Marine Conservation as a Business The Arabuko - Watamu Experiences

Kenya’s MVCA

Arabuko / Watamu Biosphere

Population Density of Villages Adjacent to ASF

Tourism / Conservation Premise Provide net benefits that are equitably distributed and clearly linked to beneficial conservation outcomes

Watamu Marine National Park Problem – a lack of management  Insufficient monitoring of park resources Ecosystem health unmonitored  Poor policing and community relations Illegal fishing Poor Security  Revenue loss / leakage  No proactive investment

Assets 4 hotels – over 1000 beds w/ strong performance 3 dive operations Pre-existing infrastructure Community infrastructure dependant on marine resources Strong business model

Solutions Solution:  Support from KWS HQ  Private Sector Alliance of hoteliers & dive operators  Identification of community participants  Donor identification & Involvement  Identification of critical resources

KWS HQ  Needed to see revenue increase to justify added investment / budget increase  Needed community involvement and participation  Needed “squeaky wheel”.  To Provide: Legal enforcement - Men and materials Access to Donors Monitoring & Evaluation

Private Sector Involvement Private Sector Alliance –  Agreed to maintain records of visitation  Agreed open access to KWS  Agreed to open access to community operators (with conditions)

Community Involvement Community  Agreed to safety equipment on boats  Agreed to insurance cover  Agreed to undergo interpretation training  Established an umbrella forum (Watamu Association of Boat Operators)  Capacity Development provided by KWS

Results / Impact Results:  Doubling of park revenue over one year – top revenue producing marine park in Kenya –surpassed Mombasa!  Active community involvement in policing and revenue generation  Donor support for community training and product development – Netherlands Wetlands Program KWS equipment and training  Improved conservation monitoring – UNEP ICRAN

Specific Revenue Mechanisms Bednight fee for hotels User fees:  Marine Entry Fee (citizen vs non-citizen)  Boat Fees  Ski / Fishing fees  Picnic Fees  Mooring Fees

Revenue Growth

On going activities Netherlands:  Continued Training for KWS staff Monitoring & Evaluation Scuba diving Revenue generation & management  Training for community members System of “informal wardens” to support KWS policing.  Improved community role in service delivery and monitoring

Future Plans UNEP ICRAN –  Capacity Development for KWS  Equipment and assets for KWS  Community Capacity development WWF –  Global 200 Marine Ecoregion CI?

Factors to Success Tourism Potential is High Opportunity Costs are low “Community” is well-defined and cohesive External Investment and expertise are harnessed in comprehensible public – private partnerships. Local Entrepreneurial Activities are encouraged.

Factors to Success / 2 Linkages with conservation clear & understood Benefits are performance related Strong, non-corrupt leadership Regulatory & Enforcement Mechanisms are strong (M.J. Walpole & C. R. Thouless, 2003)