Integration of the socio-economic considerations in the planning of the establishment of a protected marine area. Case study: Reef Complex of Toliara (CRT)

The article describes the planning for the establishment of a protected marine area, highlighting the integration of the human dimensions of the problem as a variable for managing the risk of discharge. The area “South of Toliara”, extending from Anakao to Itampolo/Androka, on a length of coast of 80 km, is characterized by a fringing reef. The zoning was been done with a multi-criteria approach which is summed up in basic criteria: (i) The compliance with zoning principles AMP cluster, (ii) the representation of geomorphological units, (iii) the bio-ecological characteristics of the sites, and (iv) the needs and activities of the local population. Five (05) marine protected areas have been prioritized with a total area of 17,140 ha, including 11,531ha as hard cores and 2,725ha for Controlled Used Zones (ZUC), and 2,884ha for the community management. 83% of the AMP will be constituted of hard cores and ZUC. 61% of the AMP are leveled in external funds, 20% of the areas are located on the outer slope and 19% in the coral reef flat. The planning integrating the human dimension had not been able to go beyond the stage of systemic reductionism, and was been reduced to a strategic mechanism allowing only to reduce the risks of rejection of the creation of the AMP by mainly removing the hard cores of the centers of anthropogenic pressures. However, the planning has the merit to have prioritizing the controlled used zones of management, which will constitute a learning ground and empowerment for the local population. Still, is the opportunity cost of the AMP risk to be greater face to the local population if the controlled used zones, do not give them with the shortfalls in a relatively short horizon.

Key-words:Marine Protected Areas, planning, human dimensions, South West of Madagascar

16/06/2022