COASTAL PARTICIPATION PROCESS
The process of revising the coastal marine protected areas differs by involving a greater heterogeneity and intensity of uses and activities. These uses and activities are of a different nature from those occurring in oceanic areas, as well as a distinct group of stakeholders. Therefore, for practical reasons, two participatory processes were carried out:
1
OCEANIC PARTICIPATORY PROCESS
Focused on areas between 6 and 200 nautical miles of the coast.
2
COASTAL PARTICIPATORY PROCESS
Focused on the areas between the coastline and the 6 nautical miles.
The 6 nautical miles (nm) limit was based on existing fishing legislation, which distinguishes segments of the fleet inside and outside this area. Thus, the 6 nm limit was accepted as the boundary to differentiate the coastal process from the oceanic process.
SYSTEMATIC CONSERVATION PLANNING (SCP) AND THE
MAPPING OF COASTAL USES OF THE OCEAN
Similar to the oceanic participatory process, the review of coastal MPAs is based on a sound scientific process for identifying priority areas for conservation. This process aims to provide guidance on objectives, targets and criteria to be adopted, to produce a portfolio of natural values for each Island, and to develop conservation scenarios, following the Systematic Conservation Planning (SCP) approach, and thus base the participatory process on the best available scientific knowledge.
To date have been mapped about:
1.3 milion
records
1600 marine species
in the Azores
This scientific support will also contribute to the participatory process by presenting scientific information to stakeholders, incorporating their contributions, and creating conservation scenarios to be discussed with them and evaluated by the Regional Government of the Azores in the decision-making process.
The "Mapping of Coastal Ocean Uses" project, promoted by the Regional Government of the Azores and carried out by the Blue Azores program, was the first scientific support initiative for the review of coastal MPAs. This project was conducted by regional, national and international experts, with the aim of, together with the Azorean community, identifying coastal marine áreas and environments that are of value or use through a participatory mapping. The results of this survey allowed the production of use intensity maps that reflect the individual responses from all sectors, and the evaluation of use patterns of the coastal areas of the Azores Sea.
Participatory mapping is a fundamental tool for promoting greater collaboration, inclusion and effectiveness in the development of projects and policies that directly affect the lives of communities. By valuing local knowledge and including the voice of residents in the process, outcomes can be more equitable and sustainable.
2,483 responses were collected, representing the ocean use patterns of 5,050 sea users from all sectors.
In parallel with the participatory mapping, scientific work is being carried out to identify priority areas for conservation, which will serve as a basis for the planning of coastal MPAs.
SESSIONS
The coastal participatory process began in January 2023, with the first three public sessions held on the islands of Santa Maria, Graciosa, and São Jorge. The objectives of these sessions were:
1
Inform the population about the program and the coastal participatory process.
3
Clarify how the participatory process works.
2
Create an opportunity for local people to have their say in the future of conserving their sea.
4
Encourage participants who may not feel represented by any entity or association to join the working session themselves.
After mapping the uses and activities of the adjacent coastal areas of each island, a participatory model was chosen that would promote knowledge sharing and consensus in the process of co-creation of the new coastal marine protected areas – the Communities of Practice (CoP).
These communities are characterized by an informal interaction, based on relationships of trust, where participation occurs in a collaborative and dynamic way.
What are Communities of Practice?
Based on the learning theory of Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger, Communities of Practice (CoP) encourage collective knowledge building and problem-solving through interaction among members.
By integrating these communities in participatory processes, collective knowledge is utilized, inclusion is promoted and more robust and consensual decisions are made, aiming to make the participatory process more meaningful and fair.
During Coastal Participatory Process, the CoP have the participation of members of institutions and associations committed to representing, in the best possible way, the users of the coastal sea of the islands.
The selection of the entities present in this second session is carried out by the municipalities and members of the working group of the coastal participatory process, as well as by participants identified during the public clarification session, in order to include representatives of user groups and/or activities not previously covered.
In the Community of Practice, two exercises are carried out:
EXERCISE 1
Promote the interaction among among participants.
Familiarize participants with the existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the different protection statuses.
Identify gaps in the management and implementation of MPAs, and problems at the boundaries of these areas.
EXERCISE 2
Promote the interaction among among participants.
Familiarize participants with the results of the "Mapping Ocean Coastal Uses" survey.
Identify information gaps and validate the areas represented.
THE SESSIONS IN NUMBERS
186
Participants across
3 Public Sessions
75
Participants across 3 meetings with stakeholders
66
Participants across 3 local meetings with Fishermen's Associations
12
Meetings with municipalities
After the approval of the second amendment to the Azores Marine Park decree, the participatory process for the review of the coastal MPAs will continue. It is crucial to ensure the active participation of stakeholders from all the islands for the success of the RAMPA. Sharing scientific knowledge specific to each island is essential to create an effective network that protects and restores the biodiversity of the Azores Sea.
GALLERY
Santa Maria | 30-31 Jan 2023
Graciosa | Mar 6-7 2023
São Jorge | Mar 16-17 2023
