[Coral-List] UNEP-CEP -CaMPAM Training course : NOTES FROM THE FIELD

[Georgina Bustamante]

From: glispa-discuss at googlegroups.com
[mailto:glispa-discuss at googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Rich Wilson
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 11:02 AM
To: CAMPAM-L at listserv.gcfi.org; glispa-discuss at googlegroups.com
Subject: [GLISPA Discuss] NOTES FROM THE FIELD - THE 2011 UNEP-CEP/CaMPAM
TRAINING OF TRAINERS COURSE

 

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

THE 2011 UNEP-CEP/CaMPAM TRAINING OF TRAINERS COURSE IN MARINE PROTECTED
AREA MANAGEMENT

 

An initiative of the Caribbean Environment Programme of the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP-CEP) and the Caribbean Marine Protected Areas
Management Network and Forum (CaMPAM), the 'CaMPAM Training of Trainers
Course' will run for two weeks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the Belize
Barrier Reef. The course is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign
Affairs in support of the 'Caribbean Challenge' initiative, and to assist
the establishment of a fully ecologically-representative, climate change
resilient, and functional network of marine protected areas in the
Caribbean. 

September 15th, 2011

 

Over the last two days, students have explored the links between ecological
connectivity and development of national and regional networks of MPAs,
considering the insights of recent science as well as the ideal of a
regional approach to marine resource management. And yet, conversations are
also grounded in the reality that many hurdles must be crossed to set in
motion even the most basic management, with a view towards people as much as
resources. Questions driving both instruction and open discussion have
included such issues as how to transparently set up a user fee system that
benefits both parks and the people who use and depend upon marine resources
for their livelihoods; how to manage the growing impacts of an explosive
cruise industry; and ways in which an effective internal operational plan
can make management goals both realistic and attainable. Veteran
practitioners from Belize described many ways in which they slowly built
public support, and continue to stress that much of their success to date is
the result of partnerships forged with resource users such as fishers and
tour operators. A common theme is that of people managing people, with
relationship building and collaboration acknowledged as critical components
of effective conservation and protection of marine resources.

 

Stay tuned for more notes from the field.

 

Rich Wilson

Course Coordinator/Facilitator (on behalf of UNEP-CEP/CaMPAM)

rich at seatoneconsultants.com

 

September 13th, 2011


Following the challenge of crossing the Caribbean from east to west during
hurricane season, 19 marine resource professionals this week embarked upon
an ambitious two week marine park management training course in San Pedro,
Belize. Participants spent the first day providing a brief overview of their
respective MPAs, and forged immediate connections in the face of common
challenges. Much of the dialogue has already centered on the need for
effective, replicable and durable enforcement training opportunities.
Individuals representing incipient protected areas quickly picked up on
lessons learned from the experience of Belizean fisheries officers who were
trained years ago at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. In
addition, the collective desire to resolve conflicts among sometimes
competing user groups has participants not only listening intently and
learning about similar challenges faced by others, but also sparked an early
realization of the many benefits that may come as a result mentoring,
coaching and ongoing exchange of information and strategies that address
these common barriers to effective management. The cross pollination of
ideas and experiences will no doubt continue, as this diverse group of
professionals has brought as much enthusiasm as they have experience to the
2011 course. We're just getting underway, but it appears there may be many
fruitful days of collaboration ahead. 

 

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