Strengthening species monitoring through community engagement: The Soure Experience

The Soure Marine Extractive Reserve (RESEX Soure), situated in Soure on Marajó Island in the state of Pará, holds the distinction of being the first protected area in Brazil to successfully complete and submit its application for the Green List. This area, which forms part of the world's largest fluvial-maritime island in the estuarine region of the Amazon Basin, possesses a unique aspect regarding its establishment: its creation was demanded to the authorities by the local fishing communities themselves, advocating for the sustainable use of fishing resources. 

Main opportunities, impacts and benefits

The process has given the Soure Extractive Marine Reserve a comprehensive perspective, highlighting its history, achievements, and challenges. Beyond identifying management gaps, the Green List has helped recognize successful practices, particularly the strong involvement of local communities. Their active participation in the Deliberative Council, alongside research institutions and environmental organizations, has contributed to the Reserve’s positive distinction, making it a model for other protected areas across the country.

The data compilation conducted during the Green List process to demonstrate compliance with the indicators has resulted in valuable communication materials for the Reserve. As a result, the Reserve has adopted a more active approach to social media, utilizing these platforms to share routine activities as well as significant milestones in its management. This enhanced communication strategy has contributed to increased visibility and transparency in the processes undertaken.

The Green List process also has made it possible to obtain new resources and partnerships to the Soure Marine Extractive Reserve, by selecting the area for the Tech4Nature project, a global conservation technology initiative funded by Huawei. The project aims to develop low-cost technological solutions to monitor the effects of climate change in the region, as well as monitor the mangrove crab, a key species for mangrove conservation, with the participation of local communities in monitoring activities. In addition to IUCN Brazil and the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation as a partner, the project includes Rare Brasil, Federal University of Pará (UFPA) and ASSUREMAS (Soure Extractive Reserve Users Association).

"During the Green List process, we were able to obtain resources and partnerships for the implementation of the National Protocol for Mangrove Monitoring, which is one of our annual objectives. Now we'll be able to implement the monitoring with the support of technology and guaranteeing community participation" – Lucas Gadelha - RESEX Marinha de Soure.

Conclusion and future prospects

The success of the Soure Marine Extractive Reserve within the Green List framework underscores the importance of participatory management and technology in the conservation of protected areas. Looking ahead, Soure focuses on replicating these successful practices in other areas of the region, promoting a conservation model that can adapt to different contexts and needs. Soure's experience suggests that the Green List not only improves current management but also prepares protected areas to face future challenges resiliently and sustainably.

Authors: Lisângela Aparecido, Lucas Gadelha, Mariana Saba, Beatriz Barros Aydos, Luciano Cardoso

@Maretti

Global Biodiversity Framework Targets (GBF):

• TARGET 1: Plan and Manage all Areas To Reduce Biodiversity Loss 
• TARGET 3: Conserve 30% of Land, Waters and Seas
• TARGET 5: Ensure Sustainable, Safe and Legal Harvesting and Trade of Wild Species
• TARGET 8: Minimize the Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Build Resilience
• TARGET 9: Manage Wild Species Sustainably To Benefit People
• TARGET 10: Enhance Biodiversity and Sustainability in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Forestry
• TARGET 11: Restore, Maintain and Enhance Nature’s Contributions to People
• TARGET 20: Strengthen Capacity-Building, Technology Transfer, and Scientific and Technical Cooperation for Biodiversity 
• TARGET 22: Ensure Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice and Information Related to Biodiversity for all 
• TARGET 23: Ensure Gender Equality and a Gender-Responsive Approach for Biodiversity Action

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):

• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 13: Climate Action
• Goal 14: Life Under Water
• Goal 15: Life on Land

Additional resources:

RESEX Soure Leading Innovative Management and Traditional Knowledge to Combat Threatened Biodiversity - Story | IUCN

Valuing protected areas through scientific and traditional knowledge | PANORAMA