MFF Knowledge Networks

Members of the MFF Regional Steering Committee discuss coastal management with local communities in Myanmar

Members of the MFF Regional Steering Committee discuss coast ... © MFF Myanmar

Over the years MFF has developed a significant body of knowledge; both explicit knowledge contained in, for example, publications and reports, and tacit knowledge, or knowledge embedded in people through applied experience in particular contexts. This knowledge base underpins the success of the MFF programme and its future influence and sustainability.

To provide access to this knowledge and expertise MFF has formulated three Knowledge Networks; Gender and Coastal Resource Management, Integrated Coastal Management Training Development, and Marine Protected Areas. These themes were chosen based on the current knowledge and experience within the MFF community, and also because they are continuing and emerging areas of interest in MFF member countries.

The key objectives of the Knowledge Networks are to:

  • Provide access to expertise to advise, but also maintain linkages with, MFF structures and partners already established in each country
  • Draw on knowledge and expertise to guide MFF members and partners going forward as they seek to build on MFF and scale up approaches and activities, sharing best practice and lessons learned.
  • Generate discourse on current and emerging issues relevant to these thematic areas. 
  • Strengthen networks and providing avenues for connecting MFF partners with emerging projects and issues in the region 
  • Facilitating opportunities for practitioners and policy makes to access the latest knowledge of key topics

These Knowledge Networks are intended to serve a wide audience of coastal resource management practitioners and policy makers. Each Network consist of members with applied expertise in the particular thematic area. Find out more about each Knowledge Network below.

MFF recognized Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) to be an important approach for achieving the goal of building resilience in coastal ecosystems and communities, and that building capacity for ICM among coastal management practitioners at the local, national and regional levels is fundamental to achieving an integrated approach to coastal management. 

 This Knowledge Network opens is a doorway to access the knowledge and expertise of ICM training practitioners from around the Asia region. Click here to find out more...>>

The involvement, contribution and role of both men and women are important to the functioning and well-being of coastal communities, but often not well understood. Poor understanding of the distinct roles and contributions of men and women often leads to lack of recognition of their distinct needs and interests in policies and programmes.  MFF has incorporated gender throughout programme planning and implementation generating a significant amount of knowledge and expertise. 

 This Knowledge Network opens is a doorway to access that knowledge and expertise. Click here to find out more...>>

A Marine Protected Area is a geographical space recognized, dedicated and managed to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services for those whose livelihoods depend on the ocean.

The MFF programme has helped countries declare their first ever MPA and also supported strengthening the knowledge base that contributes to MPA governance. 

The Marine Protected Area Knowledge Network was formed to further utilize and make available the expertise and knowledge MFF has gathered over the years. Click here to find out more...>>