A region-wide initiative to streamline MPA management tools in the Mediterranean

MedPAN, RAC/SPA and WWF recently launched a study to improve MPA management tools and guidebooks available in the Mediterranean. The overall goal of this work is to develop a framework for the production and delivery of guidebooks produced in the region to provide MPA managers with relevant and adequate resources.

Management tools and guidebooks, if correctly applied, can facilitate the work of MPA managers and contribute to a more effective management of their MPAs. A number of tools and guidebooks exist worldwide and in the region on various topics related to MPA creation and management and MedPAN already provides access to them on www.medpan.org. The list is long however and the format, content and timeliness of these tools does not always fit the needs of Mediterranean MPA managers.

Moreover, MedPAN and RAC/SPA in the framework of its MedMPAnet Project, WWF Mediterranean with its MedPAN South Project and WWF France with its MedPAN North Project have planned to publish guides on topical themes including sustainable fisheries, sustainable tourism, sustainable financing, climate change, marine spatial planning, environmental education, underwater trails etc. This list is not exhaustive but it shows the level of activity that is planned and highlights the need to coordinate this effort.

The project will be completed at the end of September 2011 and the recommendations will serve as the basis for the development of the management tools to be developed by MedPAN, RAC/SPA, WWF and other partners.

For more information on the project please follow the link here.