S
I O F
P
OUTH WEST NDIAN
CEAN
ISHERIES
ROGRAMME
(SWIOFP)
NEWSFLASH 16: August 2005
An occasional newsletter to update
membe
rs of SW IOFP o
n current
developments.
As SWIOFP approaches the final stages of its development phase before
implementation, so the secretariat, the task team leader and others have put
finishing touches to Project Appraisal Document for final approval and funding
support.
ADMINISTRATION
The secretariat continued its support in coordinating the various activities relating to the final Project
Appraisal Document (PAD). In finalising the PAD, it was found that additional work was required
before final evaluation and endorsement by the authorities from each participating country.
Consequently, the next, and final, Plenary and Appraisal meeting is now scheduled for 14, 15 and 16
September 2005 in Maputo. It is essential that senior representatives from each country are present at
this time.
Various administrative issues remain to be resolved. In several cases the national focal points have not
yet seen to the submission of the letter of endorsement from their GEF focal points. This is an essential
requirement for the project to be implemented and funds to be made available.
The revised PAD has now been made ready for circulation and focal points should now be receiving
their copy for comment and review. Any changes and comments need to be submitted to the secretariat
with some urgency so that they may be considered for incorporation before the final plenary in
September.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Quality Enhancement Review (QER)
Tele-conference: 20 June 2005
The World Bank has certain pre-requisites for evaluating funding request, one of which is the QER.
This process involves the structured review of the draft proposal by a group of experts, both from
within the Bank and external consultants. This process was undertaken via a multi-national tele-
conference with the main objective being to ensure "quality of entry" before the project is considered
for implementation. Bank experts and a number of SWIOFP Focal Points (Johan Groeneveld, Kaitira
Katonda, Ana Paula Baloi and Rudy van der Elst). A number of issues were debated including the
underlying rationale of the Project, the need to strengthen the biodiversity component, the risk profile
of the Project, and the need to draw stronger linkages between SWIOFP and eventual improved
governance over use of resources. The comments proved most valuable and resulted in considerable
further strengthening of the PAD.
WIO-LaB Workshop- Durban 4-5 August
This was the inception meeting of the WIO-LaB components dealing with water and sediment quality
standards and monitoring. It brought together partners from all the participating countries, as well as
the Nairobi Convention and other stakeholders. While the workshop was dedicated to pollution issues,
the presence of SWIOFP was important as all three GEF projects are obliged to collaborate in
developing a final Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) as well as a strategic Action Plan (SAP).
Accordingly, opportunities were identify for points of contact between SWIOFP and the WIO-LaB
project.
Draft Procurement Plan and Terms of Reference for key appointments
The Tanzanian focal point continued to develop issues relating to procurement and produced not only
a draft Procurement Plan but also a the TOR's for the appointment of a regional finance manager and
procurement specialist. These drafts are being reviewed by the various focal points for adoption at the
final plenary.
Legal protocol document
At the last Plenary it was confirmed that a Legal Protocol was needed to ensure smooth
implementation of SWIOFP and its diverse multinational operations. South Africa offered to produce a
first draft. This document is nearing completion and will be circulated to the nodes for comment and
input shortly.
Processing Update
The draft Project Brief was submitted to the GEF Secretariat on June 20, as promised. However, for a
variety of reasons, Bill Lane had to reorient the Project Brief to accommodate the need to seek funding
from two GEF Focal Areas. We are now requesting $9 million from the GEF International Waters
Focal area and $3 million from the Biodiversity Focal Area (total of $12 million). The SWIOFP
Project Brief was also modified to reflect a new name and a slightly different "programme" role for
our sister project implemented by the UNDP. This is now called the Agulhas and Somali Currents
Large Marine Ecosystems Project (ASCLMEs). This revision was presented to the GEF Secretariat on
July 20 and has now been officially posted on the GEF website for review by the full GEF Council
(this is the Intercessional Meeting we have been talking about for the last year). The Intercessional
Meeting of the GEF is an electronic rather than physical meeting and the members of the Council have
until August 23 to make a decision or the projects presented are approved by default.
Updated Table of Activities reflecting approximate time schedules
INTERIM PROGRESS & PLANS
Task / Theme
Action
Status
Deadline
Plan for 5th plenary (final appraisal)
Preliminary stage only
3rd week September
2005
Maintain SWIOFP website &
Ongoing
Ongoing
newsflash.
Final version of project appraisal
Only minor
Mid 2005
document PAD
adjustments needed
Donor meeting to secure finance gap
Planned
Mid 2005
Interface with other WIO projects;
Ongoing
Ongoing
establish links
Facilitate participation by Comoros-
Planned
Pending response
visit to engage ministry
from Comoros
Circulate draft WB-country contract
Underway
End August 2005
for comment and future guidance.
Project Launch
-
Early 2006
Science Plan
Cruise plan
Draft completed
(MCM-S.Af.r)
Develop Legal protocol
Underway
August 05
-
Draw up TORs for Component 1
Partially complete
September 2005
Data Management
activities and staffing (2006)
(KMFRI-Kenya)
Facilitate evaluation of StatBase and
Underway
alternatives
Operations &
Harmonise procurement procedures
Draft completed
-
Procurement
Finalise and update procurement plan
Draft completed
(TAFIRI- Tanzania)
2
Legal issues
(France)
Project
management
(Madagascar)
Consider and verify country-level
Achieved
Sustain
participation in Components and
Regional Unit.
Submit letter of project endorsement
Urgent
August 05
National Focal
to World Bank country office
Points
copied to Secretariat.
(countries)
Workshop to develop country needs
Achieved, need for
and expectations; document prepared
confirmation.
Review and confirm draft budget.
Underway
June 05
Draft MOU, Draft TORs for
appointments
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Instituto Nacional de Investigação Pesqueira (IIP)
SWIOFP coordinator
Maputo, Mozambique
Tel: + 258 21 490536 / 490307 / 499963
Fax + 258 21 492112
Email: swiofp@moziip.org
Web: www.swiofp.org
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