Rence Zama & Willie Atu World Conservation Congress Barcelona, Spain October 2008

1. Arnavons Community Marine Conservation Area Solomon Islands Equator Prize Finalist Rence Zama & Willie AtuWorld Conservation CongressBarcelona, Spain October 2008

2. Choiseul Arnavon Islands Isabel Honiara Arnavon Islands Solomon Islands

3. Background Arnavon Islands • Important traditional fishing area • Abundant marine resources • Critical nesting grounds for turtles • Conflict and Opportunity

4. A Call to Action How it all began • Declining Resources • Lack of participation by indigenous people • Conflict • Community • Government • The Pacific’s 1st community MPA • ACMCA

5. Leadership Committee ACMCA • Leaders from each of 3 ACMCA communities • Shared vision for the future • Sustainable management of resources • Foster environmental stewardship

6. How We Work ACMCA • Strategic Partnerships • Communities • Government • NGOs • Empowering Communities

7. Challenges ACMCA • Changing behavior • Rapid tangible benefits • Legislation and enforcement • Meeting expectations

8. Achievements ACMCA • Healthy Reefs • Financial Sustainability • Inspiring Others • Increased Social Cohesion • Global Recognition • Living Laboratory • Coral Triangle

9. Impacts of our Work ACMCA • Alternative livelihoods • Increased opportunities for women and children • Increased social cohesion

10. Lessons Learned ACMCA • People want to see before they’ll believe • Managing a variety of expectations is challenging • Things don’t always happen ‘on time’

11. Questions?