Stewards of the Coastline

The Stewards of the Coastline provides the first regional assessment of community-led marine governance in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) region that leverages the power of the ElinorData.org platform. Based on data from 52 community-managed areas across five countries, this report highlights the strengths, challenges, and opportunities for community-led marine governance, showcasing successes while highlighting key areas for improvement. It provides a clear roadmap for action, outlining the steps that governments, non-governmental organizations, funders, and other stakeholders must take to ensure communities have the rights, resources, and support they need to safeguard marine ecosystems and sustain their way of life. A collaboration between WWF, CORDIO East Africa, and many other partners advancing marine conservation in the Western Indian Ocean, this report underscores the power of collaboration and local stewardship in ensuring resilient coastal ecosystems and thriving communities.