This webinar introduces the Reef Resilience Network and Blue Nature Alliance MPA Finance Toolkit and practical financing steps for marine managers. Presenters reviewed a Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority case study and held an expert discussion on financing options.
- Toolkit overview and actionable financing steps presented by Lihla Noori (Blue Nature Alliance) to help managers explore funding options.
- Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority case study presented by Allen Cedras covering SPGA’s financing history, transition to a public-private enterprise, and its user fee system.
- Expert discussion with Michael McGreevey and partners (Reef Resilience Network, Blue Nature Alliance, ICRI); resources mentioned include the Palau case study, the 2024 Financing Marine 30×30 paper, and the Niue Ocean Wide Trust; recording available on YouTube or by emailing resilience@tnc.org.
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.
This webinar was brought to you by the Reef Resilience Network and the Blue Nature Alliance, in partnership with the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) as part of their
#ForCoral webinar series. If you do not have access to YouTube, please email
resilience@tnc.org for a copy of the recording.
Resources
Explore the resources below that were mentioned during the webinar.
