International Coral Reef Action Network: Malindi Watamu MPA Complex Demostration Site - Final Report (2004).

Abstract

Overall, the project was able to make good progress towards meeting its objectives. The objective of profiling the MPA complex was completed through three major assessments. In particular, a management profile (Muthiga and Weru 2002: Annex 1), a biophysical profile of the coral reefs of the MPA (McClanahan 2002:Annex 2) and a land use profile of the project area (Nzuki 2003:Annex 3) were completed. In addition, a study was carried out on the potential of the parks as replenishment areas (Kaunda-Arara 2002: Annex 4). These assessments have increased the knowledge of the area and have underscored the key issues and challenges for management. Apart from the socioeconomic profile that was completed during the profiling an additional socio-economic assessment of the capacity of Malindi boat operators (Muthiga et al 2003:Annex 5) has also increased knowledge of one of the key stakeholders of the MPA complex and the limitations on the ability to increase benefits from the MPA complex. An assessment of management effectiveness of the MPA complex was also undertaken as part of a regional project (Wells, 2003 and Muthiga 2004) that included a detailed review of the current management plan of the MPA hence contributing to meeting part of the fourth objective. Several activities were completed in order to demonstrate small infrastructure developments for the MPA as well as for communities whose livelihoods depend on the MPA. These included rehabilitation and construction activities as well as repair and replacement of essential equipment for monitoring. Activities under this objective included refurbishment of the Malindi MPA resource and training center as well as the information center in Malindi, construction of an information hut for the Watamu Marine Park and rehabilitation of the Malindi workshop. In addition, a boat engine room and office were constructed for the Malindi and Watamu boat operators. Through these activities, the MPAs and the community boat operators were able to increase their ability to manage and benefit from the MPA. Several training and awareness activities were completed and the project and findings from the assessments were reported at a number of international for a including ICRI, ITMEMS, ICRS and the World Parks Congress The following report details the activities that were carried out, constraints to meeting project objectives and outlines recommendations for improved management of the Malindi-Watamu MPA complex. Overall, the demo activities have not only contributed to the improved management of the Malindi-Watamu MPA complex, but have also contributed to enhancing the capacity of key MPA stakeholders as well as raising the profile of the area as a demonstration of ways to improve MPA management in the Western Indian Ocean region. However, the project has also led to the recognition that much more needs to be done to increase the long-term sustainability of the MPA and hence benefits to the stakeholders. In summary, the project has served to strengthen the management of Malindi-Watamu MPA complex, has built the capacity of local communities to enhance their ability to make use of the benefits of the MPA complex and contributed to global knowledge on MPA management in general and the management of the Malindi-Watamu complex in particular.