Mapping ecological and empirical knowledge as a tool for managing a protected area in Brazil

The subsistence extractive reserve of Arraial do Cabo is one of Brazil’s first marine extractive reserve, and it is setting a precedent for local resource management efforts in complex areas of multiple stakeholder... [ view full abstract ]

The subsistence extractive reserve of Arraial do Cabo is one of Brazil’s first marine extractive reserve, and it is setting a precedent for local resource management efforts in complex areas of multiple stakeholder interests. In order to establish an effective management plan, there must be a better understanding of the spatial dynamics of the RESEX. Here, we aim to 1) identify areas of high user conflict, 2) identify areas of greater ecological value, and 3) make recommendations of areas for fishing regulations which would cause the least conflict among stakeholders and provide valuable protection of marine resources. This integration of sociological and ecological information into a Geographical Information System is directly applied to local conservation efforts, and intended to enhance the participatory management process as well as provide an adaptive tool for future monitoring efforts. Stakeholder objectives and concerns were gathered from participatory meetings, as was spatial information on the use of the study area. Ecological data of fish distributions and benthic community composition were drawn from surveys carried out over the past two decades. Mapping products contribute to community efforts a better understanding of the spatial reality of stakeholder use and resource distribution. By incorporating knowledge from local stakeholders with information from ecological surveys, we provide a visualized evaluation of priority areas within the reserve for management considerations. We emphasize the value of integrating scientific data and GIS mapping with local stakeholder knowledge and interests in order to establish a resource management plan that is accepted, adaptive, and effective.