Marine protected areas management in the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas: making them more than paper parks

1. The paper comprises recommendations presented and discussed at several workshops of the 3rd International Marine Protected Areas Congress (Marseille, France, 21-27, October, 2013) to achieve effective management of marine protected areas in the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas. 2. It highlights the similarities but also differences between the two areas as a result of their distinct biogeographic and cultural characteristics. 3. The biophysical setting, socioeconomic scenario and issues related to marine protected areas in the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas are summarized and case studies from both regions are presented that illustrate the level of success thus far achieved by MPAs. 4. Factors contributing to MPA success are related to ecological conditions, the involvement of stakeholders in decision-making processes, and to better governance, as well as improved communication and training. 5. The SPAW and SPA regional environmental agreements administered by the UNEP Regional Seas Programmes in collaboration with government and non-government partners and the MPA managers' networks have provided technical assistance that has led to improved management. 6. The experience of the last 3years of contacts between both regional networks of MPA scientists and practitioners (i.e. MedPAN and CaMPAM) highlights the benefits of such an initiative and suggests the need to develop a robust transoceanic Exchange Programme to facilitate knowledge transfer. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.