Governance analysis of two historical MPAs in northern Peru: Isla Lobos de Tierra and Isla Lobos de Afuera

Abstract

Isla Lobos de Tierra and Isla Lobos de Afuera are two MPAs that show the importance of history in governance. In 2009 they were designated among the Guano Islands, Islets and Capes Reserve System for wildlife conservation and sustainability, after being protected for hundreds of years to manage guano. Since their designation, governance changed on paper, but not de facto. The major driver undermining conservation is fishing, which is enhanced by pressures of the global seafood market and informality (the predominant way of thinking and acting in Peru, transgressive of order and disrespectful of values, norms and institutions). Fish productivity in the Humboldt Current Large Marine Ecosystem is the source of wildlife bounty around these small islands. Few incentives have been initiated to protect it and none looks at directly regulating fisheries. An obstacle is that the Parks Service has no authority to manage marine species. Management effectiveness requires improving cross-jurisdictional coordination with the Vice-Ministry of Fisheries, the Maritime Authority and other relevant entities to develop an integral plan where they all convene on working towards conserving these MPAs. Success will rely on an improved and diligent state participation that deeply understands the social complexities of these environments in order to address informality and potential equity issues. Despite the minimal intervention, the land ecosystem and its species remain relatively protected due to a governance legacy of strict enforcement and fraternal relationships between guardians and artisanal fishers, which highlights the importance of recognising history in conservation.