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

STATE OF MANAGEMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MARINE PROTECTED AREASprovincial government, park staff and scientists. During the process, two to three meetings ofthis sort will be held to come to a consensus on the parks visions and objectives. It wasreported by management that the local stakeholders played a big role in influencing planningprocedures and that a good structure, schedule, and level of understanding had beenestablished through a park forum. The social systems and traditional practices were beingconsidered in the planning, however not all local ideas could be incorporated.Plan context (63%)During the planning process occurring at the time of the assessment, both the socioeconomicand biophysical factors were considered and a threat analysis was initiated. Thestate of knowledge for informing and guiding management, was rated as partially adequatefor socio-economic conditions and resource use statistics, while the information base forbiophysical conditions was rated as adequate.5.2.5 Management systemInputSTAFF NUMBER (48%)The staff at WCNP comprised of three teams, one of which was a four-member marine teamwhich was established three months prior to the assessment. The marine team was made upof a section ranger and three marine rangers. Management expressed that due to thecomplexity of the system, the high level of recreational activities and the increasing threatsbrought on by development, a larger marine team was required. There were deficiencies instaff dedicated to monitoring and MPA management planning.Staff from all the teams (21 in total at WCNP) were involved in ensuring compliance with theMLRA along the shore of the WCNP. However, 17 members of staff were not dedicatedsolely to the MPA and their core function was terrestrial. The person involved in educationand community liaison was from the People and Parks division, separate to that of MPAmanagement.STAFF SKILLS (61%)The members of the team were all previously involved in marine conservation and thus allhave an understanding of the role and function of MPAs and the legislation. There were staffskilled in management and compliance (FCOs and Peace Officers) and there was a skippercompetent on the lagoon. The critical skills development areas include: the training of a skipper to conduct patrols along Sixteen mile beach MPA more peace officers to be trainedPg 51