Exchange visits criss-cross the Mediterranean
The MedPAN South Project, was on the move this spring! Algerians, Croatians, Moroccans, Tunisians and Turkish MPA practitioners visited some of the most famous MPAs in the Mediterranean. A total of close to 40 professionals took part in these exchanges that aimed to provide a first-hand account of the way successful MPAs are managed. Scandola and the Bonifacio Strait Reserve in Corsica, France or Torre Guaceto in Italy have become examples in the region for their efficient management and fruitful relationships with stakeholders.
The MedPAN South Project is part of the MedPartnership GEF full-sized project and these exchange visits are organized by WWF Mediterranean Program within the capacity building program of the MedPAN South Project. The goal is to increase and consolidate capacity in the countries of the south and east Mediterranean to promote the establishment of new MPAs and to promote a more effective management of existing ones.
Face to face exchanges are priceless. The 3 delegations
came home with the proof that it is possible to work together to
efficiently manage natural resources. Visitors were able to witness that
integrating local communities in the management of the reserve while
putting in place strong enforcement measures is a winning proposition
Longer term cooperation may also stem from these exchanges.
For example, the Office de l' Â’Environnement de la Corse (OEC) that
manages natural reserves in Corsica, is currently working on an
agreement with the authority in charge of National Parks in Algeria to
provide technical support and transfer know-how.
WWF is promoting a series of these exchanges between
Mediterranean MPAs that can help managers to tackle difficult management
issues. The objective of these events is to promote cooperation between
MPAs, to enable peer-to-peer discussion and to continue to build a
strong network of Mediterranean MPAs.
For more information on the events follow the link here.
