Marine protected and conserved areas in the time of COVID

Blockchain as an enabling technology in the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

“…For environment, was proposed an innovative approach for scaling-up and transformational change to secure a more effective, ethical and resilient future for marine protected and conserved areas in a post-COVID world [ 43 ] and analyzed the potential of blockchain technology as a game changer in solving some of the most pressing issues hindering the global recovery post COVID-19 to transition towards greener and more inclusive economy [ 44 ]. A blockchain network was designed for the food industry improves transparency throughout the supply chain to import cold chain products and certify the quality of the final product, eliminating malpractices that risk consumer safety and health [ 45 ].…”

The Bird's Head Seascape Marine Protected Area network—Preventing biodiversity and ecosystem service loss amidst rapid change in Papua, Indonesia

“…During 2020, MPA tourism in the BHS was severely impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic like many MPAs globally (Phua et al, 2021). COVID-19 has led to tourism collapse in Raja Ampat-impacting many livelihoods and businesses (Awaludinnoer et al, 2021). Ferry and flight frequency across the region were reduced.…”

“…This has increased isolation for MPA residents in more remote areas of the BHS and prevented them from selling fisheries catches (Awaludinnoer et al, 2021). The pandemic effects have impacted UPTD-BLUD, which is heavily dependent on tourism fees to fund management activities in Raja Ampat (see Text S2)-although this has been partially subsidized by an emergency grant from a private foundation to maintain activities during the pandemic (Awaludinnoer et al, 2021). However, management activities have been reduced and UPTD-BLUD has been required to make staff reductions.…”

“…A new strategy is under development to set BHS MPAs on a more sustainable path post-pandemic. This new strategy includes financial diversification for management activities funding, and a significant focus on increasing sustainability and improving management of tourism-associated development as tourism recovers from the pandemic (Awaludinnoer et al, 2021).…”

Envisioning a resilient future for biodiversity conservation in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…While future revenue may be recouped by return to normal levels of travel and activity post-pandemic, further disruptions, or future recession and austerity measures are likely to magnify the impact on conservation programs if tourism declines, or funding is reduced or redirected towards humanitarian aid or economic relief (Cumming et al, 2021;Evans et al, 2020;Kavousi et al, 2020;Lindsey et al, 2020). Many conservation programs and protected areas around the world are already chronically underfunded (Phua et al, 2021), and further shortfalls from the loss of traditional revenue streams may negatively impact the delivery of conservation outcomes (Bhammar et al, 2021; CS1-CS3, CS5, CS6, Table 1). These impacts will be amplified if decision-makers and funders choose to prioritise 'business as usual' above longer term biodiversity goals as the world emerges from pandemic restrictions (Cheval et al, 2020;Corlett et al, 2020).…”