Their protection and stewardship are essential to the communities and cultures they sustain. This relationship<\/b> is a framework to manage conflicts and improve the quality of life and livelihood of small-scale fishers. It was recognized<\/b> in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.<\/p>\n
Governments increasingly designate marine protected areas (MPAs) for conservation and management. This legal instrument does help but its implementation has raised serious concerns. Target-driven expansion<\/b> of MPAs is fixated on quantitative goals. This has hit the rights, livelihoods and sustainable use practices of small-scale fishing communities. MPAs\u2014created often in a non-consultative and non-participatory manner\u2014have focused on regulating\/restricting their fisheries, failing to recognize their sustainable livelihoods, culture and survival.<\/p>\n
It is imperative that protection efforts are grounded in principles of sustainable use.<\/b> That their processes are inclusive<\/b> and recognize<\/b< traditional local systems of knowledge and governance, building upon<\/b> them. Artisanal fishers must be the frontline of marine biodiversity conservation. There is an urgent need for systematic improvements on all such matters. <\/p>\n