MPA Finance: First Steps for Marine Managers Webinar

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are important tools for supporting the conservation and recovery of marine ecosystems. MPAs also provide critical co-benefits to nearby communities by improving fisheries management, enhancing tourism, and supporting resilient coastal communities. Despite their importance and value, it can be difficult to secure funding to support the long-term success and ongoing needs of MPAs. To help managers and planners better understand MPA finance opportunities, the Reef Resilience Network developed a new MPA Finance Toolkit in partnership with the Blue Nature Alliance: https://reefresilience.org/mpa-finance/

- Lihla Noori of the Blue Nature Alliance provided an overview of the MPA Finance Toolkit and shared insights on practical steps managers can take to explore financing options for their own sites.
- Allen Cedras, Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), drew on his experience as a site-level manager and expertise in MPA financing to provide a real-world example of MPA financing in practice. He discussed the history of SPGA’s financing, including the structure of the SPGA, its transition from a government entity to a public-private enterprise, and the SPGA user fee system.
- Michael McGreevey, Director of Conservation Investments at Conservation International, also joined us for the question-and-answer session.