Marine protected areas: Potential tools for sustainable community development
Date
2017
Authors
Costa, Joana
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Abstract
Description
While the ecological benefits of marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely accepted, the non-ecological benefits of MPAs are still debated. Furthermore, environmental protection tools like MPAs are often considered to be anti-development. This study looks at the potential use of a coastal MPA as a tool for sustainable community development. An online survey was conducted to better understand public perceptions surrounding the potential establishment of a MPA off of Sambro, Nova Scotia, as well as the possible effects it could have on local user groups. An analysis of the effects that a coastal MPA could have on the Sambro community was also conducted through the lens of the seven forms of community capital essential for sustainable development: natural, built, financial, political, social, cultural, and human. Possible changes in community capital are discussed and the overall balance needed for sustainable development assessed.