Abstract

The Socio-economic monitoring by Caribbean Challenge MPA Managers project (CC SocMon project) implemented by the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES), at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, has been increasing the capacity for effective Marine Protected Area (MPA) management among Caribbean Challenge countries through promoting the use of social and economic monitoring data in MPA decision-making. Specific project outcomes include thirty-two trained MPA practitioners and seven initiated site assessment and monitoring programs across three Caribbean Challenge countries (Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia. CC SocMon MPA site assessments and monitoring are varied and have focused on differing socio-economic aspects of MPAs including determining current and potential alternative livelihood options and opportunities for MPA communities; collecting socio-economic data to inform management planning; identifying perceptions of changes and impacts that will accompany the introduction of management planning; collecting data on impacts, attitudes and perceptions trends of communities within and surrounding MPAs; determining MPA awareness; collecting data to guide strategies to mitigate the impacts of planned development on MPAs; and developing core indicators to assist with decision-making and effective management of MPAs.This paper reports on common socio-economic indicators chosen and developed by CC SocMon project sites and assesses those which stand out as being the most useful or feasible to measure.

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