State of Management of South Africa’s ... - WWF South Africa

STATE OF MANAGEMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MARINE PROTECTED AREAS2.1.4 Other discussions and interviewsThe elements of the questionnaire relating to monitoring, research, MPA design andresource conditions were directed to scientists, with experience in the respective MPAs, aswell as to the MPA managers. Information regarding the organisations was sought throughquestions directed to regional, business unit or conservation managers within theorganisations (Appendix B). Discussions were also held with social-scientists who had anunderstanding of the social issues within the MPAs. Interviews were also held with thecourse coordinators who structured and delivered the MPA management training course.2.2 DATA ANALYSISA scoring system was developed (refer to Appendix C). Certain aspects of the scoringsystem were adapted from several indicators used in management effectiveness evaluations(see references: Guides used for scoring system). The scoring system was used to provide arelative measure on the adequacy of the following factors: institutional procedures, MPAdesign, MPA plans and planning process and the management system. A scoring system isadvantageous as is allows for comparisons to be made between MPAs and is can be used toeasily summarise a situation, however, it is recognised that the approach is too broad toadequately illustrate the situations in different MPAs. In order to try and address this, briefdescriptions of the different factors were provided in addition to the scores.A series of questions relating to each of these factors were arranged into categories. Thescores assigned to each question within a category were equally weighted and an overallscore for the category was provided. The questionnaire was designed so as to be adaptableto the variability between MPAs by allowing for scores to be adjusted where questions werenot applicable.2.2.1 Legal and institutional frameworksAn overview of the applicable legislation was provided and the strengths and weaknessesidentified in this assessment were discussed. A description of the institutional framework andthe mandates, organisational structures and permitting procedures of the different authoritiesinvolved in MPA management was provided. In addition the communication and informationexchange efficiency within and between these authorities were discussed and scored basedon four categories ranging from ‘adequate’ to ‘urgent action required’. A brief summary of thesupport network that has developed since the last assessment is also provided.2.2.2 MPA designThe assessment of the adequacy of MPA design requires more in depth biological and socialanalyses; however the opinions of managers and scientists regarding MPA design wereconsidered scored and discussed. It is not within the scope of this report to propose changesPg 15