Multi-criteria decision analysis for responsible management of Marine Protected Area in Semporna, Sabah

Marine Protected Area (MPA) has always been seen as a tool to save marine ecosystems that are in danger of being overexploited. The management of MPA is always centered on ecological protection but human elements are increasingly being considered in the challenges of managing a MPA. Without the necessary structures in place, many MPAs have become merely parks on paper only. Semporna, Sabah has the most valuable MPAs in the east coast of Sabah. The MPAs in Semporna were gazetted for the very same reason. However, in taking into account the existence of community living within the marine park, the management of the MPA requires approaches that are not conventional. The problems faced are multifaceted and require the marine park management to look at multiple criteria in their decision making process. The aim of this study is to present some of the findings gathered from various stakeholders on criteria that are essential in the decision making process of managing a marine park responsibly. A Delphi approach was used to gather the data using a two-step approach. A total of 92 decision-making criteria were identified. The shortcomings of MPA management could be addressed by analysing the important management criteria using a decision hierarchy