Abstract

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely recognized as potentially effective strategies for the conservation of marine resources. However, developing and ensuring effective implementation of MPAs remains a challenge in most parts of the world. Therefore, new approaches enabling viable MPAs to be established and techniques to transition them to functional entities need to be designed. Learning from past experiences is fundamental to supporting the establishment of adaptive approaches to MPA efforts. In the US Virgin Islands, the St. Croix East End Marine Park (EEMP) provides a useful case study of a process that spans over forty years from concept to current state of implementation. Documentation of this progression by drawing on specific steps and processes undertaken and emphasizing the role of public and private sector participation provides a series of lessons learned. The information highlighted was compiled from interviews with a wide range of stakeholders, historical documents, surveys and multimedia accounts. Emphasis was given to ensuring that all stakeholder groups and opinions were equally represented in this documentation. Results show that a supportive political climate and opportunity coupled with stronger institutional partnerships and a participatory approach were essential ingredients for the creation of the EEMP. However, efforts to appease all constituents have repeatedly hindered the transition of the EEMP into an effectively managed marine protected area on St. Croix

PDF Preview