ecological processes. However, achieving ecological outcomes often depends on an array of social, economic, and governance factors (Ban et al., 2019; Brueckner‐Irwin, Armitage, & Courtenay, 2019; Yates et al., 2019). Evaluating these factors may help understand root causes of stakeholder cooperation and acceptance, and improve concerns of legitimacy (Dehens & Fanning 2018) and equitable sharing of benefits (Franks & Small 2016; White et al., 2005).…”

Relationships Matter: Assessing the Impacts of a Marine Protected Area on Human Wellbeing and Relational Values in Southern Tanzania

“…Yet, gear and area restrictions required SSFs to fish in new environments and to use new techniques, which required larger boats, larger crews, and new market relations. The processes of relearning new environments and new fishing techniques devalued SSFs lived, everyday experience and local ecological knowledge directly challenging their relational wellbeing (Brueckner-Irwin et al, 2019). The shared struggle of SSFs to maintain and reassert their customary right to resource access and occupancy has united fishers in a common cause against the MPA, as seen elsewhere (Sowman, 2011).…”