Lessons from three north-western Mediterranean MPAs: A governance analysis of Port-Cros National Park, Tavolara Punta-Coda Cavallo and Ustica

Abstract

This paper examines the governance of Port-Cros National Park (PCNP), Tavolara Punto-Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (TPCCMPA) and Ustica Island Marine Protected Area (UIMPA), all north-western Mediterranean. The governance approach adopted in PCNP is predominately state-led with increased decentralisation and participation, whilst in TPCCMPA and UIMPA the management responsibility is shared between national and local governments. The use of legal and knowledge incentives has predominated governance of PCNP. Public acceptance has been boosted through increased use of participative incentives, brought about by a reform of French National Parks in 2006 and the creation of the new PCNP between 2012 and 2016. In TPCCMPA and UIMPA both legal and economic incentives are the key mechanisms through which the MPAs are managed and conflicts addressed. In TPCCMPA and UIMPA, where the MPA management authority are faced with a lack of enforcement capacity, greater attention should be given to participative and interpretive incentives to boost stewardship and compliance. The authors conclude that the current governance approaches are effective but do not address all challenges and cross-cutting issues faced. Strengthened political will and leadership from all levels of government is required to improve governance towards more effective and equitable outcomes for all three MPAs, along with increased use of participative and interpretative incentives to generate an increased sense of community stewardship.