Local attitudes towards conservation governance in a large tropical multiple-use Marine Protected Area in Brazil

• Published in: Ocean & coastal management 2024-02, Vol.248, p.106974, Article 106974
• Main Authors: Oliveira Júnior, José Gilmar Cavalcante de, de Oliveira Santos, Ana Paula, Malhado, Ana Claudia Mendes, Souza, Carolina Neves, Bragagnolo, Chiara, Santos, Aline Olímpio dos, Barros, Evelynne Letícia dos Santos Farias Cardoso de, Vieira, Felipe Alexandre Santos, Dantas, Inaê Farias Vieira, Aldabalde, Jacqueline Costa, Campos-Silva, João Vitor, Silva Lima, Johnny Antonio da, Verba, Júlia Tovar, Santos-Silva, Mikaella Roberta dos, Fabré, Nidia Noemi, Gamarra, Norah Costa, Ladle, Richard J., Batista, Vandick da Silva
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptive management; Artisanal Fishers; Brazil; coastal zone management; Community based management; decision making; educational status; environmental education; Environmental protection area costa dos corais; governance; income; marine protected areas; politics; questionnaires; stakeholders; Tourism; traditional technology
• ISSN: 0964-5691; 1873-524X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2023.106974

The attitudes of local residents living adjacent to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can influence the effectiveness of conservation management and practices, such as acceptance of the protected area rules and the willingness to participate in decision-making. Negative attitudes lead to non-compliance with environmental regulations, making it harder to achieve MPA management and governance objectives. However, the underlying drivers of negative attitudes to MPAs are complex, contextual, and generally poorly known. Here, we test to what extent social, economic, and political characteristics of stakeholders are associated with positive and supportive attitudes towards the implementation of good governance principles in one of Brazil's largest sustainable use MPAs. We conducted 331 face-to-face interviews with stakeholders from different social groups, applying a questionnaire exploring attitudes towards MPA governance based on Lockwood's governance principles. We found that educational level, income, sociopolitical engagement, and attendance at environmental meetings were all associated with positive attitudes towards principles of good MPA governance. Artisanal fishers, especially Shellfishers, generally had more negative attitudes towards governance principles. Good governance is critical for effective management, ensuring that decisions are made transparently and accountably, that stakeholders are engaged and involved in decision-making, efforts are coordinated and resources are used effectively, and that the legal framework is strong and enforced. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing underlying economic and educational inequalities among local stakeholders in addition to targeted environmental education. [Display omitted] •Local meetings between community and MPA managers improve stakeholders' understanding of MPA governance.•Empowerment of local stakeholders in sustainable use MPAs improves attitudes towards governance, and increases compliance.•Addressing social and economic inequalities within local communities is essential for better socioecological outcomes.