Social-Ecological Analysis of Marine Protected Area Management

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) aim to protect coastal and marine ecosystems from environmental and anthropogenic disturbance. The effectiveness of MPA planning, management and implementation requires specific identification and deep understanding of the complex social and ecological system within and in its surroundings. This thesis aims to first understand how social-ecological systems of MPAs work, what indicators drive the system, how they interact and which variables emerge from this system that can be used to assess and evaluate MPA performance. I reviewed social-ecological studies of MPAs worldwide under a variety of settings and synthesised all variables that were applied. I then built a conceptual framework of social-ecological interactions, explaining possible positive and negative interactions between variables and their effect on MPA success criteria such as living coral cover and local community’s knowledge and awareness.
Secondly, I used social-ecological variables to support decisions for better conservation zone management of a mangrove ecosystem in Indonesia. In this case study I demonstrated, using Spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis (SMCA) methods, how important it is to include social-ecological factors to meet and accommodate both ecosystem and local community preferences in conservation planning. More importantly, I also showed that a conservation project can be carried out sustainably and with reduced conflict between all stakeholders.
Thirdly, I showed how we can evaluate MPAs using various social and ecological indicators and variables, and generated an index to assess the value of each MPA in its effectiveness in reaching goals. I also addressed how social-ecological conditions in MPAs result in distinct effectiveness values and that certain social-ecological indicators and variables are associated with a higher MPA effectiveness value index.
Finally, I explored customary and indigenous practice and law, as specific social context variables that can improve effectiveness of MPAs by reducing conflict and increasing management strategies and efficiency to conserve local marine resources.
This thesis highlights the importance of understanding the social-ecological system of MPAs, the possible interactions among variables involved within and how to use them in conservation planning and evaluation of MPA effectiveness.