The Kirindy-Mite MPA has been implemented as a marine extension to the existing Kirindy-Mite National Park. The core and buffer zones of the MPA, which currently benefit from a two-year temporary protection, will be managed by MNP as a national marine park, and the surrounding “protection” zones will be a community-managed area focusing on sustainable use of marine resources. The MPA is still in the midst of the establishment process with core protection areas already being decided, but no physical infrastructure yet installed, and governance institutions still to be established. A baseline socio-economic assessment was conducted throughout 11 villages within the vicinity of the national park in order to: Gauge community perceptions of (1) the current state of marine resources and (2) the MPA establishment process, and finally to (3) Inform the on-going MPA establishment process. The indicators identified for evaluation in this baseline assessment have been derived from preliminary MPA goals and objectives, and should be the focus of on-going monitoring in subsequent years