The role of the Pondoland Marine Protected Area in sustaining local livelihoods
Loading...
Authors
Gqumani, Lizeka Brightness
Issue Date
2024-12
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Marine communities , Livelihoods , Pondoland Marine Protected Area , Marine resources , Local communities , Marine conservation , Marine zones , Fishing communities , Livelihood strategies , Resource restrictions , Marine Studies , SDG 14 Life Below Water
Alternative Title
Abstract
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) advocates for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to go beyond species conservation by also prioritising the support of local livelihoods. Without this support, the effectiveness and sustainability of MPAs are significantly compromised. Many coastal communities worldwide have long-standing traditions of subsistence fishing and have developed traditional governance systems to manage their natural resources. These communities, therefore, play a crucial role in marine conservation efforts and are essential beneficiaries of MPA initiatives. This study focuses on the Pondoland Marine Protected Area (PMPA) in South Africa, examining the livelihoods, resource access, and management involvement of four sampled local communities. Using a mixed-method approach-including household surveys and interviews with both community leaders and the managing authority-the study uncovers that local livelihoods are diverse, relying heavily on natural resource use, agriculture, and government assistance. The PMPA is a vital contributor to community livelihoods, primarily through access to its rich marine resources, especially fishing grounds. Households harvest a variety of marine resources, mainly for personal consumption, with some engaging in small-scale commercial activities. Interestingly, despite zoning restrictions within the PMPA, most households continue to access resources with minimal interference, indicating that these restrictions have not significantly altered their interaction with the area. However, while communities generally lack formalised roles in the MPA’s management, some communities perceive themselves as stewards for the area. This community-driven conservation effort demonstrates a strong local commitment to sustainable resource use, even in the absence of an official mandate.