A guide for planners and managers - IUCN

PART I
Institutional and Legal Framework
This evolving international cooperation, through the negotiation and
implementation of targeted treaties or through the development of the global network
of MPAs therefore constitutes a great opportunity for governments to multiply the
effect of their national efforts. Realistically, integration of MPAs in the international
system is still short of what it could be, but useful lessons are being drawn from some
of the most successful examples. For instance, within the framework of the UNEP
Regional Seas Programme, a protocol on protected areas was first adopted for the
Mediterranean’s Barcelona Convention. Based on relative success, this approach was
then applied to the Cartagena Convention in the Caribbean Programme. So while much
has been achieved, more remains to be done, but the international regime is more
and more likely to be a useful supplemental tool for national governments.
6.8 General Guidelines
The guidelines below (based mainly on Kelleher and Lausche, 1982) follow one of
several possible logical progressions toward the development of legislation for coastal
and marine protected areas. Each country has its particular legal style and tradition,
which may require some changes or additions to these guidelines.
The coastal zone approach. Where feasible, joint management of terrestrial and
adjacent marine protected areas should be established by legislation in a coastal zone
programme (Figure I-56). Under this umbrella, water and land components of marine
protected areas can be joined by extending marine areas landward or terrestrial
areas into the marine environment. If possible, the seaward boundary of a combined
terrestrial and marine protected area should be far enough offshore to protect the
principal features of the marine area from threats, such as pollution, generated
outside the protected area.
Public interest. The active
interest of citizens in planning,
establishing, managing, and
continuously monitoring marine
protected areas is fundamental
to the long-range success of the
programme. The public should
be involved as early as possible,
while avoiding premature
publicity that would spur land
speculation or other actions
likely to threaten the MPA proposal.
One means of encouraging
public participation at all
levels is to take it into account
explicitly in the legislation and,
FIGURE I-56.
Special requirements should be imposed on agriculture where fields
are adjacent to coastal lagoons; e.g., here farms have vegetated
buffer areas at their edges to reduce and filter runoff (U.S.A. east
coast).
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Photo by John Clark.