Secure coastal land rights are essential for sustainable ocean governance, as shown by examples from Fiji, Madagascar, and South Africa. Meaningful consultation with local communities is crucial for sustainable conservation efforts. Governments can pass and implement environmental impact assessment regulations that ensure community participation and access to information. The solution lies in recognizing and respecting secure tenure as the foundation of community-based management. Blue Ventures supports communities in advocating for their land rights and embedding tenure safeguards into policies related to development and marine conservation. Marine conservation begins on land, with communities that have secure land rights.
https://blueventures.org/marine-conservation-must-begin-on-land/