Strengthening Marine Conservation in the Western Indian Ocean: Creating a Capacity Development Plan Using Participatory Action Research

A practical guide to developing inclusive capacity development plans for marine protected areas (MPAs) and locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) in the Western Indian Ocean.

This booklet helps facilitators, community leaders and conservation practitioners assess competencies, identify priorities and co-design learning plans grounded in local needs. Using Participatory Action Research and the Look–Think–Act cycle, it provides facilitation guidance, planning templates and worksheets to support community ownership, implementation and ongoing reflection.

This publication is the first booklet in the Strengthening Marine Conservation in the Western Indian Ocean series and a companion to A Compendium of MPA and LMMA Training Resources. Together, the booklets connect participatory assessment and planning with practical training resources, supporting inclusive learning and community-led action.