Support for the Establishment of Effectively Managed Platform Sites As Foundations for Resilient Networks of Functionally-Connected Marine Protected Areas

Support for the Establishment of Effectively Managed Platform Sites as Foundations for Resilient Networks of Functionally-Connected Marine Protected Areas

Meso-American Reef – Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico

FY08 Annual Report

This report is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under the terms of Award No. LAG-A-00-99-00045-00 . The contents are the responsibility of The Nature Conservancy and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. TABLE OF ACTIVITY STATUS

Activity Activity Title Status Number Support for the Establishment of Effectively Managed Platform Sites as Foundations for Resilient Networks of Functionally-Connected Marine Protected Areas

Meso-American Reef – Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico Objective 1 Build resilience into the MAR network through improved understanding of resilience principles and their application to management 1.1 Determine conservation status of Nassau On track grouper SPAG sites in the MAR region Objective 2 Improve the management and effectiveness of three platform MPAs strategically selected within the MAR network. 2.1 Improved Management of Gladden Spit Marine Reserve 2.1.1 Develop and implement a commercial species Completed monitoring program for Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, Belize 2.1.2 Revision of management plan and On track implementation of conservation strategies for Friends of Nature.

2.2 Improved Management of Sian Ka’an Completed Biosphere Reserve: Support the implementation of the land use zoning plan (OET) to control development densities along the beaches and dunes of Sian Ka’an. 2.3 Improved Management of Cayos Cochinos On track Natural Monument: Continue the process of establishing buoys for internal zoning of the protected area Objective 3 Establish a virtual Learning Center that convenes training courses, promotes exchanges, and facilitates coordination among the four MAR countries. 3.1 Development and implementation of three Delayed virtual modules 3.2 Introduction to TNC resilience model Completed 3.3 Support United Nations Environment Completed Program (UNEP) training course on marine protected areas 3.4 Development of a Seafood Watch guide for Delayed until FY09 Quintana Roo, México

2 Objective 4 A MAR ecoregional plan is adopted and implemented that reflects agreement by key conservation partners (local and international NGOs, government agencies and donors) on priority programs and activities, with the sharing of scientific and program data 4.1 Dissemination of ecoregional assessment On track results through publications and distribution of ecoregional plan 4.2 Development of a Conservation Action Completed planning for a new priority area in México

Support for the Establishment of Effectively Managed Platform Sites as Foundations for Resilient Networks of Functionally-Connected Marine Protected Areas in the Mesoamerican Reef Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico

FY2008 GCP Progress Report

1. Project Background

The Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest coral reef system in the world, stretches for 625 miles along the coastline of Belize and parts of Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. Lying just below the surface of the Caribbean Sea, the Mesoamerican Reef represents the best example of coral reef and mangrove diversity in the Atlantic realm. The reef is home to 66 species of coral, spiny lobsters, green moray eels, reef fish and a wide variety of other sea life including whale sharks – the largest fish in the ocean. Closer to land, sea turtles and Central America’s largest population of endangered manatees find shelter in mangrove habitats and sea grass meadows.

Although it plays an essential role in marine habitats and local communities, the Mesoamerican Reef is showing alarming signs of distress. Burgeoning tourism has invited additional coastal development and souvenir seekers to the reef. Forest clearing for agriculture has removed natural water filters, allowing silt, fertilizers and additional pollution to reach the sea. Growing intensity and frequency of fishing, especially at fragile fish spawning aggregation sites (SPAG), is taxing the ecosystem. Global climate change has accelerated coral bleaching, a phenomenon threatening reefs with extinction.

Fortunately, considerable opportunities exist for conserving the Mesoamerican Reef. Each of the neighboring nations continues to promote sustainable development as part of its voluntary commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Having established a strong presence in the region resulting from groundbreaking science, used to shed light on the natural phenomena surrounding fish spawning aggregations, the Conservancy has included the Mesoamerican Reef in its goal to conserve a measurable amount of each of the Earth’s major habitat types by 2015. The Mesoamerican Reef is one of only three marine sites already identified for inclusion in the 2015 goal, which testifies to its significance.

The Nature Conservancy’s Mesoamerican Reef Program envisions a comprehensive network of conservation areas managed at the national, regional and local community level for biodiversity protection and to provide for human needs. This network of coastal and marine sites will safeguard an interconnected set of conservation and economic targets to strengthen the resilience of the Mesoamerican Reef in the face of global climate change. Within this vision, The Nature Conservancy is working in collaboration with a coalition of stakeholders from the public and private sectors to achieve specific conservation objectives in the near term.

Through the Global Conservation Program these include:

4 • A MAR ecoregional plan is adopted and implemented that reflects agreement by all key conservation partners (local and international NGOs, government agencies and donors) on priority programs and activities, adoption of conservation best practices, and sharing of scientific and program data. • Four MPA platform sites, one in each country, are effectively managed by local partners and serve as examples of effective conservation and management for other protected areas within the MAR regional MPA network. • All high priority reef fish spawning aggregation (SPAG) sites throughout the MAR are identified and monitored, and stocks of target fish species are stable or increasing at priority SPAG sites. • Bleaching resistant areas of suitable sizes, scales, and distribution to replenish corals within the MAR system are identified and protected. • The technical, managerial and marine science skills of at least 2,000 people are enhanced and result in improved MPA management, new economic opportunities for fishers and their families, more effective community leaders and conservation activists, and improved scientific understanding by both private and public stakeholders.

2. Overall Assessment of Progress and Management Issues

The Nature Conservancy has made significant progress on its core objectives for the MAR. In collaboration with key conservation partners and stakeholders, we achieved the following during the past year:

a) Dissemination and adoption of a conservation blueprint: Promotion and distribution of a MAR-wide conservation blueprint that will be used as a critical mechanism for prioritizing conservation investments in the region. b) Implementation of three training modules by the Learning Center, as well as completion of training activities from the previous year. c) Consolidate Management a. Platform Sites: Strengthening the management of platform sites through targeted investments and monitoring of key indicators; b. TNC MAR Program developed a strategic plan based on the ecoregional assessment and TNC’s long-term goals; d) Research and Science: The science agenda focused on completing a region-wide report on the conservation status of the Nassau grouper.

Other important achievements made this year included: a) Working with others TNC is influencing the approach to conservation in the region very effectively through the conservation blue print: • As a base to establish the priority sites for the MAR Fund, which have more than 80% of overlap with TNC priority sites. • It was also used by WWF and TNC to develop priority areas for fisheries and key biological habitats for both organizations.

5 • TNC, jointly with SNV and CORAL, has developed a proposal for sustainable tourism using the ecoregional plan as a base to select priority areas of work. • Some governments, such as Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala, are using the marine portfolio of the ecoregional plan as an important input for their Marine MPA GAP Assessments. • The response inside TNC to the MAR Program work has been very positive. Marine conservation has become a top priority in the region. The Mexico program hired a new Yucatan Coastal and Marine Program Coordinator (Judith Morales) and the Honduras program hired a new Marine Manager (Calina Zepeda) to accelerate the work in marine conservation, as a product of this interest. TNC has decided to extend its marine work in 12 new MPAs along the Mesoamerican Reef during the next three years. During FY09, TNC will work in Yumbalam and Banco Chinchorro in Mexico, Utila in Honduras, Sarstum in Guatemala, and Port Honduras and LightHouse Reef Atoll in Belize. b) SPAG conservation agenda The cumulative experience and science support developed by the SPAG working groups, and the science data collected by TNC and by the working group allowed the development of a comprehensive agenda for SPAG conservation. The agenda includes more aggressive work on monitoring and patrolling of SPAGs in conjunction with more effective policy support. In order to create the policy support and the policy awareness needed, TNC and our partners agreed: • To develop a more aggressive communications campaign at both regional and national levels to create the public awareness needed as well as the political will to bring about policy changes needed to protect SPAGs. • To the promotion of policy changes including: a. No fishing and full protection of SPAGs b. Promote a moratoria for Nassau grouper fisheries c. Ban on spear fishing d. Establish size limits (both minimum and maximum for at least key Lobster, Queen Conch, groupers and Snappers) e. Promotion of nursery habitat conservation agendas. • The MOU with Targeted Research Group on connectivity has been an excellent mechanism to get the best quality of scientific data to support the agenda established above (available at www.tncmar.net). To promote the results, the Targeted Research Group prepared a declaration expressing the importance of connectivity for marine systems and conservation of some key species, and also proposed a number of policies which must be in place in order to improve marine conservation in the Mesoamerican Reef ecoregion, based on current scientific knowledge and experience. This declaration has so far been distributed to about 200 key partners, co-managers, government authorities and key conservation organizations.

c) Conservation Action Plans (CAPs) for MPAs

In 2008, TNC and partners completed CAPs for five marine protected areas (Banco Chinchorro and Yum Balam in Mexico, Gladden Spit and Port Honduras in Belize, Rio Sarstun and Punta de Manabique in Guatemala, and Cayos Cochinos in Honduras. This

6 effort has allowed the creation of conservation agendas for those areas based on the most updated scientific information available and with wide participation from local stakeholders. In the case of Cayos Cochinos, the CAP process produced significant changes in the internal zoning; two SPAG sites previously validated were incorporated as part of the no take zones.

3. Implementation Report

Objective 1: Build resilience into the MAR network through improved understanding of resilience principles and their application to management.

Activity 1.1: Determine conservation status of Nassau grouper SPAG sites in the MAR region

Results Anticipated in FY08: • Report for the regional status of the conservation of Nassau grouper with a chapter for each country • List of potential appropriate strategies for the long-term conservation of the Nassau grouper along the MAR. Reports will be presented to fisheries authorities in the different countries to raise awareness of the condition of the conservation status of Nassau groupers and the need for sustainable management of their populations.

The regional report for the status of the conservation of Nassau grouper is currently being finalized with information from Belize, Honduras and Mexico. The final version is expected by late September or early October 2008.

In the Mexican Caribbean, particularly in the central and southern coast of Quintana Roo, Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) is the third most economically important fishery after lobster (Panulirus argus) and Queen Conch (Strombus gigas). However, Nassau grouper have been fished throughout history, mainly during the spawning aggregation season, resulting in a reduction of its population. For example, sites like Mahahual, where spawning aggregations included 1000 individuals in 1990, had disappeared completely by 1997. This is exactly the same situation Dr. Mito Paz reported for Caye Glory, the biggest reported SPAG in Belize that was completely wipeout by intensive artisanal fishing. TNC has developed communication materials to support the SPAG working groups in the region to prepare for the exclusion of fisheries in SPAGs and a moratorium on fishing for Nassau grouper in the MAR Region

Currently, the fishing status of the Nassau grouper in Quintana Roo is unknown, with no data on the population size or structure or to establish the current condition of the fishery. Its management does not include areas outside marine protected areas. The existing closed season for groupers in the Yucatan Peninsula (February to March), established by the federal government in 1993 (NOM-009-1993), is not specific for Epinephelus striatus and was designed based on the biological characteristics of another grouper species (Epinephelus morio). Presently, another federal regulation (NOM-065-Pesca-2007) that regulates the exploitation of groupers is being revised.

7 Unfortunately, there is a lack of clear and concise fisheries data and statistics on Epinephelus striatus, since fish capture data does not differentiate between the different species of fish like groupers, snappers and barracudas.

In the southern and central coast of Quintana Roo, the number of fishermen who fish Epinephelus striatus is variable and has been decreasing over the years.

Even though the Nassau grouper is not the principal fishery in Quintana Roo, it is recommended that the National Fisheries Commission (CONAPESCA) determine more appropriate mechanisms to document its capture throughout the year. Furthermore, a closure season between December and February that is specific for Epinephelus striatus is also needed and highly recommended.

The study on the Nassau grouper in Honduras was completed. These are the major findings reported: - Fishing communities on the Atlantic Coast and Bay Islands in Honduras are clearly demographically divided, with wide economical, geographical, cultural and technological differences that are affecting Nassau grouper communities. - The majority (95%) of Nassau grouper fished in Honduras is exported to US markets and the remaining 5% is sold locally. - Nassau grouper fisheries increased in the late 1980s and then decreased and lost commercial importance by the early 2000s. By 2003, profitability of the Nassau grouper fisheries was so limited that fishers moved to Yellowtail snappers and other targeted commercial species. - Nassau grouper fisheries in Honduras have decreased from a commercial to an artisanal importance, and the percentage (by weight) of total exports made up by Nassau grouper has decreased from 7% in 1996 to 0.7% in 2007. At present, Nassau grouper is fished as a bycatch while fishing snappers. Nassau grouper is still important to fishing communities in Utila Cays, East Roatán and Guanaja, where they sell fish directly to exporters. - Fishing communities have reported a decrease in Nassau grouper catch, leading them to switch to Yellowfin grouper, Mycteroperca venenosa. - The price of Nassau grouper has decreased by 50% in the last 15 years. This, combined with the reduction in fish abundance, led fishermen in the Bay Islands to use fish traps and harpoons. Furthermore, most fishermen now use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Fish Finders to locate aggregations during spawning events. - Evidence and anecdotal reports suggest that systematic exploitation of Spawning Aggregation Sites using fish traps and harpoons has led to the collapse of grouper fisheries in Honduras. - There are no conservation efforts or a local or national strategy in Honduras to manage Nassau grouper populations, or any other species of grouper or snapper. - Effective management is urgently needed to protect remaining populations of Nassau grouper in Honduras. This species is a vital component of the healthy coral reef ecosystems on which Bay Islander communities depend upon.

8 Objective 2: Improve the management and effectiveness of three platform MPAs strategically selected within the MAR network.

Activity 2.1: Improved Management of Gladden Spit Marine Reserve

Activity 2.1.1: Develop and implement a commercial species monitoring program for Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, Belize.

Results Anticipated in FY08: • Quarterly underwater visual surveys conducted during FY08 • Catch data for FY08 on lobster, conch and selected species of finfish • Preliminary report (based only on first year of data) highlighting status of the commercial fishery as it relates to the management of the reserve. • Comparative report with results from Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve

Friends of Nature (FoN) and the Toledo Association for Sustainable Tourism and Empowerment have been working together to establish a long-term monitoring protocol for commercial species within three Marine Protected Areas: Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR), Laughing Bird Caye National Park (LBCNP) and Saltwater Caye Marine Reserve (SCMR). The overall goal was to establish a system to integrate commercial species monitoring and data collection and management efforts at GSSCMR. The other MPAs being monitored have different management criteria which will allow for comparison and determination of management effectiveness among these different regimes. A modified Long-Term Atoll Monitoring Protocol (LAMP), is being utilized when carrying out the monitoring program to ensure consistent commercial species monitoring at GSSCMR. This methodology for commercial species monitoring has been standardized across the three parks.

The implementation of the commercial species monitoring program has progressed as planned. Since the implementation of the project, monitoring has occurred twice at each of the three MPAs. These monitoring events follow the established monitoring schedule which has a goal of monitoring four times for the year: at the close of lobster season (mid-February), right before lobster season opens (early-June), after the close of conch season (September) and once in the open season for both conch and lobster (November-December).

In January 2008, reports assessing the status of monitoring within GSSCMR, LBCNP and SCMR were written. These reports were the first known assessment of the monitoring efforts at the three parks to date. The reports provided some initial data analysis as well as a series of recommendations for future monitoring, including recommended changes to protocols, methods and sites. In addition to this, collaboration with Wildlife Conservation Society and Conservation International has led to the development of a commercial species database as well as training in data analysis. Additional monitoring needs to be completed before a comparative report with that of Glovers Reef Marine Reserve can be done.

Since 2002, FON has conducted monthly monitoring of the SPAG site at Gladden Spit. Findings based on monthly counts have shown an upward trend in the spawning population of Nassau grouper Epinephelus striaturs from 2002 to 2008. The same increases can be seen from 2002-

9 2007 for the Lutjanid species. In addition to the fish census, a detailed log of enforcement activities is kept. A summary of incidents, charges and convictions from 2003 to 2007 shows an increase in the number of charges and convictions while the number of incidents has remained stable. These results suggest that in the past six years enforcement may have played an important role in ensuring improved management of Gladden Spit.

Activity 2.1.2: Revision of management plan and implementation of conservation strategies for Friends of Nature.

Results Anticipated in FY08: • Conservation targets, threats, and opportunities identified • Development of strategic actions to conserve targets • Assessment and ranking of threats and opportunities • Recommended strategies for the management plan

The Conservation Action Planning (CAP) process has just been completed for the Southern Belize Reef Complex (SBRC) which includes the marine protected area components of Laughing Bird Caye National Park (LBCNP), Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR), South Water Caye Marine Reserve (SWCMR) and the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve (SCMR). A fully participatory CAP process was used to develop strategy recommendations to guide the management organizations in implementing effective management for the SBRC. The original intent was to conduct a CAP for GSSCMR only, but due to the merging of FoN and TASTE into the Southern Environmental Alliance (SEA), it was decided that the other MPAs should also be included as this process could then feed directly into the strategic plan for the newly merged SEA. During the first CAP workshop, the participants suggested that the boundary for the planning area be extended to include SWCMR as well, which gave much greater strength to the process.

The CAP process was facilitated through a series of four workshops to develop strategy recommendations for the Southern Belize Reef Complex. This was achieved through collaboration with Government, Non-Governmental Organizations, private sector and key stakeholders in identifying conservation targets, threats, and opportunities. Objectives, strategies, and a monitoring framework to guide the organizations in implementing effective conservation actions in the Southern Belize Reef Complex were then developed. As FoN and TASTE fully merge in the upcoming months, the results of the CAP process will assist in guiding their strategic planning.

Activity 2.2: Improved Management of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: Support the implementation of the land use zoning plan (OET) to control development densities along the beaches and dunes of Sian Ka’an.

Results Anticipated in FY08: • All EIAs reviewed and recommendations submitted to SEMARNAT • All construction projects monitored • All violations of the OET reported to PROFEPA

During FY08 TNC continued to support the implementation of Sian Ka’an’s land use zoning plan. It is important to note that as part of the Yucatan Coastal and Marine Program’s conservation agenda, the Conservancy is also supporting other critical projects in Sian Ka’an, such as the establishment of a Conservation Buyer Program, exploration and mapping of the underground river system and conservation of Pez Maya, a strategic and ecologically significant coastal property.

Only 3% of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is privately owned, but it is all located on the coast, where critical habitats such as beaches and dunes are highly threatened from tourism and coastal development. A key need identified by CONANP and ASK was to have an OET coordinator to ensure adequate implementation of the land use zoning plan which has been in effect since 2002. Since FY06, TNC has provided CONANP with funding to support this position. The coordinator has reviewed all of the Environmental Impact Statements submitted by private landowners and has made recommendations to the Ministry of Environment (SEMARNAT) regarding the viability of development projects. The coordinator has also monitored all new construction in order to ensure that they abide by the OET and reported violations to PROFEPA, Mexico’s Environmental Protection Agency.

This activity was carried out through a sub-award with partner Amigos de Sian Ka’an, who had the coordinator in their payroll. It is important to note that in June this position (along with many others in CONANP) became part of the structure of Mexico’s park agency. Thus, we will no longer need to fund this key position, but will only cover operating expenses that are critical for the adequate implementation of the land use zoning plan.

This is an ongoing activity that will continue to be funded in FY09 with private funds.

Activity 2.3: Improved Management of Cayos Cochinos Natural Monument: Continue the process of establishing buoys for internal zoning of the protected area

Results Anticipated in FY08: • Boundary/mooring buoys are well maintained and serve as an effective element of park management.

During this fiscal year, the Honduras Coral Reef Foundation (HCRF), or Cayos Cochinos Foundation, has reinstalled eight buoys and installed a brand new buoy to demarcate the southern boundaries for internal zoning of the protected area. They also established a program which ensures the periodic inspection and maintenance of the buoys. These demarcation buoys have served to avoid incidences of illegal artisanal fishing and also prevented industrial fishing boats from entering the protected area.

Under periodic supervision, five buoys have been found without the floating device. No apparent dragging damage has been identified, so it’s difficult to determine the reason for the loss. The buoys are being repaired and will be reinstalled again.

11 An information and awareness program has been implemented by HCRF regarding the maritime demarcation buoys. Different government agencies, such as Honduras Merchant Marine, Honduran Naval Force, the Fishing Bureau (DIGEPESCA), as well as other private enterprises from the fishing industry, were notified of the importance of the new buoys and the regulations involved. Also, local fishing communities were made aware of the new buoys. This information and awareness program included disseminating information about the buoys, their location, the buoy inspection plan and application of sanctions for those damaging them.

Objective 3: Establish a virtual Learning Center that convenes training courses, promotes exchanges, and facilitates coordination among the four MAR countries.

The funds provided by GCP have allowed the MAR Learning Center to become an active and ongoing initiative. Other private donor organizations have also contributed to the continuance of this effort, granting leverage to USAID funds. Trainings and tools and materials development have all been made possible through this funding.

Some of the most important exchanges conducted by the Learning Center include the following: learning exchange between fishermen in Punta Allen, México and Cayos Cochinos, Honduras; learning exchange conducted by the Belize and Jamaica TNC Country program to raise awareness among fishing communities and to promote best fishing practices; and an exchange in Costa Rica in which Honduran fishers learned about opportunities to use resources in a sustainable way.

Valuable trainings were also organized on topics such as whale shark tourism management; business administration, marketing, accounting and tourist services for Cayos Cochinos communities; coral reef resilience; and SPAGs conservation.

Several trainings have been conducted regarding TNC’s Conservation Area Planning (CAP) methodology. A CAP workshop was held in Izabal, Guatemala, in June for partners constructing their own CAPs in Guatemala, Mexico, Belize and Honduras. The Learning Center has supported workshops to construct conservation action plans in areas like the Southern Belize Reef Complex (SRBC), Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve in México, Cayos Cochinos in Honduras, Utila in Honduras and Sarstún in Guatemala.

The Learning Center has also produced a variety of materials and learning tools, such as a best practices document for TNC’s partners within the MAR on supporting gender equity. Other important tools include: “Livelihood Transitions: Towards Sustainable Fishing Communities in the Mesoamerican Reef Region and Baselines for TNC MAR Program Platform Site Socioeconomic Modeling”. ”Regional Study of the Status of Nassau Grouper in the Mesoamerican Reef” and a report on the “Economic Importance of Coastal Marine Resources and its Relevance in the Development of a National Policy for Guatemala”. Important tools have been developed as a way to motivate exchange of information between scientists and conservation practitioners, with the creation of two virtual communities at www.conserveonline.org to address whale sharks and connectivity. A CD was prepared containing more than 300 publications and papers that serve as guides for conservation in the

12 Mesoamerican Reef Areas. A video about the threats of fishing in SPAG sites was recently produced, using the case study of Caye Glory, where a group of fishermen have learned from their own experiences and changed their fishing practices in order to help restore the aggregations in that site. This five-minute production will be used to raise awareness about the importance of SPAGs in the MAR. This effort is part of a regional communications campaign that will be implemented in the coming months. These are just some of the activities that have been carried out by the Learning Center as a result of the private donor funds leveraged thanks to the on-going support of GCP funds. The activities performed directly with GCP funds during FY08 are described below:

Self Training Virtual Modules Production began on three self-training virtual modules, in English and Spanish, based on the following tools:

• Training Manual for Marine Park Rangers • Marine Protected Areas Effectiveness’ Evaluation • Participatory Planning in Marine Protected Areas

Communication Campaigns With funds provided by USAID, a regional awareness-raising campaign was begun, with the production of a poster regarding the protection of Nassau grouper in Belize. Currently, this campaign is being amplified to involve the protection of fish spawning aggregations. The objective of this communication campaign is to transfer knowledge about SPAGs and their importance to fishers, and to transfer scientific knowledge to relevant authorities in order to provide them with tools that may help to orient them in decision-making on the creation of banning or preventative laws. In order to promote SPAGs conservation, The Nature Conservancy will implement this communications campaign through its partners in the region (especially through SPAGs working groups in each of the countries), at the local level in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras, focused on three main audiences: fishers associations, local authorities in charge of fishery regulations, and community cooperatives.

Educational Materials Educational materials were produced, included posters with information about fish spawning aggregations in the Mesoamerican Reef and to create awareness to protect the Nassau grouper in Belize, and a video (English and Spanish) based on Caye Glory’s case study to be used for educational purposes and create awareness about protecting SPAGs. A fisher learning exchange was carried out to raise awareness among fishing communities in southern Belize and Jamaica and to promote best fishing practices in the two countries. The exchange left indelible impressions on both the Jamaicans and Belizeans and has sparked the drive to move forward in sharing these experiences on a much larger scale. Four Belizean fishers and tour guides and 10 Jamaicans participated in visits to fishing communities and MPAs in Jamaica and Belize, highlights of which were documented in a documentary, No Boundaries. Other materials, such as banners to be used in CAP trainings (both in English and Spanish), were also produced, as well as a brochure about connectivity, which was produced together with the GEF/World Bank Coral Reef Targeted Research Program and the United Nations University.

Training The Reef Resilience model developed by TNC and its partners in 2004 was presented regionally during three workshops organized and carried out by TNC: the first one in Cancún, Mexico, the second one in Belize City, Belize and the third one in Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras.

A Training of Trainers Program (including courses in English and Spanish) in marine protected area (MPA) management is one of the initiatives undertaken by UNEP-CEP and its Regional Coordinating Unit in Jamaica. The implementation of both regional and national training courses contribute to strengthen the communication among MPA practitioners in the region and so contributing to the exchange of information and lessons learned, which is one of the main objectives of the Caribbean Marine Protected Area Management Network and Forum (CaMPAM).

With the support of the funds provided by GCP through TNC’s MAR Program, three workshops were carried out (two in Mexico and one in Guatemala) imparted by three representatives from the Mesoamerican region who participated in the UNEP workshop (one representative from NGO Fundaeco Costas, Guatemala, the other one from Fundación Orígenes de Quintana Roo, Mexico, and the third one from NGO Amigos de Sian Ka’an) The main result is that a total of 42 MPA practitioners of the Mesoamerican region were trained in matters regarding protected areas conservation and management.

Activity 3.1: Development and implementation of three virtual modules

Results Anticipated in FY08: • Three modules produced, uploaded and functioning at www.conserveonline.org and the site created for that purpose (both English and Spanish versions) • Self-training materials distributed across the MAR Region in English and Spanish in the form of 500 CDs containing the three modules. • Effectiveness of at least 150 protected areas administrators and park rangers improved through the use of these modules

Production began on three self-training virtual modules in English and Spanish, based on the following tools: Training Manual for Marine Park Rangers, Marine Protected Areas Effectiveness’ Evaluation and Participatory Planning in Marine Protected Areas.

After a bidding process, Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional (UCI), based in Costa Rica, was selected to develop the instructional design as well as programming of these modules, which are currently in the last stage of production. Potential users, identified in UCI’s and TNC MAR Program contact data bases, are already being invited to participate in an introductory virtual guided course on how to use these coming virtual training modules. Since this is the first time that TNC’s Mesoamerican Reef Program has been involved in a process like this one, we have found that the development of these tools takes more time than expected, because a high amount of detail, supervision and revision has to be applied in order to obtain a quality product. However, the modules will be concluded before the end of this calendar year and potential users

14 will be learning using these modules by the beginning of 2009. These modules will be placed on www.conserveonline.org and also at a site created for that purpose: www.tncvirtual.org

As planned, these virtual modules will also be distributed through 500 copies of a CD containing these materials.

Activity 3.2: Introduction to TNC resilience model

Results Anticipated in FY08: • Procedures for applying the resilience model in the Caribbean incorporated in the Learning Center program.

The reef resilience model developed by TNC and its partners in 2004 was presented regionally during four workshops organized and carried out by TNC: the first one in Cancún, Mexico, the second one in Belize City, Belize, the third on Utila Island and fourth one in Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras. Originally, only two workshops were programmed, but thanks to the support provided by USAID GCP, TNC was able to leverage additional resources for two more workshops. The first reef resilience workshop was held in Cancún, México, October 23-24, 2007 with the purpose of presenting the reef resilience model and tool, and its application in marine conservation and management. The information obtained through the rapid reef assessment in Mexico was also presented, and next steps were discussed, such as bleaching monitoring and the creation of a rapid response group to bleaching events. Participants indicated that the reef resilience model is a very useful tool, and that they will apply it to the work they carry out in protected areas. Following the workshop, an early alert mechanism was created for reef bleaching with the participation of tourist operators, fishers, government and NGO personnel, in which participants act as the eyes of the reef to raise the alert about areas that are having bleaching events. They report this to a network that can follow up and document these events. Another rapid response team was initiated by government personnel and NGOs who will monitor areas affected by bleaching and document its restoration, resistance or permanent mortality in this area, and report it to an early alert network and to authorities.

In March, the resilience model was presented at a workshop developed in Belmopán, Belize, with the participation of 24 peoples representing various protected areas manager organizations and other NGOs. During the workshops, the Belize Barrier Reef Monitoring network was reactivated. The network was created a few years ago, but has recently been inactive. The reef resilience workshop held in Belize City was instrumental in re-launching the network in which several government agencies and NGOs participate. A Belize Reef resilience group was organized during the workshop to coordinate the activities from the Belize Barrier Reef Monitoring network related to coral bleaching early warning and rapid response.

In July, the workshop was held in Roatán, Honduras. Participants recognized the importance of using this model. During the workshop, a Rapid Response Team for Honduras was initiated by government personnel and NGOs who will monitor areas affected by bleaching and document its

15 restoration, resistance or permanent mortality in these areas, and report it to an early alert network and to authorities. The first activity conducted by the Honduran Rapid Response Team was a meeting with tour operators, dive shops and fishers to motivate them to form local Rapid Response Teams.

More than 60 conservation practitioners were trained. Training on how to build a communications campaign was also given as part of the reef resilience workshops carried out during this period.

A workshop was also held in Utila Island, and follow up meetings were held during August and September in Utila and Roatan.

The expectation of these activities is to first create a culture of monitoring and stewardship with both fishers and the more than 35 tour operators for the reef on which their economic activities very much depend. We plan to achieve: • Regular monitoring of at least 5% of the potentially resilient areas identified during the RRA. • Have active early warning systems. • Monitor recovering of reef from bleaching as a clear indication of resilience. • Ensure the full protection of resilient reef areas and their incorporation in an MPA or a particular management regime. • Initiate reef monitoring to evaluate the state of the reef.

Activity 3.3: Support United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) training course on marine protected areas

Results Anticipated in FY08: • Skills of at least 60 MPA practitioners from the Mesoamerican region improved through training received in marine protected areas management

A Training of Trainers Program (including courses in English and Spanish) in marine protected area (MPA) management is one of the initiatives undertaken by UNEP-CEP and its Regional Coordinating Unit in Jamaica. The implementation of both regional and national training courses contribute to strengthening communication among MPA practitioners in the region and hence contributing to the exchange of information and lessons learned, which is one of the main objectives of the Caribbean Marine Protected Area Management Network and Forum (CaMPAM).

Three workshops were carried out (two in Mexico and one in Guatemala), with GCP support through TNC’s MAR Program. The workshops were led by three representatives from the Mesoamerican region who participated in the UNEP Training of Trainers workshop; one representative was from NGO Fundaeco Costas, Guatemala, another from Fundación Orígenes from Quintana Roo, Mexico, and the third from Mexico’s National Commission for Natural Protected Areas (CONANP). A total of 42 MPA practitioners from the Mesoamerican region were trained in MPA management.

16 The representative of partner NGO Fundaeco Costas led a training course for park rangers and protected areas staff at Izabal, Guatemala. This workshop was held in April with 14 participants (7 women and 7 men) from NGOs working in the Guatemalan Caribbean. It provided training on how to improve performance and institutional capacities for administrative operations and monitoring of their protected areas. The results of the training far exceeded expectations; with the information derived from discussions, debates and identification of priority issues from each of the protected areas represented, four project profiles were constructed, according to the needs of each one of the NGOs.

The representative from Fundación Orígenes carried out a workshop to train staff working in conservation NGOs. Through this workshop, 19 people were trained (all men) in monitoring of coral reef bleaching events.

The third workshop was carried out by the representative from CONANP. A total of 9 people (8 men and 1 woman) participated in this training for park rangers of Quintana Roo which provided them with basic knowledge on the importance of the creation and conservation of Marine Protected Areas and the function that these have for the preservation of marine ecosystems.

Activity 3.4: Development of a Seafood Watch guide for Quintana Roo, México

Results Anticipated in FY08: • A Seafood Watch guide for Quintana Roo, Mexico, provides information on sustainable fishery choices to tourists.

We were unable to finalize this activity. In October 2007, TNC had identified several consultants and an NGO in Mexico that could create this guide. Unfortunately, the proposals received were far beyond our financial capacities and some did not submit proposals. We were unable to find additional consultants to prepare this guide for Quintana Roo.

We have found a professional from a local university in Yucatan who is preparing this work for theYucatan, and we hope to use the same person to develop the proposed one for Quintana Roo. We plan to carry this activity over to our FY09 workplan. After the seafood watch guide for Quintana Roo is completed we intend in FY10 to expand it to be a regional guide that includes seafood commonly served in the four Mesoamerican Reef countries.

Objective 4: A MAR ecoregional plan is adopted and implemented that reflects agreement by key conservation partners (local and international NGOs, government agencies and donors) on priority programs and activities, with the sharing of scientific and program data;

Activity 4.1: Dissemination of ecoregional assessment results through publications and distribution of ecoregional plan

Results Anticipated in FY08: • A CD or DVD with all geographic information, data, maps and workshop reports provides input to planning and action strategies throughout the MAR region

17 • MAR stakeholders and practitioners apply the ecoregional plan to their local actions

The Mesoamerican Reef ecoregional assessment was conducted between 2006 and 2007 to identify priority conservation sites, which meet specific conservation goals for the selected targets. The assessment also conducted an analysis of the threats to the biodiversity based on the same conservation targets and developed strategies to mitigate threats and implement of the portfolio of priority conservation sites. The ecoregional exercise was a regional effort, in which participants were asked to think and plan beyond their work areas and countries of origin, and to identify, in a participatory manner, conservation priorities at an ecoregional scale. This assessment of the Mesoamerican Reef was the second iteration of a planning exercise for this ecoregion. The first ecoregional plan was developed by WWF in 2002. The results from the second ecoregional assessment were used as the basis for the development of the MAR Program strategic plan, which will guide TNC conservation efforts in the region for the next ten years.

A preliminary version of a CD that contains the results of the ecoregional assessment was developed through a consultancy with a GIS specialist. This CD contains the maps of the conservation target’s distribution, the location of current marine protected areas, and the location of priority conservation sites identified through the process of ecoregional assessment. Also included in the CD are summary statistics for each MPA and conservation priority sites in terms of the extent and number of occurrences of the conservation targets and major habitat sites. The inclusion of statistics on major habitat types is vital for the assessment of progress towards TNC’s 2015 goal. We currently have Spanish and English versions of the report that will be incorporated in the final version of the CD. The final version of the CD is currently in production in Spanish, an English version will be made available soon, and both versions will also be available on the MAR program website beginning in October 2008. Presentations have been made to share the results with key partners.

Activity 4.2: Development of a Conservation Action planning for a new priority area in México

Results Anticipated in FY08: • Conservation targets identified and viability assessment conducted • Threats analysis conducted • Strategies and strategic actions identified with stakeholder participation

Over the last 15 years, The Nature Conservancy has developed an integrated approach to the design, implementation, and evaluation of conservation projects, which is known as Conservation Action Planning (CAP). The CAP methodology assists in the identification of priority conservation targets at priority sites, the threats to those targets, and in developing strategies to address threats, thus ensuring that effort is focused where it is most needed to protect and conserve a project site. In 2007, Banco Chinchorro was identified as one of TNC’s priority sites in the Mesoamerican Reef region.

During FY08, The Nature Conservancy, together with Amigos de Sian Ka’an (ASK) and Mexico’s National Commission for Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) developed a Conservation Action Plan for the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve. A total of 45 participants from 22 organizations (local and international NGOs, academia, government, fishing

18 cooperatives) participated in the process. Three workshops were held to identify conservation targets, their current viability, critical threats to these targets, and conservation strategies. The CAP identified 8 conservation targets including microalgae and sea grasses, coastal dune and small sand islands, coral reefs, mangroves and interior lagoons, spawning aggregation sites, lobster (Paulirus argus) and Queen Conch (Strombus gigas). In general, the site is considered to be in good condition. The stresses that pose the greatest threat to biodiversity in Banco Chinchorro include illegal fishing, transport and commercialization of fishing resources, climate change, invasive species, inadequate management of solid and liquid waste, and unsustainable tourism practices. It is important to note that CONANP will be using the information from this CAP to update their existing management plan. These processes are critical in guiding our and our partner’s conservation work at priority sites and helping to evaluate the effectiveness of our strategies and actions. During FY09, TNC will be working closely with CONANP and other key stakeholders working in Banco Chinchorro to ensure the implementation of strategies defined in the CAP.