Women participation in the management of a Marine Protected Area in Brazil

The Marine Extractive Reserve Corumbau, a MPA unit, was created for the sustainable use of fishing resources. The exclusive right over resources requires that its population of fishermen and fisherwomen have consistent and equitable participation in the decision-making for an effective co-management. This research considers the importance of incorporating women's experiences and knowledge in the MPA management. We aimed to know the working conditions of women involved in fishing at the Corumbau MPA and reasons that affect their participation in management and decision-making. We have heard fisherwomen and shellfish collectors of three communities, during two consecutive years, through interviews and participative observations. Women's participation in meetings of MERC is limited and hampered by factors related to gender, unmet expectations, lack of information. The dynamics of the meetings and the decision-making process need to address specific women's needs and priorities, with gender sensitive measures. Increasing women's rights at MERC and hearing their voices could lead to significant impacts on personal and collective levels, benefiting the communities as a whole. Measures directed to inform, motivate and support them could increase their degree of confidence in co-management and increase their participation, with positive reflections on conservation and socioeconomical conditions. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.