Roush Marine Protected Area Community, Socotra -World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve.
Roush Marine Protected Area Community is located one kilometer north of Socotra, an island off the coast of Yemen. The marine protected area belongs to the communities of Sacra and Diherhom villages, and was developed in response to an observed decline in marine resources and fish populations. A conservation area and eco-campsite were established, and the initiative was later broadened to include conservation activities more generally.
The approach taken to construction and operation of the eco-campsite make it self-sufficient and self-sustaining from the rest of the island. Solar panels, waste water systems, and waste management procedures have all been put in place to ensure long-term sustainability and as little impact on the surrounding environment as possible. With future revenues from the ecotourism venture, the community has ambitions to extend renewable energy service to the villages as well.
The campsite has created local jobs and benefits are shared equitably amongst participating communities. The initiative follows principles of environmental responsibility and the structures of the site are built in traditional stone and palm leaf style to fit the Socotran environment.
United Nations Development Programme. 2012. Roush Marine Protected Area Community, Socotra. Equator Initiative Case Study Series PDF
