Call for Proposal: Ecological Connectivity to maximize bio-diversity conservation 2023

The Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) basin is a globally recognized hotspot of endemism and biodiversity. It is home to many spatially fragmented Marine Protected Areas (MPA), which are essential in maintaining marine ecosystems. A crucial element, which requires further investigation, is the ecological connectivity, often highlighted in the design of MPAs and the guarantees of conservation success. This ecological connectivity governs the exchange of marine species moving across spatially fragmented habitats during their different life stages. The establishment of a powerful regional network of MPAs would help to promote the notion of linking management actions as well as to develop bold initiatives to achieve conservation goals. The extent to which measured or modelled representations of this connectivity are applied to marine management decisions is uncertain, as there are currently limited interactions between MPA governing bodies at the regional, and sometimes national level. Detailed knowledge of the distribution, movements, and interactions of marine species with their oceanic environment between different marine protected areas is essential for implementing effective marine spatial planning strategies, for assessing the effectiveness of marine protected areas, identifying new areas to be protected as a priority, but also strengthened existing strategies and areas.

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