Objective
The goal is to develop scientific knowledge for the creation of transboundary networks of MPAs in the East African region. In particular relating to type, size and location of reserves, which together can maintain ecological functions, resource-uses and f uture socio-economic developments. The final outcomes are options for zoning plans for two contrasting situations, which encompass a significant fraction of the biogeographical range of the region. To achieve this, key issues will be addressed through the following specific research objectives: (1) to gather and synthesise existing knowledge and databases; to map habitat types and coastal land- and sea-uses; (2) to assess the fundamental biophysical data, namely the biodiversity evaluation through innovat ive approaches, and including an assessment of species and habitats important for conservation reasons; (3) to evaluate the sources of human income, especially those derived from natural resources, current socio-economic needs and traditional framework, integrating the economic dimension in a multi-criteria analysis; (4) to assess the institutional, legal and policy frameworks for decision-making, and operational assessment and state of management; (5) To develop options for zoning plans for each case study area that integrate the results of the biophysical and socio-economic assessments and are innovatively adapted to accommodate the local, regional and governance frameworks. The research in this proposal will enhance the possibility of the use of an ecosystem-based approach to management. It will use and develop most up to date methods for systematic selection of MPAs, merging a basic holistic approach with heuristic and iterative improvements of socio-political constraints. It will integrate func tions of ecosystem components with human activities, in accordance with the priority of the work programme of the specific measures in support of international co-operation regarding marin
Fields of science
- social sciencessociologygovernance
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesphysical geographycartographygeographic information systems
- social sciencessociologysocial issuessocial inequalities
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystems
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesartificial intelligenceheuristic programming
Keywords
Call for proposal
FP6-2002-INCO-DEV-1
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
STREP - Specific Targeted Research ProjectCoordinator
LISBOA
Portugal