Research in Progress Seminar - Catarina Grilo

Abstract:
This presentation assesses the potential for cooperation in the creation of transboundary marine protected areas (MPAs) between Tanzania and Mozambique and between the latter and South Africa. The potential for the creation of transboundary MPAs is examined through recent fieldwork data consisting of in-depth interviews, questionnaires and in-loco observation. Two common pool resources (CPRs) were selected as proxies for cooperation, and their physical, user and institutional characteristics investigated. At a higher level, the capacities, interests and knowledge of the states regarding these CPRs were scrutinized to assess how cooperation may be limited or enabled. The preliminary conclusions point to the willingness of states to cooperate in the creation and management of transboundary MPAs not being sufficient to surpass the limitations of local conservation efforts targeting the two CPRs.