The Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation is a prestigious program that gives recipients US$150,000 for a three-year scientific research or conservation project designed to address critical challenges facing our oceans. Mr. Dutra will use the Abrolhos expansion process as a model for enhancing planning for marine areas (marine spatial planning) in Brazil.

“Brazil is recognized as one of the most biologically significant countries in the world,” said Mr. Dutra. “The Pew Marine Fellowship will allow us to advance marine conservation in this biodiverse and unique area of the world. With more information and better management, I am certain we can reach important goals for marine protected areas, preserve critical areas of Brazil’s ocean environment, and improve sustainable uses in the Abrolhos Region.”

Natural resources
In Brazil, less than two percent of the country’s marine ecosystems are protected. However, as part of the Convention on Biological Diversity, a global treaty addressing the conservation of biodiversity, Brazil agreed to protect at least 10 percent of its waters by 2020. Mr. Dutra’s fellowship will support the growth of the Abrolhos National Park by 10,000 square kilometers (almost 4000 square miles) and the creation of an 85,000 square kilometers (about 33,000 square miles) Abrolhos MPA network area, which allows regulated uses of natural resources. Thus, his project will help Brazil to meet its goal for marine protection and create momentum for future designations.

“New protections in the Abrolhos area will be a big boost to biodiversity conservation in the western Atlantic,” said Joshua S. Reichert, managing director of the Pew Environment Group. “Mr. Dutra’s project is an important step toward better management of Brazil’s waters, including achieving national marine conservation objectives.”

Source: Pew Environment Group news release

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