Abstract

According to Article 7 of the SPAW Protocol (Cartagena Convention, UNEP Caribbean Environment Pro-gramme), Contracting Parties shall establish a list of protected areas to create a regional network of protected areas and develop cooperation programmes. The purpose of this List is to identify those areas that are of particular importance to the Wider Caribbean region, that are to be accorded priority for scientific and technical research pursuant to Article 17, and that are to be accorded priority for mutual assistance pursuant to Article 18, as well as to protect the listed areas from activities that would undermine the purposes for which they were listed. 18 Caribbean Protected Areas from six countries fulfiling the common guidelines and criteria adopted by the Parties and established pursuant to Article 21, are now listed under the SPAW Protocol. All significantly contribute to the conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity in theCaribbean, while targeting various and complimentary features, habitats and species. A specific database (http://www.spaw-palisting.org) has been developed and is managed by the Regional Activity Center for the SPAW Protocol (SPAW-RAC)to compile data on the protected areas listed and allow for specific statistics and analyses. A dedicated cooperation programme (2013-2014) is currently being developed by the SPAW Secretariat with CaMPAM and the SPAW RAC, in consultation with Parties and interested partners in order to support the 18 PAs and to promote the listing of other PAs under SPAW. Contact: [email protected]

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