Conservation payments in data-poor, developing-world fisheries

Effective fisheries management is limited in the developing world by weak institutions, inadequate financing and a lack of reliable data. Conservation payments are a novel concept in fisheries management. In this thesis I take a multidisciplinary approach to explore whether they could help to address gaps in traditional fisheries management, using the Bangladesh hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) fishery and its ongoing payment scheme as a case study. I develop a qualitative frame of reference against which current or potential hilsa management interventions could be evaluated, demonstrating that – even in data-limited fisheries – counterfactuals can be developed and used to guide management. In the absence of data for formal evaluation, I then investigate the scope for additionality in hilsa management by assessing the evidence for and against a reconstructed theory of change. Although the potential for overall additionality is equivocal, my findings demonstrate scope for individual elements of the management package to have had additionality, and provide some support for the use of conservation payments. As is common in artisanal fisheries management, hilsa management is focused on the protection of juveniles. Through population modelling, I demonstrate that size selectivity is much less important than catch volume, in terms of effect on overall hilsa population biomass. This analysis suggests that the targeting of payments would benefit from a more rigorous ecological foundation. Through statistical modelling of household survey data, I find a strong spatial pattern in payment distribution that reflects the political economy of Bangladesh rather than the official social goals of the scheme. I also find evidence of strong trade-offs between social and ecological goals. Finally, I investigate the potential for Conservation Trust Funds (CTFs) to enhance the sustainability of payments. Developing-world fisheries pose challenges to the translation of conservation payments from concept to reality. I find that CTFs can support and catalyse the development of enabling conditions for sustainable payment institutions, but only if best practice standards are followed. Open Acces

Evaluating the Ecological and Social Targeting of a Compensation Scheme in Bangladesh

Data collected through a survey of 800 households interviewed between May and October 2014 in the lower Meghna River region of Bangladesh. Data collections followed the ethical principles of the International Institute for Environment and Development, developed by the Research Quality Group. Households were selected from 19 villages across six districts through stratified random sampling. 600 of the households lived in hilsa sanctuary areas (Chandpur, Laxmipur, Bhola, Patuakhali districts) and 200 lived in districts outside sanctuary areas (Barisal and Barguna). In the sanctuary areas, 150 households were sampled from each district, but due to resource constraints, district sample sizes were smaller outside sanctuary areas (125 households in Barisal district and 75 in Barguna district). Proportions of recipients and non-recipients interviewed within the compensation areas were balanced; 54% of compensation area households were recipients and 46% were non-recipients. Questions focused on household characteristics and fishing activities

IMPACT INVESTMENT IN MARINE CONSERVATION

International audienceThreats to our ocean are climbing both public and political agendas. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a promising example of Nature-Based Solutions that can protect diversity while delivering ecosystem services when used with a rigorous evidence-based approach, effective management and the right investment. However, insufficient funding for expansion and effective management of MPAs remains a challenge; one that particularly affects developing countries. During the last ten years, a community of investors seeking positive social and environmental returns in addition to financial, have stepped in to fill the marine conservation financing gap. Innovative governance and financial mechanisms must be explored at all levels to provide adequate, flexible and timely funding for MPA operations. Collaborative management partnerships are proven vehicles through which this challenge can be addressed, by creating a more investable ("bankable") structure around MPAs. The main advantages of these partnerships are to improve entrepreneurial approaches to the management of Protected Areas and, for Governments, to reduce the financial burden on Public Budgets. An innovative and scalable collaborative management approach has been recently implemented in the Dominican Republic for the South East Coral Reef Marine Sanctuary. Blended finance solutions have been used to cover the up-front capital needs and MPA revenues are being generated for MPA management and investor returns, via a range of sustainable finance tools including fees paid by visitors and sales of blue carbon credits. Beyond protecting biodiversity, potential benefits include supporting ocean ecosystems, enhanced resilience to climate change, and providing food and income for local communities by supporting sustainable fisheries and tourism. This approach is expected to be transformative for MPAs, and precedent-setting for marine conservation worldwide. After presenting in detail the context of marine impact investment, the enabling conditions to scale up the Dominican Republic approach is discussed

Map of study area, showing study site districts in relation to sanctuary sites.

<p>Each study site represents the approximate location of a cluster of surveyed villages, denoted by the relevant district name (precise village coordinates were not available). In Barisal and Bhola districts two village clusters were sampled and can be distinguished by the sub-district names (in brackets); in the other districts just one village cluster was sampled.</p

Result for GLMMs of probability of (a) receiving compensation; and (b) perceiving fair compensation distribution.

<p>Result for GLMMs of probability of (a) receiving compensation; and (b) perceiving fair compensation distribution.</p

The percentage of study households compensated in each district under current and alternative targeting scenarios.

<p>The alternative scenarios presented are: targeting jatka fishers (52%) and targeting high fishing dependence (60%).</p