Interpretation to manage marine recreational resource use in Mombasa, Kenya

Abstract

The ultimate goal of natural resource management is for the resource users to engage with the resources in an environmentally responsible manner. Interpretation is one tool that can be used to influence the actions or inactions of resource users, and thereby manage those resources. There are numerous components to effective interpretation and provision of information is but one of these components. Prompting users to take action and providing the opportunity to take action are other vital components. Furthermore, an understanding of behaviour and behaviour change can guide interpretation efforts so that they are effective in influencing behaviour. All these components can easily be incorporated into snorkeling excursions. This research project used an understanding of behaviour and behaviour change to determine the most effective interpretive messages and then tested the efficacy of this interpretation with recreational marine resource users (snorkelers) in the Mombasa Marine Park. These key messages were incorporated in a training workshop for all the glass boat operators and associated crewmembers that resulted in these operators using an interpretation program as part of their excursions. Preliminary results suggest that the introduced interpretation program was successful in influencing the snorkel behaviour of participants and also in conveying informative messages to the participant. Crewmembers were responsible for effectively transmitting this information.