Improving MPA management: Financial security
Putting the costs into perspective
US$12-14 billion dollars sounds like a lot of money just to manage MPAs.
But governments are already paying US$15-30 billion each year as fishing subsidies - subsidies that have played a large role in the global problem of overfishing, one of the largest threats to our oceans.
In contrast, protecting the marine environment through a global network of well-managed MPAs would:
But governments are already paying US$15-30 billion each year as fishing subsidies - subsidies that have played a large role in the global problem of overfishing, one of the largest threats to our oceans.
In contrast, protecting the marine environment through a global network of well-managed MPAs would:
- help safeguard the global fishing industry, whose annual catch is worth US$70-80 billion
- provide around 1 million jobs in MPA protection alone - more jobs than are maintained by all fishing subsidies worldwide
- help safeguard coral reefs, whose goods and revenues contribute US$30 billion each year to the global economy
- help safeguard the annual US$7 trillion worth of largely unseen services that marine ecosystems provide (such as coral reefs providing shoreline protection, and mangroves providing sewage cleansing)
WWF is one of many organizations that provides financial support to a number of MPAs around the world, particularly in developing countries where governments have less ability to fund conservation. We are also promoting long-term, sustainable financing mechanisms for MPAs.
Establishing and running a global network of well-managed, representative Marine Protected Areas is a costly undertaking. According to one study, the annual cost for an MPA network covering 30% of the world's seas would be US$12-14 billion.This money is essential for effectively managing MPAs. Without adequate funds, MPA managers cannot enforce boundaries and closed areas, monitor marine biodiversity, or adjust to new situations. And without effective management, many MPAs are little more than paper parks.
Chronic funding problems
At present, most MPAs - which together cover less just 0.6% of the seas - suffer from chronic financial problems. A network covering 20-30% of the oceans would require an increased investment in marine conservation by around two orders of magnitude compared to today.
However few countries, even among the richest, have managed to define and establish ways to provide long-term sustainable, financing for a single MPA, let alone a network.
Our work for sustainable MPA financing includes:
- Promoting new financing mechanisms: A 2004 WWF report (download as pdf) profiles innovative financing mechanisms for MPAs such as lotteries, taxes, entry fees, access payments, ecolabeling, and government bonds.
- Promoting tourism revenues: A 2004 report (download as pdf) co-written by WWF analyses the role and potential of tourism for generating revenue for protected areas. We are also working with the tourism industry so that tour operators and their suppliers help finance MPAs in and near tourist destinations through, for example, user fees charged to visitors. Tourism case study and more on our tourism work...
- Looking at costs and benefits: A 2005 WWF-supported report (download as pdf) outlines the costs and benefits of MPAs to small islands, with insights into meeting the associated costs of setting up effective MPA networks
A model of careful management funded by tourism
Established in 1979 on the island of Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, Bonaire Marine Park is a model of careful management based on an effective partnership between the island's diving industry and park managers.
Dive operators collect a fee on behalf of the park from visitors wishing to dive within the park's waters. The dive tag, which costs US$10, is valid for one year.Dive operators also help inform divers and other visitors on the park’s code of conduct, which includes rules for anchoring, mooring, fishing, diving, snorkeling, contact (or lack thereof) with marine life, and garbage disposal. The operators have to participate in an annual refresher course.
In 2000, the revenue collected from the dive fee covered 80-90% of park management costs. Fees are now also being considered for snorkeling and yacht mooring.
In addition to conservation activities, the fees help pay five full-time staff actively involved in communication and education. Visitors are kept informed through brochures and leaflets provided at hotels, dive operations, customs, and harbor offices.
In addition, park staff are also very much engaged with the local population. Talks are held at schools, community centers, and even police stations. One programme teaches school children about the basic marine environment and snorkeling skills, while another, offered to the island's teachers, focuses on the basic ecology of coral reefs, sea grasses, and mangroves.
Further information:
- Website: Code of conduct for Bonaire Marine Park
- Profile: Southern Caribbean Sea
