Negotiating a quality MPA network in a complex multi-sectoral ocean space– the South African story

Protection of the oceans in the African region lags behind most parts of the world in terms of meeting global targets for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). South Africa has only 0.4% of its continental waters within MPAs. Africa... [ view full abstract ]

Protection of the oceans in the African region lags behind most parts of the world in terms of meeting global targets for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). South Africa has only 0.4% of its continental waters within MPAs. Africa is also currently facing escalating offshore mining pressure, which come on the heels of industrial and small-scale over-fishing challenges that threaten food security and resilience. South Africa has committed to at least 10% of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by 2020 in formal MPAs and this target is formalised in a National Protected Area Expansion Plan. In 2014, the South African government initiated an official process to meet this pledge, by including MPA expansion as a fast-tracked priority in “Operation Phakisa” which seeks to fast-track delivery on the 2030 National Development Plan through “unlocking the potential of the ocean economy”. This resulted in 22 proposed new/expanded MPAs being identified in 2014, to achieve an interim target of 5% protection, and endorsed a process to meet the 10% by 2020. In this paper we outline the criteria, products and methodology for identification of the initial 5% to achieve a MPA network that delivers quality (in terms of biodiversity and resilience), while minimising conflict with other ocean space users.