Improving biodiversity conservation and management of Marine Protected Areas in the SWA-Uruguay

Angel Segura

Within the framework of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Uruguay has committed to protect 30% of its territory by 2030, but has reached only 1% at the moment. Government initiatives and implementation of management plans are delayed mostly in coastal marine protected areas (CMPAs). In CMPAs, inadequate monitoring makes it difficult to understand biodiversity status and assess conservation strategies and progress. The aim of this project is to contribute to biodiversity conservation in the South Western Atlantic (SWA), involving the local population in citizen science and conservation of marine biodiversity, to contribute to the functioning of spaces for coordination between the local community, CMPA employees and other stakeholders (e.g. 2nd and 3rd level of governance). We will fill the gaps in knowledge of marine biodiversity in three CMPAs, generate biodiversity indicators for each CMPA to be included in the operative management plans, evaluate nutrient contamination in the coastal zone and generate educational and outreach activities for local communities. We will combine field trips, work with the collected material in the National History Museum, workshops with government and social stakeholders and outreach activities with local communities in schools and public spaces. We combine a rich group of young conservationists with experienced scientists to attain our project goals.

Watch the project video below: