Governance in marine protected areas of Macaronesia: challenges and opportunities for ecotourism

The global decline of marine biodiversity has intensified the need for international efforts to expand and strengthen marine protected areas (MPAs). In Macaronesia, tourism represents a key driver of economic growth and social prosperity. However, a rapid increase in visitor numbers, combined with ecological sensitivity inherent to island systems, has heightened pressure on marine environments and highlighted the need for sustainable tourism models. Ecotourism represents a potential way to balance conservation, economic development, and community well-being, especially within MPAs. Meanwhile, the success of this balance depends heavily on effective governance; yet limited attention has been paid as to how governance structures in Macaronesia influence the integration of ecotourism into MPAs. This study analyses the role of institutional and legal governance in supporting ecotourism development in the MPAs of the four Macaronesian archipelagos (Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cabo Verde). A comparative qualitative analysis of institutional and legal governance frameworks was conducted for each archipelago, examining relevant legislation, institutional structures and maritime tourism regulations to identify strengths, limitations and administrative conditions affecting the integration of ecotourism in MPAs. The analysis reveals varying governance capacities across the archipelagos, all of which are characterised by complex legal systems and fragmented management of MPAs and maritime tourism. Despite these barriers, ecotourism remains a viable pathway within Macaronesia’s MPAs, provided that the governing institutional and legal structures are refined to prioritise conservation outcomes.