Learning through experience: Non-implementation and the challenges of protected area conservation in The Bahamas

摘要: Abstract Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly promoted as policy tools to counter such problems declining fisheries, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. Many proposed MPAs become stalled in the implementation process, highlighting need for further research into processes leading non-implementation . This paper focuses on two The Bahamas undergoing protected area enclosure: one highly controversial MPA North Bimini that was 2000, but with an uncertain future; a second enclosure Andros Island initiated 2002 enlarged 2009 after years of outreach assessment. Although both locations seek protect shallow seas within archipelago, each is significantly different its management goals well social institutional frameworks. A comparison underscores challenges implementing changes marine governance while illustrating opportunities adaptive learning resource processes. There three this analysis: (1) explore MPAs; (2) identify some conditions success failure Bahamian context; (3) search evidence individual how conservation agents have approached later MPA. Research suggests there may be ample opportunity learn from failed attempts, constraints inhibit successful planning frequently non-implementation.