Celebrating International Marine Protected Areas Day: Exploring Economic and Ecological Benefits

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By Cloverley Lawrence
Marine Scientist - Scientific Services: Garden Route & Frontier Research Unit
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PARKS

As we mark International Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, it’s important that we recognize the incredible role MPAs play in safeguarding our oceans' biodiversity while providing significant economic benefits. MPAs are designated areas where human activities are more stringently regulated than the surrounding waters, much like national parks on land. They serve as havens for marine life, offering protection from overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. But beyond their ecological importance, MPAs have a profound impact on local economies, a fact highlighted in recent studies (e.g. Costello 2024).


The Dual Benefits of MPAs: Conservation and Economy
MPAs play a critical role in conserving marine biodiversity. By limiting harmful activities, they allow ecosystems to recover and thrive, which in turn helps maintain the balance and health of our oceans. Healthy marine ecosystems provide essential services, from supporting fisheries and tourism to protecting coastlines and regulating climate. In a paper published this year, (Costello 2024) the economic advantages of MPAs were underscored, presenting case studies from around the world, including notable examples from South Africa. These case studies illustrate how MPAs contribute to local economies through tourism and improved fishery yields.

It's important to note the Tsitsikamma MPA, established in 1964, and one of the oldest MPAs in Africa, as another shining example of successful marine conservation in South Africa. Spanning 80 kms along the coastline, Tsitsikamma is a critical habitat for various marine species and supports vibrant ecosystems. Tourism is a major economic driver in the Tsitsikamma MPA. Visitors are drawn to its rugged coastline, breath-taking vistas, and diverse marine life. The MPA offers activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boat tours, which boost the local economy. The presence of healthy and abundant marine life within the MPA enhances the tourism experience, creating a sustainable model that benefits both conservation and local communities.

The greater Addo MPA is one of the newer additions to South Africa's network of marine protected areas, declared in 2019. Situated along the Eastern Cape coast, it extends the conservation efforts of the Addo Elephant National Park into the marine realm. The MPA is designed to protect diverse marine habitats, including reefs, estuaries, seabird islands and open ocean. The Addo MPA aims to boost marine biodiversity and support the local economy through tourism and sustainable fishing practices. Early indications suggest that the MPA is fostering an increase in fish populations and attracting tourists interested in marine wildlife, such as sharks, whales and dolphins. The establishment of the Addo MPA is expected to generate long-term economic benefits for the region, similar to other successful MPAs in South Africa.
South Africa’s examples are part of a broader global trend where MPAs contribute to both conservation and economic prosperity. By protecting marine environments, MPAs create conditions where marine life can thrive, attracting tourists and supporting sustainable fisheries.

Recommendations for Enhancing MPA Benefits
While the benefits of MPAs are clear, there is still much work to be done. Currently, only a small fraction of the world’s oceans is protected, far below the targets set by international agreements. To maximize the benefits of MPAs, we need to:
1. Expand Coverage: Increase the area of marine environments under protection to ensure a broader impact on biodiversity and economies.
2. Improve Management: Strengthen the legislation and management of existing MPAs to ensure they are effectively conserving marine biodiversity and supporting neighbouring communities.
3. Support Local: Engage and support local communities by securing benefits of MPAs, ensuring that conservation efforts are inclusive and sustainable.
4. Enhance Research: Continue and expand research on the socio-economic impacts of MPAs to build a robust evidence base for their benefits.


A Call to Action
As we celebrate International MPA Day, it’s important to acknowledge the dual role of MPAs in protecting our oceans and supporting local economies. By expanding and effectively managing MPAs, we can ensure that their benefits are realized both locally and globally. Let us use this day to advocate for stronger marine protection and engagement with local communities, while also supporting policies that expand and enhance MPAs. Our oceans and the economies that depend on them will be better for it.

Reference: Costello, M.J., 2024. Evidence of economic benefits from marine protected areas. Scientia Marina, 88(1), pp.e080-e080. https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.05417.080