Proposals requested for symposia at IMPAC2 and International Marine Conservation Congress
Organizers of the Second International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC2) and the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) are now accepting proposals for symposia and workshops at the joint event, to occur 20-24 May 2009, in Washington, DC, USA. IMPAC2 will serve as a track within the larger IMCC.Proposals for symposia will feature a specific group of speakers on a topic, for a session to last 2.5 hours. (Note: this is not to be confused with submissions of individual oral presentations, which will be requested later this year.) Proposals for workshops will be task-based, convening people to pursue a particular goal such as developing recommendations or outlining a publication. Proposals for symposia and workshops must be submitted via a link on the IMCC website (www.conbio.org/IMCC) by 1 June 2008.
Survey to help shape future of WCPA-Marine
MPA practitioners worldwide are invited to shape the values, goals, and programs of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas – Marine by participating in an online survey. Open through 30 April 2008, the 25-question survey will be used to prepare the final version of organization’s Plan of Action, to be launched at the World Conservation Congress in Barcelona this October. To participate, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=LR8LIVKgJbi4uURtvk0nYw_3d_3d.
US releases revised draft framework for national system of MPAs
The (US) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of the Interior have released a Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of Marine Protected Areas. The document is open for public comment, with a recently extended deadline of 16 May 2008. It addresses comments from the public and the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee on the first draft of the Framework, published in September 2006.
The revised draft outlines key components of the national system, including: a set of overarching national system goals and priority conservation objectives; MPA eligibility criteria and other definitions; a nomination process for existing MPAs to be included in the national system; a science-based public process for identifying conservation gaps; and a process for improving regional, national and international coordination. The document and instructions for submitting comments are available at www.mpa.gov.
Guidebook for locally managed marine areas
A new book offers step-by-step guidelines to help coastal communities and conservation partners plan and maintain locally managed marine areas (LMMAs). The guidebook is published by the LMMA Network, an initiative to help LMMAs in the Western Pacific benefit from the collective experience of their practitioners. In many Pacific Island nations, contemporary marine protection efforts are being blended with traditional conservation practices through a process of community-based adaptive management (CBAM). The outcome is now commonly described as LMMAs. These normally involve some form of protected area.The publication is structured around four general phases: initial assessment; LMMA design and planning; implementation of CBAM; and ongoing CBAM. Although it is aimed at a Pacific Islands audience, the book may offer useful guidance to communities elsewhere who are working to manage their local marine resources. The 70-page Locally-Managed Marine Areas: A Guide to Supporting Community-Based Adaptive Management is available at www.LMMAnetwork.org.
Report available on high seas governance workshop
An October 2007 workshop in New York City on high-seas governance, particularly the protection of marine areas beyond national jurisdiction, is summarized in a report from IUCN. The international workshop focused on environmental impacts of various human activities, opportunities for coordination among states, the potential role of area-based management tools (MPAs), and ways to address regulatory and governance gaps. The report Workshop on High Seas Governance for the 21st Century is available in PDF format atwww.globaloceans.org/highseas/pdf/IUCNWorkshop2007.pdf.