Governança marinha a partir das margens: uma análise comparativa das Unidades de Conservação (UCs) marinhas no Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

What is the importance of non-state actors for marine protected areas (MPAs)? To answer this question, we compared two MPAs in northeastern Brazil, at two different stages in time: the Costa dos Corais Environmental Protection Area (covering AL and PE, a well consolidated federal area created in 1997 and the largest coastal-marine MPA in Brazil) and a more recent MPA, created in 2018 at the state level, the Naufrágio Queimado EPA (PB). The data were collected, between 2021 and 2022, through documental analysis and observant participation. The comparisons between the MPAs was conducted using Most Similar Design Systems (MSSD), Most Different Design System (MDSD) and descriptive analysis. A diversity of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for marine protection in activity were found in both units, most of them linked to beach cleanup initiatives, socio-environmental projects directed at fisherfolk, manatees and turtles conservation(i.e. organizations for awareness and education and management and conservation). It was observed these actors, in the case of consolidated MPA, have greater support from transnational networks in their guidelines, in addition to active investments from other countries. In relation to the MPA under implementation, there is a more engaged role of the scientific community, which exerts pressure on the construction of the Management Plan and Management Council.