海洋

2.3% of our oceans are officially protected

背景:

While representing less than 2% of the ocean’s surface, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are valuable tools in protecting defined geographic areas that harbor high levels of biodiversity and exceptional habitat. Although MPAs continue to proliferate throughout the world, they tend to be poorly managed and their scarce resources are employed in a highly inefficient and ineffective manner. Inquiries with environmental and fisheries authorities reveal a common reality in each country: when in fact they are able to carry out patrols and apprehend a poacher, the individual who violates the law is rarely fined due to outdated laws, corruption, or nonexistent judicial follow-up. When vessels, personnel, and equipment do exist, few are operative due to lack of routine maintenance and funds to procure spare parts and fuel.

我們的工作:

WildAid has pioneered new techniques and created a model for success in a sector where few non-profit organizations possess expertise, proving a comprehensive approach to marine law enforcement that is both unique and effective. The model relies on building complete capacity from detection to sanction in the government or local agencies rather than adopting a direct enforcement role. It also focuses on increasing the efficiency of operations so that they are affordable for governments over the long-term. For example, the Galapagos National Park now patrols more hours with less staff at a lower cost because of better equipment, training and the introduction of a Satellite Vessel Monitoring System (SVMS), radars, and long range video cameras, which removes the need for large costly oceanic patrol vessels.

The hallmark feature of our strategy lies in the holistic, integrated approach that we apply across various components of the law enforcement chain:

Surveillance & Interdiction: We examine cost effective ways to improve surveillance and interdiction. Advances in technology can help us reduce costs while increasing permanent coverage. However, technology too has its limitations, as we still need a strong and clear legal framework, vessels and trained personnel in the water.
Systematic Training: We examine the key elements required to establish and sustain an effective law enforcement training program. The regulations, systems, and assets are only as useful as those who are trained to operate and maintain them.
Prosecution & Sanction: We examine traditional and non-traditional strategies to enforce regulations. Bottom line: Without criminal or administrative sanctions, fishers will return tomorrow.
Education & Outreach: We explore strategies to obtain stakeholder buy-in, disseminate the benefits of conservation and ensure compliance.
Sustainable Finance: While there is no magic formula, there is a price tag to enforcement. We examine who among stakeholders will ultimately pay to enforce MPAs.

WildAid is currently working on the following initiatives:

WildAid is designing a national MPA enforcement strategy for Ecuador, which will rely heavily on comprehensive approaches that promote community participation as well as sustainable income generation for subsistence fishers.

Given the recent acquisition of AIS, video cameras, and radars in 2013 combined with the preexisting VMS system, WildAid aims to integrate all electronic monitoring systems and develop a comprehensive strategic plan in cooperation with the Galapagos National Park Service.

The greatest threat to biodiversity in the Galápagos Islands is the introduction of invasive species. Once a species is introduced, it may be too late or costly to implement a successful eradication program and irreversible damage may occur to native or endemic species of plants, animals, or insects. WildAid is currently providing on-going technical support to ensure that all key components of the biosecurity chain are implemented: construction and operation of the single port facilities in Guayaquil, the implementation/ strengthening of proper cargo inspection and preventive biosecurity mechanisms in Guayaquil, aboard cargo vessels and at the primary ports of Galapagos.

Looking forward, WildAid aims to establish several pilot MPA site programs in order to increase our programmatic footprint and demonstrate the effectiveness of our model. Locations must meet the following criteria:

High marine biodiversity especially with large congregations of migratory species such as sharks;
Limited NGO presence and/or invitation by in-country partner organization;
Presence of political will and a high feasibility for success;
Flagship site that could lead to more work within a region.

Potential locations include: