Panama and Nicaragua: Analysis of the governance models of marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) and their impacts on small-scale fisheries: A case study

Borras, Marvin Fonseca and Rivera, Vivienne Solís and R.L., CoopeSoliDar (2025) Panama and Nicaragua: Analysis of the governance models of marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) and their impacts on small-scale fisheries: A case study. International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF), Chennai, India. ISBN 978-93-80802-22-0

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Abstract

Based on two case studies in the Rama and Kriol Territory, Nicaragua, and on the Veraguas Dego Island, Bocas del Toro archipelago, Panama, this report looks at how traditional conservation arrangements under indigenous and local communities can be effective in achieving global biodiversity goals such as those in the 2022 Kunming Montreal-Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). This is especially important since there was no formal recognition of the conservation functions of these institutions. The findings of the case studies indicate that these long-standing conservation arrangements can be instrumental in enhancing conserved marine areas by 30 per cent. They suggest that meeting KM-GBF goals by applying a human rights-based approach (HRBA) may be better achieved by recognizing effective indigenous conservation practices and helping to make them more resilient by addressing threats, and fulfilling relevant voluntary commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Applying an HRBA, the report holds, would require recognizing the traditional rights of local communities, indigenous peoples and artisanal small-scale fishers and fishworkers, including women, particularly their preferential rights to marine and coastal resources, and traditional institutions of governance. These rights are often circumvented when they conflict with large-scale economic and infrastructure projects, such as the Grand Interoceanic Canal in Nicaragua and mining concessions in Panama. The report draws upon earlier ICSF case studies on MPAs in Mesoamerica as well as relevant legislation, policies and reports. Focused group discussions and key informant interviews were held among indigenous peoples and Afro-descendants in the sites under study to understand the role of legislation and community practices in relation to access to resources, conservation of biodiversity (public, private and community-based initiatives) and human rights.

Item Type:	Books
Keywords:	Panama, Nicaragua, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), OECMs, Small-scale Fisheries, Case Study, Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Conservation, Biodiversity, Policy, Legislation, Marine Resources, Coastal Resources, Indigenous Communities, Local Communities, ICSF
Subjects:	Biodiversity
Depositing User:	Kokila ICSF Krish
Date Deposited:	18 Sep 2025 10:37
Last Modified:	18 Sep 2025 10:37
URI:	http://icsfarchives.net/id/eprint/22481

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