Ascension Island Marine Protected Area Strategy

Client

Ascension Island Government

Region

South Atlantic Ocean

Year

2019 – 2020

Areas

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Governance, Monitoring, Sustainable Tourism, Strategy

Short Summary

Strategic consultancy support for the development of management, monitoring and sustainable tourism components of the Ascension Island Marine Protected Area (MPA), one of the world’s largest highly protected marine areas.

The project contributed to strengthening long-term governance, monitoring frameworks and sustainable development opportunities linked to marine conservation in the South Atlantic. Supported by the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme, the Ascension Island MPA was officially designated in 2019.

Key Contributions

Contribution to the development of the Ascension Island Marine Protected Area management and monitoring framework.
Coordination of stakeholder meetings, workshops and training activities involving local institutions and partners.
Support for monitoring, research and adaptive management planning processes.
Development of strategic recommendations related to sustainable tourism and ocean-based economic opportunities.
Contribution to long-term governance and sustainable management discussions for the Marine Protected Area.

Results & Impact

Support for the implementation framework of one of the world’s largest Marine Protected Areas.
Contribution to strategic discussions on sustainable tourism and responsible economic development linked to marine conservation.
Strengthened stakeholder coordination and capacity-building activities supporting long-term MPA governance.
Contribution to management and monitoring planning processes aligned with international marine conservation objectives.