Voices From the Coast: Stakeholder Participation and Perception on Creating a Marine Protected Area

ABSTRACT This study explores participatory processes in the context of marine conservation, with a specific focus on recent initiatives undertaken by the Apulia region in Italy to establish a new Marine Protected Area (MPA). Employing a qualitative cross‐sectional methodology, the study investigates how local communities perceive and engage with the MPA creation process, identifying the key constraints and opportunities that shape their participation. The research aims to address a significant gap in the literature concerning stakeholder engagement in marine resource conservation. By providing empirical insights into public involvement and extending the discourse on MPAs, the study contributes to advancing the understanding of participatory governance in maritime environmental protection.