The creation of permanent marine reserves follows a collaborative process involving different groups of fishers and combining ecological and social criteria to maximise both acceptance and conservation impact. Reserve locations are selected through a combination of scientific analysis and local knowledge, supported by extensive consultations and scenario planning. These discussions include all categories of fishers, particularly groups that may be most affected by reduced fishing access.

Effective and representative governance is essential to ensure long-term compliance with conservation measures, especially in the Comoros where formal governance structures remain limited. Dahari works with fishing communities to establish two-level governance systems for each permanent reserve, ensuring that all categories of fishers participate in decision-making. Local authorities play a supporting and validating role. Governance committees receive training and ongoing support to strengthen leadership and management capacities, while exchange visits between communities encourage peer learning and collaboration.

Because the ecological benefits of permanent reserves become visible only over the medium and long term, Dahari develops short-term incentives that encourage compliance with management rules. Priority is given to incentives integrated into existing fishing livelihoods, such as fish aggregating devices (FADs) and solar-powered freezers, which both improve incomes and reinforce conservation efforts. The programme also tests indirect incentives, including agricultural support, to evaluate their influence on compliance with fisheries management measures.

The long-term success of community-managed marine reserves depends on legal recognition of the rights of artisanal fishers. Dahari works alongside national authorities to strengthen political support for the permanent reserve model and improve the legislative framework governing fisheries management.