Case MT-6 Marine protected area in Mauritania

【6. Mauritania】

Context	Created in 1976, the Banc d’Arguin National Park (PNBA) is a public administrative body governed by a specific law (2000-024), which defines its territory as 12,000 km², including 180 km of coastline, i.e. 1/3 of Mauritania’s coastline, not including the coastline adjacent to the 15 islands and islets.
Contents	The PNBA is one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa, It is classified : Wetland of International Importance since 1982 (RAMSAR), World Heritage site since 1989 (UNESCO) Gifts to the Earth in 2001 (WWF). The Scientific Council of the Banc d’Arguin (CSBA) is an independent legal advisory body made up of eleven members, chosen by renowned scientists, regardless of nationality, known for their dedication to the preservation of the PNBA. Motorized fishing is prohibited in the maritime territory of the PNBA. Only Imraguen fishermen are allowed to fish by sailboat for subsistence purposes. As a precautionary measure, the law has limited the number of lanches to 114. PNBA is a breeding and nursery area for : over 200 species of fish, crustaceans and molluscs, 7 species of marine mammals, 6 species of sea turtle, mainly the green turtle, a particularly rare terrestrial fauna (on the island of Tidra), presence of mangroves refuge for over 2 million migratory birds, presence of relict species (mangroves, tilapia, catfish), two endemic bird species (Banc d’Arguin spoonbill and pale heron). Participatory management in the PNBA is ensured by the establishment of the village consultation and co-management committee (CVCG). This body discusses all issues relating to conservation, the socio-economic development of resident populations and the monitoring of mutual commitments. Maritime surveillance is a model in the sub-region. It is participatory, involving the Mauritanian coastguard, the PNBA administration and local populations. It mobilizes significant human, technical and financial resources. The PNBA’s experience has been capitalized on in the sub-region.
Lessons learned	The PNBA is an area that has proven its effectiveness in the fields of reproduction, grow-out, fish preservation and the marine environment.
Guide chapter relevant to this case study （6P）	Chapter 3 Implementation of resource management measures
Situation to which this case study could refer	The approach to co-management varies from country to country. Countries intending to introduce co-management can refer to various examples, including Mauritania, and to the approach best suited to their country.