Rights, Resources, Rezoning and the Challenges of Governance in South Africa's Oldest Marine Protected Area

This research examines the rezoning of Africa's oldest Marine Protected Area (MPA), the Tsitsikamma National Park (TNP) MPA. In December 2016, the TNP MPA was rezoned from 'no-take' to a partially open MPA to provide access for local fishing communities. Here, we examine the different values and beliefs that influence how diverse stakeholders perceive the rezoning process and the subsequent implications for marine conservation. Our research draws on 55 semi-structured key informant interviews (e.g., with communities, scientists, government), as well as a focus group with managers and staff from the South African conservation management authority. Results highlight the conditions through which values and beliefs about the MPA and the zoning effort have been mediated: 1) the historic (i.e., Apartheid) context in which the TNP MPA was created; 2) the disciplinary background, knowledge and lived experience of those involved in the rezoning; and 3) the underlying socio-economic circumstances that affect values and beliefs. Our research also reveals the entrenched perceptions (positive and negative) about the socio-cultural, ecological, regulatory and governance outcomes of rezoning. Ultimately, more collaborative efforts are necessary to reconcile diverse values and beliefs among different stakeholders, and to balance community rights with conservation rezoning objectives.