CONSERVATION IN ACTION :

Conservation International’s ETP Seascapes Program

• Protected Area Expansion: Colombia’s Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary has been expanded, making it one of the largest fully protected areas in the world. It was recently declared a World Heritage Site, and a new patrol and research vessel will ensure its continued protection.

•  Expert Networks: Regional expert networks have joined forces to tackle the region’s key challenges. Networks have been supported for marine protected area managers, scientists from leading research organizations, and communicators from the public, private and non-governmental sectors.

•  Technical Support: To support Costa Rica’s commitment to place up to 25% of its marine areas under active management, the production of a comprehensive technical document that guides decision makers and conservation investments.

•  Exciting Research: Cutting edge research on shark movements is underway with the participation of key partners from the regional science network in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Ecuador (Galapagos). Awareness campaigns have accompanied this work.

•  Reaching out to the Community: In Coiba National Park, Panama, recent legislation strengthened the Park’s legal protection and created a new governance structure. The initiative is working to strengthen management, complete and interpretation facility for the public, and disseminate information on responsible artisanal fishing. It is helping local communities develop ecotourism enterprises and define biological indicators for long-term monitoring of the Park.

•  Financial Sustainability:  The initiative has supported a first stage assessment of management conditions and potential financing mechanisms to provide long-term support for management at various sites

•  Communications Strategy: Over 20 government, NGO and communications experts are implementing a new joint communications strategy and action plan. It aims to encourage support and involvement in the Seascape Initiative by civil society, local governments, donors and the private sector.

•  New Alliance: The regional protected areas managers’ network, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the pro tempore Secretariat of the Eastern Tropical Pacific marine conservation corridor, and Conservation International have forged an alliance in order to provide in-depth training to protected area professionals on key management issues.

•  Improved Enforcement: In the Galapogos Marine Reserve, and integrated enforcement program in enhancing Park Ranger skills, strengthening the Environmental Police Unit, and improving judicial follow-up through support to the National Park Service’s legal department. In Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica, environmental education is helping to improve compliance and complements improvements in the Park’s patrol infrastructure. And in Las Baulas Marine National Park, Costa Rica, enforcement has been effective for the first time in its history.