SPAW protected areas network

In the framework of the Cartagena Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region, the SPAW Protocol (Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife) aims to ensure the conservation of specially protected areas and of wild fauna and flora.

One of the objectives of the Protocol is the identification and integration into a regional network of particularly important areas, with priority given to scientific research and regional cooperation. Since 2012, 37 protected areas have been listed under the SPAW Protocol by the Contracting Parties, based on common guidelines.

The creation of new protected areas in the region directly contributes to achieving Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Towards a structured network of SPAW protected area managers

The twelfth meeting of the Contracting Parties to the SPAW Protocol, held in Aruba on 3 October 2023, recommended:

" The Secretariat and SPAW-RAC, as appropriate, work with the Contracting Parties, including managers of SPAW-listed protected areas, and other relevant partners, as appropriate, to develop a proposal for the creation of a network for SPAW-listed protected areas, coordinated by the Secretariat or SPAW-RAC, with the purpose of understanding and addressing the needs of protected area managers to improve protected area effectiveness. The proposal should include a suggested strategic vision, workplan, institutional structure, and budget, and should be presented to SPAW STAC11 and COP13 for consideration.

Activities 2023–2024: structuring and first actions

The past year has seen concrete progress for the network:

• Development of management effectiveness guidelines for SPAW protected areas (2023)

• Bilateral interviews with listed area managers (2023)

• In-person meetings of managers (2023 & 2024)

• Thematic technical webinars (2024)

Additional actions were also undertaken on:

• Support for protected area managers

• Support for updating management plans

• Networking with other regional initiatives

• Communication and promotion of the actions carried out

The SPAW protected area managers network: a collective dynamic

Shared Vision

"We are an empowering body committed to finding solutions, through collective intelligence, that address areas of concern within protected areas"

Network Structure

• Key Members: Managers of SPAW-listed protected areas

• Other Members: Relevant regional partners (NGOs, donors, etc.)

• Secretariat: SPAW-RAC leads coordination and secures funding

• Thematic Working Groups: Defined according to regional priorities

Network Action Plan 2026-2030

The network now offers the possibility to design capacity-building actions for managers through peer-to-peer exchanges, and to capitalize on best practices in the region. This regional support program for protected area managers, mobilizing regional and French stakeholders, aims to operationalize and strengthen the network, to meet the growing challenges faced by marine protected area managers and to contribute to achieving Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework.