Two SPGA Staff earns WIOCOMPAS MPA Pro Certification

In a thrilling display of skill and dedication, the Western Indian Ocean Certification of Marine Protected Area Professionals (WIO-COMPAS) Programme recently unfolded in the Seychelles between the 2nd – 7th May. Being an active member of the WIOMSA network, SPGA was proudly represented in the Certification Event with two candidates: Anto Suzette, Curieuse Marine National Park Manager and Demien Mougal, Assistant Park officer of the Ste. Anne Marine National Park. Following the week-long event encompassing various practical and written tests, as well as presentations, both candidates successfully earned their certification, joining the 3 other Seychellois honing such credentials.

The program and content of the Certification featured examinations designed to evaluate the candidates’ knowledge and experience in seven competency areas of marine protected area management. These are: Marine Protected Area(MPA) governance, marine conservation, communications and stakeholder engagement, human and financial resources mobilisation and management, management implementation and effectiveness, biophysical and socio-economic context, leadership, ethics and innovation.

Expressing his content and appreciation since benefiting from the opportunity, Demien expresses “this transformative journey allowed me to discover my weaknesses as an MPA professional and therefore allowed me to also embark on a path of growth and improvement. The Program presented me with a unique opportunity to hone my new and existing skills”.

On his end, Anto states that “I eagerly seized the chance to participate in this program. I believe that such certification and experience will allow me to apply what I have learnt into my everyday duties, and that it will have a significant impact on the marine management efforts of the Curieuse Marine Park where I am based’.

The accomplishments of these two candidates reinforces their commitment, as well as that of the Authority, in enhancing the capacity of staff who are entrusted with safeguarding marine ecosystems, and further serves as an inspiration to other MPA professionals. With their newly acquired certifications, SPGA management sends their best wishes to the pair and only expect that their experience earned will now be translated into their duties and responsibilities within their respective Marine Parks.

The Certification Event welcomed MPA professionals from the neighbouring Western Indian Ocean nations of South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar and Reunion Island, consisting of 8 assessors and 16 participants who qualified for Level 1 or Level 2.