Status and Management of the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Eastern African Region

This report presents an up-to-date analysis and synthesis of the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of the Eastern African Region covering the States of Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Tanzania. The report also reviews the successful approaches to the management of MPAs and Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) projects in Eastern Africa. Strategies for effective management of the MPAs to integrate local community concerns are also presented.

Rapid coastal area appraisal techniques were used to determine the status and management of the marine protected areas of the Eastern African Region. Information was derived from structured interviews with stakeholders, existing databases, a literature review and observations at the respective case study sites. The objective was to conduct a critical analysis of the progress, including successes and failures of the management of marine protected areas in Eastern Africa since their establishment. The ability of the managing authorities in maintaining the quality and quantity of biodiversity, the conservation and rational management of marine resources, protection of the ecosystem and improving the livelihood of coastal communities was also assessed.