ResilienSEA – Resilient Seagrasses
The ResilienSEA project aims to enhance the scientific expertise and management of seagrass meadows in seven West Africa countries.
This project directly addresses these gaps; NNF and partners will support the government to develop and implement a new management framework for the MPA, including a new management plan, zoning and regulations and financing plan. Supported by targeted capacity development and an enhanced evidence base, the updated management system will effectively guide decision-making, set thresholds for concerns, control the key threats to marine biodiversity and ecological processes, and better accommodate sustainable resource use by communities. Threat reduction will, in turn, contribute to the recovery and long-term resilience of marine ecosystems and the exploited fish stocks and important non-commercial species dependent on them. Those livelihoods and economic sectors based on marine resources, such as small-scale fisheries and coastal tourism will be sustained, delivering local employment and other economic benefits. New coastal livelihood opportunities compatible with MPA management will be explored and developed in partnership with local communities. A new non-profit organisation was recently established to support the government. The Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds (NAMCOB) will aid in NIMPA’s long-term management and monitoring (especially of important seabird populations), while also playing important roles in engaging the community in marine conservation and supporting coastal tourism.