Balancing Sustainable Livelihoods and Conservation …
29
It should be regulated, especially if non-certified divers are not allowed to dive there. Only
divers with cave diving experience should be allowed to dive here (MPAs with caves)
(Diving Centre 4)
The issue of better communication between stakeholders was put forward by an
NGO.
Stakeholders that carry out economic activity - they have to agree on the rules and give
alternatives and they have to agree between themselves to reduce conflicting activities –
divers-tourists- Fishermen. Our feeling with the fishing communities is that they are not
heard by the authorities. The fishing communities really fear what the rules will be. We want
fishermen to remain fishermen to continue fishing in a sustainable way.
(NGO 2)
The importance of having few MPAs that actually work, as opposed to a lot that
do not, was highlighted by one Diving Club.
MPAs should be there as nurseries to restock other fishing areas. Better not make more
protected areas – and it is business as usual…what is the point. Better have fewer sites – and
you will have opposition - but then there will be long term benefits. Hopefully, we will not
only care about photo opportunities.
(Diving Club 3)
Two fishing associations have issues of trust both with the people who do studies
on the marine environment and also with certain authorities. This may hinder honest
communication.
We know that Posidonia is very important because it creates life and we try not to destroy it.
We have serious doubts on a number of studies that have been made – either because they
choose wrong people or because of other issues.
(Professional Fishermen Association 2)
4.2 Discussion and from the Thematic Analysis
of Qualitative Data
This research project mainly focused to understand the attitudes and perceptions of
stakeholders on the impact of new MPA introductions.
It is evident that the “stakeholders” of the sea—fishermen, diving centres, free
divers, tourist operators and people of the island—who developed an idea of protection based on the needs of their own category need to be listened to and given a
‘voice’ by the authorities. It is also apparent that there are issues of trust between
stakeholders and the authorities and these have to be addressed in order for progress
in sustainability to be registered. It is understandable that participatory process is
fundamental to rebuild local identities through the protection of traditions and environment, strengthen confidence with institutions and develop a sustainable local
maritime economy. The following more specific results are considered the main
outcomes of the thematic analysis:
29
It should be regulated, especially if non-certified divers are not allowed to dive there. Only
divers with cave diving experience should be allowed to dive here (MPAs with caves)
(Diving Centre 4)
The issue of better communication between stakeholders was put forward by an
NGO.
Stakeholders that carry out economic activity - they have to agree on the rules and give
alternatives and they have to agree between themselves to reduce conflicting activities –
divers-tourists- Fishermen. Our feeling with the fishing communities is that they are not
heard by the authorities. The fishing communities really fear what the rules will be. We want
fishermen to remain fishermen to continue fishing in a sustainable way.
(NGO 2)
The importance of having few MPAs that actually work, as opposed to a lot that
do not, was highlighted by one Diving Club.
MPAs should be there as nurseries to restock other fishing areas. Better not make more
protected areas – and it is business as usual…what is the point. Better have fewer sites – and
you will have opposition - but then there will be long term benefits. Hopefully, we will not
only care about photo opportunities.
(Diving Club 3)
Two fishing associations have issues of trust both with the people who do studies
on the marine environment and also with certain authorities. This may hinder honest
communication.
We know that Posidonia is very important because it creates life and we try not to destroy it.
We have serious doubts on a number of studies that have been made – either because they
choose wrong people or because of other issues.
(Professional Fishermen Association 2)
4.2 Discussion and from the Thematic Analysis
of Qualitative Data
This research project mainly focused to understand the attitudes and perceptions of
stakeholders on the impact of new MPA introductions.
It is evident that the “stakeholders” of the sea—fishermen, diving centres, free
divers, tourist operators and people of the island—who developed an idea of protection based on the needs of their own category need to be listened to and given a
‘voice’ by the authorities. It is also apparent that there are issues of trust between
stakeholders and the authorities and these have to be addressed in order for progress
in sustainability to be registered. It is understandable that participatory process is
fundamental to rebuild local identities through the protection of traditions and environment, strengthen confidence with institutions and develop a sustainable local
maritime economy. The following more specific results are considered the main
outcomes of the thematic analysis: