A Global Review of Marine Protected Area Financial Sustainability

Abstract

Globally, many marine protected areas (MPAs) lack adequate budgets and are likely not financially sustainable. When managed and resourced correctly, MPAs can simultaneously protect vulnerable marine and coastal ecosystems and generate benefits to fisheries and local communities. Previous studies have characterized the state of MPA finance and overall challenges, and this study provides an in-depth analysis of MPA managers/stakeholders perceptions of the financial sustainability of their MPAs. We analyzed a global dataset of responses to Protected Area Management Effectiveness (PAME) surveys, to estimate the state of financial sustainability in MPAs, determine how MPAs with adequate financial sustainability differ from MPAs with insufficient financial sustainability in other management indicators, and identify common themes MPA managers discussed when reporting on MPA budget sufficiency and security. We found 16% of 304 MPAs reported having adequate financial sustainability, and MPAs with adequate financial sustainability reported significantly higher ratings on many management effectiveness indicators compared to MPAs with insufficient financial sustainability. MPAs most often discussed utilizing state and external financing, and MPA budget sufficiency and security was found to be influenced by stakeholders including state agencies, NGOs, and visitors. Finally, we provide a compilation of current resources and initiatives that are supporting MPAs in achieving financial sustainability.