A guide for planners and managers - IUCN

PART III
Case Histories of Marine Protected Areas
Public involvement is a cornerstone of the Marine Park. A formally constituted
Consultative Committee was established by the act and advises the authority and the
responsible federal and state ministers. The act also requires the authority to seek
public input into the development of zoning plans. Specialist advisory committees
are also established where appropriate, for example, to advise on strategies for
addressing critical issues or to develop more detailed plans for management of
intensively used areas.
A summary of important lessons learned from the Authority’s experience include
the importance of:
1. adopting an holistic approach to ecosystem management;
2. establishing an independent authority with strong legislative mandate to focus
exclusively on management of the protected area;
3. establishing formal complementary management arrangements amongst all
relevant levels of government and stakeholders and creating processes for reaching
agreement on proposed restrictions;
4. not postponing decisions awaiting perfect information but using the best available
scientific information and the precautionary principle;
5. gaining the support of affected communities and involving them in the decision
making process;
6. providing adequate funding both to the management authority and to supporting
agencies in accordance with formal agreements.
Source: Peter McGinnity, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville,
Australia.
E-Mail Contact: Peter.McGinnity@env.qld.gov.au
Editor’s Note: This case updates the material published in the first edition of Marine
and Coastal Protected Areas.
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