Abstract

We are faced with many problems in marine and coastal resource management, and we have many ideas to alleviate them. Actions to promote conservation and sustainable use of natural resources are more about people than the resources themselves, where solutions require changes in human behavior that can be achieved through successful partnerships (Reddy et al. 2017). Individually, our ideas for solutions stem from our local environment, the media, personal experience, culture, education, and values (Straka et al. 2018). Scaling up, to alter human behaviors in places or cultures that differ from our origin, requires acknowledgement of the needs and values of those new partners. Conservation is more likely to be long-lasting and far-reaching when the partnerships establish common goals that can be successfully exported, as well as practices that are flexible to differences in local conditions and attitudes (Gavin et al. 2018). Problems shared and appreciated by people from different parts of the local community can lead to strong local partnerships, but expanding to new communities can be difficult. For example, concern for the protection of a Nassau grouper aggregation off Little Cayman, BVI, brought conservation scientists and non-profit groups together with the Cayman Department of Environment and local dive resorts to conduct research and outreach that resulted in successful policies and recovery of the grouper for that island (Waterhouse et al. 2020). Thanks to extensive outreach, progressive protection policies are now nationwide. Protections have been accepted on nearby Cayman Brac, which is also showing signs of grouper recovery despite more intensive fishing pressure there, but acceptance of fishing restrictions has been slower and more variable on Grand Cayman, home to a larger community of traditional fishermen, a longer history of intensive fishing practices, and different attitudes towards ownership of natural resources. Finding common ground and shared values with all affected community members has been a key focus in the development of sustainable marine resource policy throughout the Cayman Islands. Scaling up successful practices and policies in fisheries management requires acknowledgement that the next island, nation, or region of the world has different cultures and values, governance, economies, and status of their fisheries. This requires flexibility, good listening, and awareness. Activities or conservation planning that worked well in one location may not work well in others, but if the final goals and overall vision are shared, cultures respected, and solutions are co-developed, conservation partnerships can be strong and successful at international scales. We are faced with many problems in marine and coastal resource management, and we have many ideas to alleviate them. Actions to promote conservation and sustainable use of natural resources are more about people than the resources themselves, where solutions require changes in human behavior that can be achieved through successful partnerships (Reddy et al. 2017). Individually, our ideas for solutions stem from our local environment, the media, personal experience, culture, education, and values (Straka et al. 2018). Scaling up, to alter human behaviors in places or cultures that differ from our origin, requires acknowledgement of the needs and values of those new partners. Conservation is more likely to be long-lasting and far-reaching when the partnerships establish common goals that can be successfully exported, as well as practices that are flexible to differences in local conditions and attitudes (Gavin et al. 2018). Problems shared and appreciated by people from different parts of the local community can lead to strong local partnerships, but expanding to new communities can be difficult. For example, concern for the protection of a Nassau grouper aggregation off Little Cayman, BVI, brought conservation scientists and non-profit groups together with the Cayman Department of Environment and local dive resorts to conduct research and outreach that resulted in successful policies and recovery of the grouper for that island (Waterhouse et al. 2020). Thanks to extensive outreach, progressive protection policies are now nationwide. Protections have been accepted on nearby Cayman Brac, which is also showing signs of grouper recovery despite more intensive fishing pressure there, but acceptance of fishing restrictions has been slower and more variable on Grand Cayman, home to a larger community of traditional fishermen, a longer history of intensive fishing practices, and different attitudes towards ownership of natural resources. Finding common ground and shared values with all affected community members has been a key focus in the development of sustainable marine resource policy throughout the Cayman Islands. Scaling up successful practices and policies in fisheries management requires acknowledgement that the next island, nation, or region of the world has different cultures and values, governance, economies, and status of their fisheries. This requires flexibility, good listening, and awareness. Activities or conservation planning that worked well in one location may not work well in others, but if the final goals and overall vision are shared, cultures respected, and solutions are co-developed, conservation partnerships can be strong and successful at international scales. Good ideas take root with strong local partnerships. Scaling up those good ideas and actions to regional or global levels requires flexibility to create a shared vision that includes: i) Clear, transferable goals, ii) Mutual understanding of values and motivation, respectful outreach and collaboration with stakeholders, iii) Clear communication among the partners, iv) Inclusive planning and implementation, and v) Commitment to long-term sustainability of the partnership. As we work together for a sustainable future, our respect for local needs and values should be coupled with an open mind about what “works”, and the best way to achieve that shared vision. Many thanks to GCFI for inviting me to speak at the 2019 symposium, and to my many inspirational partners in marine conservation.

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