In the complex web of marine biodiversity, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) represent vital nodes for preserving species diversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
However, in order for MPAs to fulfill their purpose, they must be effectively managed through knowledge-based approaches, adaptive management and collaboration among stakeholders.
In this context, on January 24, 2024, the workshop “Methodology to evaluate the management effectiveness of the Southern Patagonia Interjurisdictional Coastal Marine Park (PIMCPA)” was held in the city of Rawson.
The activity was attended by authorities from the Undersecretariat of Conservation and Protected Areas (SsCyAP), of the Ministry of Tourism and Protected Areas (MTyAP) of the Government of Chubut, including Nadia Bravo, Undersecretary of Conservation and Protected Areas. Also in attendance were authorities and technical personnel from the National Parks Administration (APN), including Juan Duro, Intendant of PIMCPA.
The workshop was facilitated by Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina and Global Penguin Society, with the collaboration of Fundación Cambio Democrático, Aves Argentinas and Wildlife Society Argentina, organizations that lead this initiative of the Forum for the Conservation of the Patagonian Sea and Areas of Influence, within the framework of the “MaRes Project to strengthen the resilience of the coastal and marine areas in Argentina”, funded by the European Union.
Evaluating the management of Protected Areas
A series of variables were analyzed to measure aspects of interjurisdictional governance of PIMCPA. In this regard, the MaRes Project team was responsible for submitting a document that will be evaluated by the managers in order to design an effectiveness evaluation methodology for this PA.
The participatory design of the methodology, adopted at the meeting, seeks to provide transparency to the process and gather relevant information for the authorities and technicians responsible. The aim is for such data to improve decision-making and contribute to the success of PIMCPA management. In order to test the effectiveness of the proposal, a pilot experience will be carried out during 2024.
Strengthening governance
In addition, a meeting was held with the national and provincial authorities responsible for the management of the PA with the objective of strengthening its governance. Based on an analysis of the current organizational chart, the governance instruments established for its management were reviewed, defining the next steps to improve institutional capacities and identify areas of vacancy.
In addition, possible structures and tools were explored to operationalize the Management Commission and facilitate the incorporation of other stakeholders for effective management and the achievement of the objectives that drove the creation of the PIMCPA.
This workshop is part of a series of meetings that seek to strengthen the governance, monitoring and adaptive management of MPAs to preserve biodiversity.