Fri, January 29, 2021 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM See description. Speaker: Dr. Nyawira Muthiga
Director, Wildlife Conservation Society's Marine Program, Kenya
The marine and coastal resources of the East African region provide ecological, economic and social resources for millions of people. Anthropogenic pressures including overfishing and climate change threaten these resources. Contrary to expectations that the ecological and social diversity of the region will present insurmountable challenges, this very diversity provides opportunities for testing innovative ways to address management.
Drawing on research from scientists in the Eastern African region, Dr. Muthiga will present a case study of the conservation of coral reefs, the most biodiverse and ecologically important marine ecosystem in East Africa. She will outline the changes that have occurred summarized from key findings from ecological and socio-economic studies focusing on the main pressures on reefs namely fishing and climate change. She will do this against the background of national and regional changes in governance of marine protected areas and small scale fisheries driven by the gradual change from top down management approaches to co-management. Lastly, Dr. Muthiga will present lessons learned and policy options to enhance the ability of coral reef communities in East Africa to sustainably manage SSF and coral reefs.