Protected areas (PAs) are the main instrument for biodiversity conservation, which has triggered the development of numerous indicators and assessments on their coverage, performance and efficiency. The connectivity of the PA networks at a global scale has however been much less explored; previous studies have either focused on particular regions of the world or have only considered some types of PAs.
This study identifies the importance of: acquiring robust baseline data, being fully protected (no-take), using ecosystembased management, community inclusion, and of adopting an ecologically connected network approach. These features are needed for large marine reserves to maximize achieving both ecological and socioeconomic goals, with particular attention to engagement of local communities.
Existing MPAs in the equatorial eastern Pacific region form a relatively well-connected network for corals: at least 40% of coral larvae released per year from these MPAs should stay within the network. But more coastal MPAs are needed to improve the connectivity.
We conclude that there is a strong priority case for surface to seabed protection within MPAs, and that this should be the default, precautionary approach to safeguard intact ecosystems with as near to natural function as possible. Click on the link to access the full paper
Designated large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs, 100,000 or more square kilometers) constitute over two-thirds of the approximately 6.6% of the ocean... Although LSMPAs have received support among scientists and conservation bodies for wilderness protection, regional ecological connectivity
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are often used to protect patches of habitat that support species targeted for protection. Ideally, these protected habits should be well-connectedso that protected species can flow from one MPA to its neighbors. Click on the link below to read more.
The Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument promotes biological and cultural connectivity between Micronesia and Polynesia.Click on the link below to read the full story.
Connectivity of protected areas (PAs) is crucial for meeting their conservation goals.