Lessons learned in coral reef management

From a report on the Lessons Learned Projct of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), posted on the Web site of the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN):

This brief presents a review of lessons learned and best practices in the management of coral reefs based on the analysis of 30 projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) related to coral reefs and associated tropical marine ecosystems and 26 non-GEF funded projects. . . .

[The United Nations Environmental Programme] (2004) provided an overview of successes and challenges in management of Coral Reef Marine Protected Areas and the executive summary of lessons learned from a range of projects, including some covered in this report, reflect the general context of needs for effective coral reef management:

1. Greater community empowerment and involvement;
2. Sustained and extensive consultation between stakeholders;
3. Proactive and innovative education and public awareness campaigns;
4. Improved communication and transparency between all involved members;
5. Strong management partnerships to secure longterm financial stability;
6. Development of management plans based on ecological as well as socio-economic data and linked to regular monitoring programs;
7. Implementation of clearly defined zoning regulations to reduce conflicts between stakeholders; and
8. Enhanced enforcement efforts.