MPA Finance: First Steps for Marine Managers Webinar

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are important tools for supporting the conservation and recovery of marine ecosystems. MPAs also provide critical co-benefits to nearby communities by improving fisheries management, enhancing tourism, and supporting resilient coastal communities. Despite their importance and value, it can be difficult to secure funding to support the long-term success and ongoing needs of MPAs. To help managers and planners better understand MPA finance opportunities, the Reef Resilience Network developed a new MPA Finance Toolkit in partnership with the Blue Nature Alliance.

During the webinar, Lihla Noori of the Blue Nature Alliance provided an overview of the new MPA Finance Toolkit and shared insights on practical steps managers can take to explore financing options for their own sites. Allen Cedras, Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), provided a real-world example of MPA financing in practice, sharing the history of SPGA’s financing, including its structure, transition from a government entity to a public-private enterprise, and user fee system. Michael McGreevey, Senior Director of Conservation Finance at Conservation International and Blue Nature Alliance, joined us for the discussion session to provide his expertise and global insights.