UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
Addressing Land Based Activities in the Western Indian Ocean
FIRST MEETING
OF THE
STEERING COMMITTEE
Report of the Inception Meeting prepared by the WIO-LaB
Project Management Unit
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 21 April 2005
for bibliographic purposes this document may be cited as:
WIO-LaB Report No. UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/4
Cover photo: UNEP
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/ PSC.1/4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
OPENING OF THE MEETING
1
1.1 INTRODUCTION OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
1
1.2 WELCOME ADDRESS
1
2
CONSIDERATION OF THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE STEERING
COMMITTEE
2
3
ORGANIZATION OF THE MEETING
4
4
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
4
5
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AND COORDINATION ARRANGEMENTS
4
5.1
REPORT OF THE UNEP-GEF WIO-LAB PROJECT OFFICE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT AND
FUNCTIONING OF THE PROJECT OFFICE. 4
5.2
DISCUSSIONS ON THE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR THE
EXECUTION OF THE UNEP-GEF WIO-LAB PROJECT. 6
5.3
REPORTS OF THE UNEP-GEF WIO-LAB TASK FORCES 11
5.4
DISCUSSIONS AND ADOPTION OF THE PROJECT WORK PLAN 11
5.5
ARRANGEMENT FOR SELECTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS. 13
5.6
SUSTAINABILITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS FROM THE PROJECT 14
6
FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS AND BUDGETARY ALLOCATIONS
15
6.1 BUDGETARY ALLOCATION BY PROJECT COMPONENTS 15
6.2 CO-FINANCING BY PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENTS (2005-2209). 16
7
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
17
8
ADOPTION OF THE DRAFT CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
STEERING COMMITTEE
18
9
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
18
10 CLOSURE OF MEETING
18
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ANNEXES
ANNEX 1 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
ANNEX 2 LIST OF DOCUMENTS DISTRIBUTED DURING THE MEETING
ANNEX 3 AGENDA
ANNEX 4 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE UNEP/GEF WIO-LAB PROJECT
STEERING COMMITTEE
ANNEX 5 TERMS OF REFERENCES FOR THE UNEP-GEF WIO-LAB PROJECT
MANAGEMENT UNIT
ANNEX 5 ORGANOGRAMME FOR THE PROJECT COORDINATION AND
IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE
ANNEX 7 TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE NATIONAL FOCAL POINTS AND THE
NATIONAL INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE
ANNEX 8 DECISIONS OF THE 1ST PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING OF
THE WIO LAB PROJECT (21ST APRIL 2005)
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UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
Addressing Land Based Activities in the Western Indian Ocean
1 OPENING OF THE MEETING
1.1 Introduction of the Steering Committee members
The Chair of the Bureau for the Nairobi Convention, Ms. Adrianarivo, called the meeting to
order at 9.35 am on Thursday 23rd April 2005. The Chairperson requested Members of the
Steering Committee to introduce themselves and thereafter there followed a `tour de table'
during which all members introduced themselves. The list of participants is attached as Annex
1 to this report. Ms. Adrianarivo also brought to the attention of the Committee various
documents of the meeting prepared by the WIO-LaB Project Coordinating Unit.
Ms. Adrianarivo requested Dr. Scheren, the WIO-LaB Project Manager to make a statement
on the Steering committee. Dr. Scheren briefed the Committee on the other meetings of the
project, namely the Municipal Wastewater (MWW) and Physical Alteration and Destruction
of Habitats (PADH) Task Forces meetings that preceded the steering Committee meeting and
in which most of the members of the Steering Committee participated. He informed the
Committee that the official opening of the two Task Force meetings was done on Tuesday
20th April 2005 by the Director of the City of Dar es Salaam, Mr. Wilson Mukama on behalf
of the Mayor of the City of Dar es Salaam. Dr. Scheren also briefed the committee on the
purpose of the meeting.
1.2 Welcome address
Dr. Cees van de Guchte on behalf of the Executive Director of UNEP and Coordinator the
UNEP/GPA and the head of the Regional Seas Programme, Ms. Veerle Vandeweerd,
informed the Committee that UNEP/GPA was pleased to be in the meeting and that GPA had
looked forward to the commencement of the WIO-LaB Project. He thanked the City of Dar es
Salaam and the Government of Tanzania in particular for agreeing to host the meeting in
Tanzania.
Dr. Van de Guchte noted that by focusing on key sectors such Tourism, Mining, Pollution,
Harbor activities, assessment, etc the project will address issues that affect lives of people. He
noted that GPA works jointly with other stakeholders in order to mitigate the possible impacts
f such Land Based Activities. He also noted that the project may also deal with issues that
may help to reduce poverty since there is a good connection between poverty and
environment. He noted that the project is an ambitious one with equally ambitious secretariat
and other partners and on behalf of UNEP, expressed confidence that the project will be
successfully implemented in the region.
Mr. Dixon Waruinge, the Programme Officer responsible for the Nairobi Convention, on
behalf of the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and
the Coordinator of UNEP/GPA Coordinator, Ms. Veerle Vanderweed, briefed the Committee
on the genesis of the WIO-LaB Project and the role played by the Nairobi Convention and the
Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), Zanzibar in the finalization of work on the preliminary
TDA/SAP. He informed the committee that the project brief was endorsed by six countries
that participated in the Conference of Parties for the Nairobi Convention in Mauritius in 2002.
Mr. Waruinge noted that although the project concept was prepared in 2002 and was endorsed
by the Nairobi Convention and national Focal Points, there was a delay in its implementation
after it was realized that it was necessary to bring onboard the NEPAD African process as
well as the recommendations of the intergovernmental meeting of GPA. Through GPA, the
project secured a large co-financing from the Norwegian Government.
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/ PSC.1/4
Mr. Waruinge also reported that WIO-LaB Project Office was installed within the Nairobi
Convention Secretariat in the period between June and December 2004. He reaffirmed the
commitment of the Secretariat of the Nairobi Convention in ensuring that the project delivers
to the countries and that all countries have a role to play in its implementation. He noted that
the project has the potential of making institutions in the region to be some of the strongest in
the Eastern Africa region. He observed that institutions in the region will support the focal
points and various Task Forces that will be established within the auspices of the WIO-LaB
Project.
The Minister of Environment of the United Republic of Tanzania on behalf of the Minister of
Environment in the Vice Presidents Office, and the Government of the United Republic of
Tanzania, welcomed the participants to Tanzania and thanked UNEP for accepting to host the
meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In his speech, the Minister recognized the importance of
coastal ecosystems and various economic uses of the coastline. He observed that the
degradation of coastal marshes such as mangroves has been caused by both natural and
anthropogenic factors especially land based activities. He noted that the discharge of sewage
and associated pollutants and oil spills is responsible for degradation of the environment and
the effect of this include reduced fish catches, eutrophication, diseases, etc. He noted that the
main sources of pollution to be the discharge of sewage although the magnitudes vary from
country to country. He also noted the importance of the marine/coastal environment and
recognized the role of the Nairobi Convention in the protection, development and
management of marine and coastal environment in Eastern Africa. He observed that WIO-
LaB Project would undertake a number of important activities in the region.
2 CONSIDERATION OF THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE
STEERING COMMITTEE
The Chair of the Bureau for the Nairobi Convention Ms. Adrianarivo introduced the agenda
item referring the members to document UNEP/GEF/WIO-LaB/PSC.1/5 and requested the
WIO-LaB Project Manager Dr. Scheren to present the terms of reference to the Committee.
Dr. Scheren presented the TOR including the process of selecting officers as well as role of
the Steering Committee. Following the presentation of the Terms of Reference, the Chair
invited members of the Committee to make their proposals.
Mr. Ali Mohammed, the Focal Point for Kenya proposed that the New Partnership for
Africa's Development (NEPAD) be incorporated as a member of the WIO-LaB Project
Steering Committee. Dr. Magnus Ngoile, the Focal Point for Tanzania requested for
clarification on the criteria that will be used to select Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGOs) to be members of the Committee.
Dr. Scheren responding to those questions noted that NGOs membership is envisaged in the
Project Steering Committee and several NGOs such as WIOMSA, WWF, IUCN were invited
to participate in the meeting. He however noted that invitation of NGOs to participate in the
Steering Committee meetings would be on the basis of as when required particularly for
important partners at both international and national level.
Dr. Ngoile recalled that the meeting of the Focal Points for the Nairobi Convention that was
held in Mauritius decided that NGOs will be considered as part of the Nairobi Convention. He
requested for clarification on how the WIO-LaB Project will deal with civil societies
membership. Mr. Waruinge suggested that there is no need of setting new selection criteria
for participation on non-Governmental Organizations and suggested that door should be open
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for new members. He suggested that relevant NGOs should be invited depending on the areas
of specialization and actions on the ground.
Mr. David La Roche noted that WIO-LaB Project is part of a larger GEF Projects and various
ways of ensuring coordination among other GEF Funded projects need to be developed. He
noted that UNDP WIO-MEP Project has invited other agencies to be members of its Steering
Committee. Mr. Ali Mohammed agreed that the main GEF Partners should be invited to be
members of the WIO-LaB Project Steering Committee and suggested that their membership
could also be included in the international partners category of membership to the steering
committee. There was a general consensus among the Steering Committee members that
GEF Funded projects, namely SWIOFP and WIO-MEP should be invited as members of the
WIO-LaB Project Steering Committee.
Dr. Amani Ngusaru, the Coordinator of WWF-EAME requested for clarification on the
responsibility of the Secretary of the WIO-LaB Project Steering Committee. He observed that
the role of the Secretary of the Steering Committee is also undertaken by the Rapporteur. Dr.
Scheren clarified the differences between the two.
Mr. Muwevho, the Focal Point for South Africa requested for clarification on the mode of
convening the Project Steering Committee meeting on annual basis and whether the Chairman
and the Rapporteur of the meeting will be elected on annual basis during the PSC meeting.
Dr. Scheren clarified on this matter noting that the office bearers will be elected during each
of the Steering Committee meetings.
Ms. Thomsen, the representative of Norway noted that the agenda items could be many if the
Steering Committee is convened on annual basis and it would be important if the committee
considers what will be feasible. Mr. Phillipp van Waechter of UNOPS noted that it may be
necessary to create an e-mail based network so that decisions can be made by the Committee
without waiting for the next Steering Committee meeting.
Dr. Scheren clarified on the co-financing role of the Steering Committee and noted that
countries have entered into obligations with the project and will be required to provide a
report of co-financing on annual basis. These reports will be discussed in the Steering
Committee. Mr. Muwevho requested for clarification as to whether contributions made by
countries under the auspices of the Nairobi Convention will also be considered as part of co-
financing by the participating countries. Dr. Scheren noted that the issue of co-financing will
be discussed in detail in another agenda item yet to discussed and requested Mr. Muwevho to
bring the same issue during deliberations of a specific agenda item dealing with the co-
financing.
Mr. Muwevho requested further clarification on whether UNOPS and UNEP through the
WIO-LaB Project could support other activities that will be undertaken by participating
countries such as organizing local stakeholders meetings. He reported that South Africa
recently organized a stakeholders meeting in South Africa which was financed by the budget
of his Department. He noted that the running cost of such meetings could be taken onboard
by the WIO-LaB Project since the Departments in participating countries may not have
adequate resources to support such activities although there are relevant to the mandates of
the WIO-LaB Project. He also suggested the need to distinguish between activity based work
and non-activity based work that can be supported by the Nairobi Convention.
Ms. Thomsen, the representative of Norway noted that the WIO-LaB Project PADH and
MWW Task Forces meetings that preceded the Steering Committee meeting made several
recommendations on the implementation of fast track demonstration projects and requested
for clarification as to whether the mandate to approve those recommendations was included in
the Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee.
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The WIO-LaB Project Manager, Dr. Scheren noted that the Steering Committee will be
requested to review the annual work plan of the Task Forces and that the recommendations
made by the Municipal Wastewater (MWW) and Physical Alteration and Destruction of
Habitats (PADH) Task Forces will be presented to the Steering Committee for endorsement.
He noted the need for the Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee to be amended to
reflect this suggestion.
Following extensive deliberations on the Terms of References of the Project Steering
Committee, the WIO-LaB Project Steering Committee approved them with amendments, as
presented in Annex 4.
3 ORGANIZATION OF THE MEETING
Ms. Adrianarivo, the Chair of the Bureau of the Nairobi Convention introduced the above
agenda item on the organization of the meeting and proposed members of the Steering
Committee to propose names for the post of Chairman and Rapporteur.
The delegate of Kenya proposed South Africa. However, the South African representative
declined the nomination and proposed Madagascar as chair of the meeting. The representative
of IUCN, Ms. Samoilys supported the nomination of Madagascar. Ms. Adrianarivo, the
national Focal Point for Madagascar agreed to be the chair of the Steering Committee.
For the post of Rapporteur, Mauritius proposed Seychelles. This proposal was supported by
South Africa. The representative of Seychelles, Mr. Flavien Joubert agreed to this nomination.
4 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The Chairperson of the Steering Committee, Ms. Adrianarivo introduced the above agenda
item and referred members to the provisional agenda prepared by the WIO-LaB Project
Secretariat. She requested members of the Committee to suggest necessary amendments to the
provisional agenda.
The Committee considered and accepted the draft agenda prepared by the WIO-LaB Project
Secretariat as presented as Annex 2 to this report.
5 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AND COORDINATION
ARRANGEMENTS
5.1 Report of the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project Office on the establishment and
functioning of the project office.
The Chairman introduced the above agenda item to the Steering Committee and invited the
WIO-LaB Project Manager Dr. Scheren to present the above agenda item. He reported that
the Project Office is housed within the secretariat of the Nairobi Convention.
Dr. Scheren briefed the committee on the present staff of the WIO-LaB Project Office
including those who are assisting the Project Office. The Project Staff includes himself as the
Project Manager and Dr. Johnson Kitheka as the Project Scientist. He noted that the Project
Office is also been assisted by Mr. James Leten, a Junior Programme Officer of the UNEP
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Regional Office for Africa and a Consultant Ms. Sue Liu who is also temporarily assisting
with administrative matters. He also reported that a PhD student by the name Ms. Neeyati
Patel is attached to the Project Office as an intern on part time basis. He informed the
Committee that the post of the Project Secretary is still vacant and arrangements are been
made to fill it.
Mr. Ali Mohammed the focal Point for Kenya requested for further clarification on the
executing agencies of the project since according to the project document, the executing
agencies are UNOPS and the Nairobi Convention and this fact was not captured clearly in the
presentation on the organizational structure of the project. He requested for information on
whether the Nairobi Convention supports the WIO-LaB Project Office as need arises. On the
question of Terms of Reference for the WIO-LaB Project Office, he suggested that the
responsibility for the approval of the Project work plan be that of the Steering Committee.
Mr. Waruinge also observed the need for the Nairobi Convention to be reflected as one of the
executing agencies in the organizational structure of the WIO-LaB Project. He also clarified
that the WIO-LaB Project Office operates within the auspices of the Nairobi Convention and
the terms of reference of the Project Office should be modified to reflect this reality.
Mr. Daffa of the Tanzania Coastal Management Partnership referring to the above term of
reference provided his interpretation of the terms of reference. He noted that what is implied
in that term of reference was that the WIO-LaB Project Office will be approving work
products before payments are made by executing agencies. Dr. Scheren agreed with the above
interpretation noting that the above term of reference is different from that of Steering
Committee.
Mr. Von Waechter, Portfolio Manager of UNOPS-ESA clarified that UNOPS in collaboration
with the Nairobi Convention are two executing agencies of the WIO-LaB Project. Based on
the facts that the WIO-LaB Project operates under two separate budgetary arrangements (GEF
funded component administered by UNOPS and Norwegian funded components administered
by UNON through GPA), it would be important if better ways of coordinating the two
budgets are identified. Dr. Van de Guchte agreed with these observations and suggested that
UNOPS and GPA be meeting to discuss how they will be jointly reporting progress to the
WIO-LaB Project Steering Committee.
Mr. Muwevho requested further clarification on the term of reference dealing with the
recruitment of consultants and in particular what will be the role of the WIO-LaB Project
Management Unit (PMU) since it is stated that the PMU will just be providing assistance to
the executing agency UNOPS. Dr. Scheren responding to the above question noted that the
WIO-LaB Project Office will assist UNOPS and other executing agencies in the process of
recruitment of consultants. Although the terms of reference will be prepared by the WIO-LaB
Project Management Unit, the actual contract will be signed between the consultant and
UNOPS.
Mr. Ali Mohammed requested for clarification as to whether the additional staff in the WIO-
LaB Project Management Unit were foreseen in the WIO-LaB Project document. He also
requested for clarification on the process that was used in filling the posts. Dr. Scheren
informed the Steering Committee that Mr. James Leten who assists the WIO-LaB Project
Management Unit as need arises, is a Junior Programme Officer at the UNEP Regional Office
for Africa and as such is not paid by the project. Dr. Scheren also noted that Ms. Patel is
simply assisting the Project Management Unit as an intern and the project is incurring very
little expenses on her. He also reported that Ms. Sue liu was hired as a consultant to assist the
project in certain activities related to the organization of the Project meetings and that her
contract will expire by the end of the month of April.
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Dr. Ngoile sought clarification as to whether the Steering Committee was supposed to
approve the institutionalization of the WIO-LaB Project Management Unit. He observed that
some of the issues been deliberated by the Steering Committee are actually internal affairs
issues that can easily be dealt with by the Nairobi Convention Secretariat. Mr. Waruinge
clarified on what was required of the Steering Committee in regard to the above agenda item.
He noted that the Steering Committee was not been requested to institutionalize the WIO-LaB
Project Management Unit since it works under the auspices of the Nairobi Convention. He
noted that the Steering Committee was simply required to note the establishment of the WIO-
LaB Project Management Unit under the auspices of the Nairobi Convention. He suggested
that the organizational structure of the WIO-LaB Project Management Unit be modified to
reflect the structure detailed in the WIO-LaB Project document.
Dr Ngoile concurred with Mr. Waruinge noting that within the Nairobi Convention there is a
Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU) based in the Seychelles and creating another institution in
the form of the WIO-LaB Project Management Unit will simply complicate matters in the
region.
Dr. Ngoile also suggested that the WIO-LaB Project Office be renamed WIO-LaB Project
Management Unit (PMU). However, Ms. Adrianarivo suggested that the WIO-LaB Project
Office be called Project Coordinating Office (PCO). However, Dr. Ngoile suggested the name
Project Management Unit is more appropriate since the work of the WIO-LaB Project Office
is simply management of activities. Dr. Scheren noted that in the original document, the
project talks of the Project Coordinating Unit (PCU), which may confuse with Regional
Coordinating Unit based in the Seychelles. The name "Project Management Unit" was
adopted by the Committee.
Ms. Adrianarivo requested for clarification as to whom the WIO-LaB Project Management
Unit (PMU) will be reporting to since this was not reflected in the terms of reference of the
PMU. She suggested that the WIO-LaB Project Management Unit should also be reporting to
the Steering Committee in addition to reporting to the executing agencies.
Dr. Scheren responded to this suggestion and informed the Committee that WIO-LaB PMU
reports to the executing agencies. He referred the Committee to the 2nd paragraph of the
document UNEP/GEF/WIO-LaB/PSC.1/6 where further information on this issue is
mentioned. Mr. Von Waechter adding to the above clarification also informed the Committee
that the reporting should also be to the implementing agency, UNEP/DGEF.
Following lengthy discussions on the Terms of Reference of the WIO-LaB Project
Management Unit, The Steering Committee endorsed the establishment of the WIO-LaB
Project Management Unit within the auspices of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat and also
approved the terms of reference of the WIO-LaB Project Management Unit with amendments.
These TOR are presented in this report as Annex 5.
5.2 Discussions on the regional and national management framework for the
execution of the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project.
Ms. Adrianarivo introduced the members of the Steering Committee to the above agenda item
and invited the WIO-LaB Project Manager, Dr. Scheren to present the organizational structure
of the project as well as the relationship between executing and implementing agencies
including the role of the Steering Committee and the Focal Points. Dr. Scheren presented the
management structure at different levels namely, governance, coordination and
implementation. The institutions that will be involved at different levels were elaborated.
Dr. Scheren also briefed the Steering Committee on how the Project Management Unit relates
to the Steering Committee, UNEP/DGEF, GPA, UNOPS and other stakeholders at both
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national and international levels. Dr. Scheren also presented the terms of reference for the
national Focal Points and the national inter-Ministerial Committee as detailed in the
background document UNEP/GEF/WIO-LaB/PSC.1/7.
Mr. Muwevho requested for clarification on the role of the national Focal Points particularly
as to whether they will represent Task Forces to the Steering Committee given the fact that
the Focal Points will also be chairpersons of Task Forces established under the auspices of the
WIO-LaB Project. He noted that where the regional Task Forces are represented by different
Focal Points who also happen to report to the national Focal Points, there is a likelihood of
two Focal Points reporting on the same issues if both are members of the Steering Committee.
Mr. Muwevho also requested for clarification on how large the membership of the Steering
Committee should be and suggested the need limit membership into the Steering Committee.
Dr. Scheren responding to the above observations noted that the Chairpersons of WIO-LaB
Project Task Forces will not be official members of the Steering Committee. However, they
would be invited to participate in the Steering Committee meetings when their input is
required.
Dr. Van de Guchte clarified the role of the national Focal Points and suggested that the
Chairpersons of the WIO-LaB Task Forces be members of the Steering Committee but their
voting rights should be limited.
Ms. Thomsen, the representative of Norway suggested that Norway be clearly reflected in the
organizational structure of the project at governance level since it has a role to play in the
implementation and execution of the project. Dr. Van de Guchte supported the proposal by
Norway and noted that the co-financing contribution of Norway is important to the project
and as such, Norway including other major donors should feature in the project management
framework structure.
With these observations, the Project Steering Committee took note of the organizational
structure of the WIO-LaB project as presented in Annex 6.
Ms. Daisy, representing Mauritius requested for clarification as to whether each of the
participating countries will be required to establish an inter-Ministerial Committee and noted
that the role of the inter-Ministerial Committee in Mauritius can be undertaken by an
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Committee that involves all stakeholders.
Mr. David LaRoche of Western Indian Ocean Marine Ecosystem Project (WIO-MEP) noted
that the establishment of the inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee in all participating
countries will be important not only for the WIO-LaB Project, but also for the other GEF
Funded international waters projects such as WIO-MEP and the South West Indian Ocean
Fisheries Project (SWIOFP).
Mr. Daffa informed the committee that there is a need for a mechanism at higher level for
coordinating marine and coastal issues need to be established not only for the WIO-LaB
Project, but also for other projects in the region. He suggested that a small full time secretariat
be established in each of the participating countries to facilitate the above and financial
implications of the same should be addressed.
The Chairperson, Ms. Adrianarivo requested the national Focal Points to brief the committee
of the steps taken in their countries to establish an inter-Ministerial Committee.
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Kenya
Mr. Ali Mohammed, the Focal Point for Kenya reported that inter-Ministerial Coordination
Committee is important and Kenya has a mechanism for inter-Ministerial Committee dealing
with coastal and marine issues. He noted that the committee brings together not only
government departments, but also other agencies, NGOs and the private sector.
South Africa
Mr. Muwevho, the Focal Point for South Africa reported that work has already begun in
South Africa on consultation with various stakeholders. There are also clusters with national
and provincial governments where heads of departments meets. He noted that South Africa
will make use of existing structures in order to establish an inter-Ministerial Committee.
Mauritius
Ms. Daisy of Mauritius reported that Mauritius has ICZM Committee, which is chaired by the
Department of the Environment, and the committee involves other ministries, NGOs, and the
private sector. She noted that since the committee looks at issues related to coastal
management, the suggested inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee could fit into this
structure.
The Comoros
Ms. Fatouma Abdallah, the Focal Point of the Comoros reported that the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs has an inter-Ministerial committee and the Chief of the Department of the
Environment is a member of the committee. She re-affirmed the commitment of the Comoros
to establish an inter-Ministerial Committee by the end of the month of April 2005.
Tanzania
Dr. Ngoile, the Focal Point for Tanzania reported that Tanzania has a national strategy on the
ICZM and within this structure, there is Steering Committee for ICZM, which is chaired by
the Permanent Secretary in charge of the Environment. The membership into this committee
includes NGOs and the private sector. However, Dr. Ngoile noted that creation of an effective
National Coordination mechanism is difficult. He also observed that the running cost of such
a committee is expensive and national governments may not be able to make them
operational. He proposed that in countries where there is an existing mechanism, there is no
need of creating new structures or committees and WIO-LaB Project should provide support
to build the existing capacity.
Seychelles
Mr. Flavien Joubert of Seychelles reported that Seychelles has an inter-Ministerial
Committee/Environment Management Council. He noted that this committee is fully
functional and different stakeholders are involved in different projects. He suggested that
creation of inter-Ministerial Committee in the Seychelles will therefore conflict with the
already established coordination structure.
Madagascar
Ms. Adrianarivo reported that Madagascar has an inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee
whose membership includes governments, NGOs and the Private Sector. The committee is
already developing a national policy on coastal environment. However, due to lack funds, the
Committee has not been effective. She suggested that support from governments could
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reactivate this inter-Ministerial Committee. She suggested that there is no need of creating a
new mechanism specifically for the WIO-LaB Project, but the existing mechanism should be
reactivated.
Dr. Cues suggested that countries can use the existing structures. However, he observed that
there will be other issues that will be dealt by the WIO-LaB Project that will not focus on
ICZM such as water and sanitation. He suggested that it would be important to establish if the
existing structures deal issues that will be of interest to the project. He noted that river basin
management may require inter country dialogue particularly in the proposed integration of the
river basin and coastal system management. He noted that such initiatives justify the
establishment of new structures since the mandates of the existing structures may not be
relevant to the aspiration of the project. He also pointed that the project may require
preparation of bankable proposals that must be binding to the country and hence a national
inter-Ministerial coordination Committee can facilitate the preparation of such proposals.
Dr. Scheren noted that specificity in terms of the needs of different projects should be taken
into account. He proposed that countries should look at their own country situations and find
out whether there is a need to establish an inter-Ministerial Committee.
Mr. Daffa informed the committee that they would be some difficulties where the Focal Point
will not be the one facilitating the inter-Ministerial Committee. He observed that the Nairobi
Convention Focal Point will be overburdened if they will also be the Focal Points for the
WIO-LaB Project. He recommended that there should be specific Focal Points for the WIO-
Lab project.
Mr. Waruinge noted that if a Focal Point will not be a member of the Steering Committee, the
terms of reference should be applicable since already there are specific terms of reference for
the Focal Points of the Nairobi Convention. He also pointed that the terms of reference should
also apply where a Nairobi Convention Focal Point has appointed another officer to be the
Focal Point for the WIO-LaB Project activities.
Dr. Scheren requested the Focal Points of the Nairobi Convention to inform the Steering
Committee whether they would be willing to designate other persons to be the Focal Points
for the WIO-LaB Project. Mr. Muwevho responding to this suggestion noted that this will not
be practical since it will be difficult for the Focal Point for the Nairobi Convention to keep
track of what will be happening in the WIO-LaB Project and be in a position to report
appropriately to the Steering Committee of the project and the Nairobi Convention
Conference of Parties.
Ms. Fatouma Abdallah of the Comoros requested for clarification on the appointment of the
Focal Point for the WIO-LaB Project noting that the authority of appointing the Focal Points
is vested with the governments of participating countries. She also noted that the present
Focal Points have worked very well with the Nairobi Convention Secretariat. She suggested
that the Nairobi Convention Focal Points be also the Focal Points for the WIO-LaB Project.
Mr. Ali Mohammed noted that the Focal Points represent institutions and not persons. The
Focal Point will be involved in the project but the day-to-day activities could be undertaken
by a full time secretariat of the inter-Ministerial Committee. The secretariat could come from
the institution of the Focal Point or from any other national agency. However, the decision as
to how this will be done should be left with the governments of participating countries.
Dr. Francis of WIOMSA expressed his concern on the fact that it may take a long time to
create new structures before the actual implementation of activities and this may not augur
well for the region. He suggested the creation of simple structures in the first two years of the
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project on the basis of which further improvements will be made in the preceding years. He
also suggested the establishment of working groups based on the main components of the
project such as MWW, PADH etc. These working groups could work in close liaison with the
WIO-LaB Project Management Unit. He also noted that it will be very difficult to establish
whether inter-Ministerial Committees have delivered to the goals of the project unless specific
indicators are identified at the onset.
Dr. Ngoile noted that creation of structures as suggested by Dr. Francis will create very
difficult and non-operational situation. He noted that terms of reference of the Focal Points
should actually be the terms of reference of a small secretariat that will organize the work of
the inter-Ministerial Committee and which should report through the Nairobi Convention. He
observed that the Nairobi Convention Focal Points have other responsibilities and the
establishments of such a small secretariat will greatly assist in coordinating the work of the
inter-Ministerial Committees in participating countries.
Mr. Muwevho supported the idea of establishing a small secretariat to facilitate the work of
the Focal Points and suggested support should be provided to this secretariat in order to make
this effective.
Dr. David La Roche agreed with the above and noted that the role of inter-Ministerial
Committees in the formulation of TDA/SAP is crucial. He suggested that support should be
provided in order for the project to secure the required contribution at national level. He noted
that it would also be important to look into the future and identify goals that will need to be
achieved. In this regard, Dr. Ngoile pointed that the inter-Ministerial Committees should also
facilitate the work of SWIOFP and WIO-MEP projects.
Mrs. Fatouma Abdalla of the Comoros suggested that current arrangements in participating
countries be retained and that the current Focal Points should remain as Focal Points or
Coordinators of the WIO-LaB Project. She noted that change of the current arrangements will
complicate matters and as a result, progress in the implementation of WIO-LaB Project
activities could be affected. She noted that the Focal Points can always designate other
persons to assist them in carrying out specific tasks related to the project if need arises.
The Steering Committee recognized the important role of the inter-Ministerial Coordinating
Committee and decided that where countries do not have existing coordination structures,
effort should be made to establish inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee whose
presentation should be as broad as possible. Where similar structures exist, countries should
make an effort to use of them without creating new mechanisms.
Following the above deliberations, the Chairperson invited the Coordinator of the GEF WIO-
MEP Project to make a presentation on the other GEF funded projects in the region as well as
the proposed International Waters Project Coordinating Committee.
Dr. David La Roche briefed the Steering Committee on the GEF funded WIO-MEP Project
which is executed by UNDP. He elaborated on the areas of synergies between the WIO-MEP
and WIO-LaB Project. He presented the GEF Programmatic approach and briefed the
committee of the countries participating in his project. He noted Somali is not participating in
the project since it doesn't qualify for GEF funding. He also elaborated on the long-term goals
of the project.
Dr. David Laroche also briefed the committee about the World Bank Coordinated GEF
funded SWIOFP Project. He reported that the three GEF funded international waters projects
agreed to establish a Programme Coordinating Committee (PCC) whose role will be the
coordination of the GEF Funded International Waters projects (WIO-LaB, WIO-MEP and
SWIOFP).
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Ms. Adrianarivo requested for clarification on the linkages between the WIO-MEP Project
and the WIO-LaB Project. Mr. Muwevho wanted clarification on the same line in addition to
clarification on the project coordination and the operating base of the PCC.
Dr. La Roche noted that the two projects are both GEF Projects. In terms of physical location,
it was noted that the secretariat will be the responsibility of one of the projects. UNDP Office
has agreed to contribute resources for the establishment of Programme Coordinating
Committee whose responsibility will include the coordination of the other GEF funded
projects in the region.
Dr. Francis requested for more information on the composition of the PCC and especially
whether it will be composed of the members of the Steering Committee of the three GEF
Projects in the region. He also wanted information on whether PCC will have formal or
informal structures once the two projects are approved.
Dr. La Roche noted that the PCC has been presented for endorsement and it will essentially
be a formal coordinating committee. The formalized committee will assist in the activation of
the PCC. On the membership of the PCC, he informed the Steering Committee that it will be
composed of the Project Managers and two members of the Steering Committees of the two
GEF funded projects.
Mr. Waruinge noted that the formation of PCC followed a programmatic approach and should
ideally have adopted an agency approach. He also reported that the Secretariat of the Nairobi
Convention has interest in the PCC. He also informed the Steering Committee that funds have
been set aside in the WIO-LaB Project under the Coordination of International Waters
coordination mechanisms to facilitate the work of the PCC.
The Steering noted the ongoing process in the initiation of GEF funded international waters
projects and approved the establishment of a Programme Coordinating Committee (PCC) for
the three GEF international waters projects that are been implemented in the western Indian
Ocean Basin region. With consideration of the before-mentioned considerations, the Project
Steering Committee took furthermore note of the Terms of References of the Inter-Ministerial
Committees and Project Focal Points as presented in Annex 7 and 8 respectively.
5.3 Reports of the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Task Forces
Ms. Adrianarivo invited the WIO-LaB Project to present the recommendations of the two
Task Force meetings that preceded the Steering Committee meeting. Dr. Scheren presented
the recommendations of the Municipal Wastewater and the PADH Task Forces. He referred
members of the Task Force to the specific recommendations made which are presented in this
report as ANNEX 9 and 10.
The Steering Committee considered and approved the recommendations of the Municipal
Wastewater and Physical Alteration and Destruction of Habitat (PADH) Task Forces as
presented by the WIO-LaB Project Manager.
5.4 Discussions and adoption of the project work plan
Ms. Adrianarivo, the Chairperson of the Steering Committee introduced the above agenda
item and invited Dr. Peter Scheren, the WIO-LaB project Manager to present the Work plan
for the year 2005 and also for the entire period of the project.
Dr. Scheren presented the work plan detailing the activities to be implemented in the entire
period of the project commencing 2005. He also briefed the committee on the work plan for
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the calendar year 2005 as detailed in background document UNEP/GEF/WIO-LaB/PSC.1/9.
He brought to the attention of the Steering Committee main activities earmarked for
implementation in the year 2005. The committee was also briefed on the steps taken to
initiate the implementation of some of the activities. Dr. Scheren noted that the work plan is
for 4 years and is quite ambitious. However attempt has been made to group closely related
activities in order to improve on the planning for their implementation.
Mr. Muwevho noted that the Steering Committee need to be confident that the activities
defined in the work plan can be delivered within the stipulated period before it provides a
blanket approval for implementation. He cautioned that where the activities will not be not
delivered, the Steering Committee may be held responsible.
The Project Manager, Dr. Scheren noted that a considerable burden for implementation of
activities will fall at national level. He also confirmed to the Committee that most of the
activities in the work plan can be delivered. He suggested the Steering Committee to pinpoint
where it is not sure on the deliverability of some of the activities defined in the work plan.
Mr. Waruinge reminded the Steering Committee of the sentiments expressed by the Minister
of Madagascar, who is the Chair of the Bureau of the Nairobi Convention in the fourth COP
meeting in Madagascar, where he strongly recommended that more emphasis should be put
on the deliverables particularly the implementation of demonstration projects. Mr. Waruinge
emphasized the need for the project to demonstrate results within a short period.
Dr. Ngoile sought clarification on what the WIO-LaB Project Management was seeking from
the Steering Committee in regard to the work plan since most of the activities in the work
plan had been agreed upon in previous meetings held under the auspices of the Nairobi
Convention. He suggested that unless there are serious variations to the agreed work plan, the
WIO-LaB Project Management should just proceed with the implementation of activities. He
suggested that the Steering Committee in this regard simply be requested to re-affirm the
work plan as previously agreed.
Dr. Scheren noted that the activities defined in the work plan have been agreed upon in
previous meetings held under the auspices of the Nairobi Convention, although there were
some minor revisions which the WIO-LaB Project Management would like the Steering
Committee to note and endorse. He also noted that the Steering Committee is required to
reach an agreement on the general timing of the implementation of activities as indicated in
the revised work plan.
Dr. Francis noted some of the activities in the work plan had indeed been altered and
suggested that the Steering Committee should endorse the changes. In case of demonstration
projects, he recalled that the original project work plan had specified the sectors where the
demonstration projects to be implemented by the project would come from.
Dr. Ngoile noted that the Steering Committee is mainly interested in the outputs that will be
presented to the Conference of Parties (COP) to the Nairobi Convention in 2007. He noted
that countries of the region should be able to appreciate activities which can provide quick
deliverables. He suggested that activities that can quickly provide deliverables should be
moved forward so that their implementation commences immediately. Dr. Ngoile proposed
that the following activities defined in the work plan be moved forward: IIc, IId, IIId, IIIg and
that activity IIb should start later. Mr. Mukwevho furthermore proposed that activity Id
should be advanced.
Dr. Scheren highlighted those activities that could yield significant deliverables before the
next Nairobi Convention Conference of Parties. He gave examples of the Selection of
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Municipal Wastewater demonstration projects, activities on training, PADH activities, the
development of LBAs protocol of the Nairobi Convention, etc.
Dr. Scheren noted that the proposed change in the order of implementation of the activities
will mean the WIO-LaB Project Management will have a higher workload. He briefed the
committee on the reasons why the activity on the review of gaps in national legislation and
regulatory framework had to be implemented earlier than other activities. He also noted that
activity on small grants programme is linked to the activity on stakeholders' participation and
the Project Management Unit will consider moving these activities forward as suggested.
However, he noted that it may then be necessary to also move other activities.
Mr. Von Waechter of UNOPS noted the need for the WIO-LaB Project Management to be as
realistic as possible and prioritize those activities that can easily provide good deliverables,
particularly the implementation of fast track demonstration projects.
Mr. Waruinge noted that the Steering Committee may not be in a position to decide on what
activities need to be shifted and suggested that the WIO-LaB Project Management be
mandated to identify activities that can demonstrate quick results. He suggested that the
recommendations of the MWW and PADH Task Forces should be adopted in order to
commence the implementation of fast track demonstration projects. He also suggested the
implementation of the activities on National Programnmes of Action (NPA) particularly the
need to complete the NPA for Tanzania. He also clarified on the activity on the ratification of
conventions noting that it refers not only to the Nairobi Convention, but also to other
conventions that countries in the region may not have ratified.
Dr. Scheren noted that a lot of thought had been put in the preparation of the work plan and
requested countries to state their priorities so that the Project Management can find ways of
expediting their implementation. However, it was noted that this may not be practical in view
of the logical sequence of activities as well as in the light of the limitations in capacity of the
PMU.
Dr. Amani Ngusaru, the Coordinator of WWF-EAME recommended that the Steering
Committee should go through each of the activities defined in the work plan in order to
identify the priority ones that could be moved forward.
Dr. Ngoile suggested that the Steering Committee should recommend that the WIO-LaB
Project Management Unit should put emphasis on those activities that can provide quick
results. He suggested that the Project Management Unit should review the work plan and find
out those activities that can be bring fast results in the region. He suggested that in doing so,
the Project Management should consider the six activities identified by the Steering
Committee. He noted that there is no need of setting rigid priorities that will create difficulties
in the WIO-LaB Project Management Unit.
Following discussions on the work plan for the calendar year 2005 and that for the entire
period of the project, the Steering Committee considered and approved the draft work plan
which is attached to this report as Annex 6. It was however recommended that The WIO-LaB
Project Management should revise the work plan according to the recommendations of the
Steering Committee and distribute the same to the members by e-mail.
5.5 Arrangement for selection and implementation of demonstration projects.
Ms. Adrianarivo, the Chairperson of the Steering Committee introduced the above agenda
item to the Steering committee members and noted that this agenda item had been dealt with
extensively during the Task Force meetings. She noted that since most of the members of the
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Steering Committee were present in those meetings, there was no need for the WIO-LaB
Project Manager, Dr. Peter Scheren to present the above.
The Project Steering Committee subsequently approved the proposed procedures and criteria
for the selection of demonstration projects, subject to the incorporation of comments made
during the Task Force meetings.
5.6 Sustainability of environmental benefits from the project
The Chairperson introduced the above agenda item to the Committee and requested the WIO-
LaB Project Manager to present the same.
Dr. Peter Scheren informed that Steering Committee that sustainability of activities to be
implemented by the WIO-LaB Project is among the main requirements of GEF funded
projects. He noted the importance of demonstrating sustainability of the environmental and
social benefits of the project beyond its life. Dr. Scheren also presented the sustainability
strategy that will be adopted by the WIO-LaB Project.
Dr. Van de Guchte observed the need to also consider the wider context of sustainability by
also engaging other actions at national level. In support of this observation, Mr. Waruinge
noted that the Steering Committee is composed of national Focal Points and the aim is to
promote country ownership. He noted that there will be a need to demonstrate the link with
ongoing activities particularly where there are no sufficient funds to undertake certain
activities. He noted that guarantee on sustainability of activities will not be achieved from
outside the existing national framework and hence the catalytic role of the project on ongoing
activities at national level will need to be recognized.
Dr. Ngoile noted the importance of establishing how activities will be sustained at the end of
the project. He suggested the establishment of a trust fund in the region in order to raise funds
to sustain activities that will be undertaken by the WIO-LaB Project. He also suggested that
the committee should review the activities that will be undertaken by the WIO-LaB Project
and identify those activities that can be marketed. He also noted the fund raising role of the
Steering Committee and noted that both external and internal financial resources will need to
be tapped.
Dr. Francis suggested that sustainability should not be looked at in terms of funding alone and
suggested that good practices in activities that will be implemented should be maintained
even after the end of the WIO-LaB Project. He noted that the establishment of a trust fund
should be done under the auspices of the Nairobi Convention and should not just be for the
WIO-LaB Project but should also be applicable for other projects. He noted that this approach
would ensure that activities undertaken under the auspices of the Nairobi Convention will
benefit from the proposed trust fund.
Dr. Francis also noted that WIO-LaB Project should not be seen to be another funding agency
for the implementation of demonstration projects. He suggested that in case of demonstration
projects, the project should only fund certain specific activities or components of
demonstration projects that have potential to make significant impact in countries of the
region.
Ms. Fatouma Abdalla of the Comoros noted that in the choice of demonstration projects,
emphasis should be on the community-based projects which have potential of being
sustainable. She gave an example of a very successful tourism demonstration project that was
initiated in the Comoros in 1997. The funds that were generated in this project are used to
fund its day to day activities.
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Dr. David La Roche noted the need to develop and implement well thought Strategic Action
Programmes (SAP) that are designed by participating countries. He noted that for such action
programmes to be acceptable, issues of poverty reduction and food security will need to be
captured. He noted that it is difficult to sell the idea of undertaking oceanographic assessment
to governments unlike issues on poverty reduction and food security which are well
understood to be important in the region. He noted that the SAP/TDA should also be
considered as a way of ensuring sustainability since it is expected that the SAP will be
submitted to GEF for funding.
Dr. Rudy van der Elst informed the Committee that during the process of developing a coastal
zone policy for South Africa, a cost-benefit analysis revealed that the value of the coastal
zone in terms of national GDP was enormous. This, in turn, convince governments to take
action in protecting the coastal zone. He noted that there are various opportunities that can be
explored in order to ensure sustainability and gave an example of imposing levy on fishing
companies.
The Chairperson, Ms. Adrianarivo informed the Committee that Madagascar already has
established a Trust Fund whose contribution comes from both the multilateral and bilateral
donors. She informed the Committee that the Trust Fund may be used to support the
implementation of activities once the projects ends.
The Steering Committee mandated the PMU to facilitate the first steps towards establishment
of a regional trust fund, and encouraged the PMU to look into mechanisms for ensuring
sustainability of tee project benefits.
6 FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS AND BUDGETARY ALLOCATIONS
6.1 Budgetary allocation by project components
The Chairperson invited the Project Manager to present the above agenda item. Dr. Scheren
referred the committee members to the relevant document UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/12
and presented the budget for the calendar year 2005. The Project Manager reminded the
Committee of the need to consider the budget in light of the work plan. He also noted that the
original budget as detailed in the project document is not clear on certain issues and hence the
Project Management Unit has attempted to establish how much funds will be required for
implementation of various activities defined in the work plan. Dr. Scheren also informed the
Committee that the total budget was slightly lower than that stated in the project document
and this was a result of shifting that was done on the activities.
Mr. Muwevho requested for clarification as to whether the WIO-LaB Project will support
national Focal Points in order to enable them to undertake activities related to the project. Mr.
Muwevho also requested clarification on the process to be followed in accessing the funds
earmarked for strengthening the Nairobi Convention and its Focal Points.
Mr. Ali Mohammed noted the need to ensure early buying in by institutions that will be
implementing the project. He noted that there is no clear budget line for this purpose. He also
sought for clarification on the use of funds that have been allocated for the purpose of
strengthening the Nairobi Convention Secretariat.
Mr. Waruinge, responding to above intervention noted that the budget line mentioned above
intends to support the Nairobi Convention secretariat. Part of the funds that will be used to
strengthen the Nairobi Convention Secretariat will be used to recruit another Programme
Officer to assist the Nairobi Convention to implement its activities in the region. Mr.
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Waruinge furthermore stated that the secretariat is looking into ways of providing support to
the national focal point institutions.
Dr. Scheren noted that allocation of funds under the project is on activity basis, rather than per
country, and support to the role of focal points could be included on an activity basis. He also
noted that GEF expects considerable in-kind co-financing from governments, in the form of
country-level support through focal points and institutions. He noted that the participating
countries have promised a substantial co-financing, which is more-or-less 50% of the total
budget of the project.
Following discussions on the budget, the Steering Committee considered and approved the
budget and recommended that the WIO-LaB PMU should make necessary adjustments in
order to be in line with proposed changes in the work plan.
6.2 Co-financing by participating governments (2005-2209).
The Chairman introduced the above agenda item and requested the representatives of
participating countries to brief the Steering Committee on the progress made in delivering
their co-financing to the project.
Kenya
Mr. Ali Mohammed noted that Kenya made commitment on co-financing and the country is
still committed in delivering its in-kind co-financing in order to ensure that the project is
successfully implemented.
South Africa
Mr. Muwevho informed the Committee that the South African Government has had several
national-level activities related to the WIO-LaB Project. The main launch of the project in
South Africa was however postponed because the Minister of the Environment had other
commitments. He reported that South Africa is still committed to providing its co-financing
and a specific budget has been set aside specifically for the WIO-LaB Project.
Mauritius
Ms. Tatur Ramasamy reported that Mauritius contributes US$ 30,000 to the Nairobi
convention and the government is still committed in providing its co-financing to the Project.
The Comoros
Ms. Fatouma Abdalla reported that the government of the Comoros is also fully committed to
providing its co-financing. She also reported that a lot has been done in the Comoros and
contribution to the Project will mainly be in form of community participation rather than the
government contribution.
Tanzania
Dr. Ngoile reported that various activities had been implemented in Tanzania and the
implementation of project activities will be part and parcel of the governments' annual
activities. He noted that the contribution of co-financing by the Government of Tanzania will
be easier worked out. The level of support provided by Tanzania in organizing the first
meetings of the WIO-LaB Project will also be part of co-financing provided by the
Government of Tanzania. Tanzania would like to also consider activities of the inter-
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Ministerial Committee that already exists to be part of the co-financing. He reported that the
work of inter-Ministerial committee will not require funding from the WIO-LaB Project.
Seyechelles
Mr. Flavien Joubert reported that achievements in the Seychelles are in terms of the
development of the national Environment Management plan and several activities defined in
that plan have been implemented. He was not certain of the cash co-financing contribution
from the government of Seychelles. He however reaffirmed the commitment of the
Government of Seychelles in providing its co-financing contribution to the project.
Madagascar
Mrs. Adrianarivo reported that Madagascar will not be contributing cash co-financing but the
co-financing will mostly be in-kind. She noted that that the decisions on budgetary allocations
in Madagascar are made by three to four Ministries. She noted that co-financing contribution
by Madagascar will be in the form of contribution to the implementation of activities.
Dr. Peter Scheren, the WIO-LaB Project Manager provided further clarification on the
reporting of co-financing. He referred the committee to the document showing how co-
financing contribution by the governments will be tracked by the Project Management Unit.
He noted that co-financing reporting to the implementing agencies will be done on an annual
basis by the Project Office. He also noted that National activities (particularly the work of the
Focal Points) are supposed to be factored in the budgets of participating institutions. He noted
the need for countries to have a firm commitment on co-financing contributions so as to
ensure sustainability of activities to be undertaken by the project. Dr. Scheren also informed
Committee that the guidelines for preparation of co-financing report will be distributed to all
the national Focal Points.
The Steering Committee considered and approved the guidelines for reporting co-financing
and recommended that the same should be distributed to the National Focal Points so that
they can make arrangements for their countries to comply with the requirements for annual
reporting of co-financing.
7 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
The chairperson, Ms. Adrianarivo invited Dr. Scheren to brief the Steering Committee on the
above agenda item. Dr. Scheren noted that the venue of the next Steering Committee has not
been identified and welcomed proposals on the venue of the next meeting. He informed the
Steering Committee that the next meeting as indicated in the Work plan will be held in the
period between January and February 2006.
Mr. David LaRoche noted that there is an overlap in the membership of the Steering
Committees of the three GEF Funded international waters projects and suggested that the
three projects should consider the possibility of holding joint Steering Committee meetings in
order to save costs. Dr. Ngoile supported this idea and suggested that the Steering Committee
meeting should be held before the projects proceeds with spending so that the Steering
Committee does not become `rubber stamp'.
The Steering Committee welcomed the idea for the three GEF funded projects to hold joint
Steering Committee meetings subject to approval by GEF and urged participating countries to
forward their proposals to the WIO-LaB PMU in Nairobi, Kenya. The Steering Committee
also endorsed the proposal of the WIO-LaB Project Management Unit that the next Steering
Committee meeting be held in the period between January and February 2006.
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8 ADOPTION OF THE DRAFT CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE
The Chairman invited the Rapporteur Mr. Flavien Joubert to present the draft decisions of the
Steering Committee, which were prepared by the WIO-LaB Project Secretariat in close
liaison with the Rapporteur of the meeting. The recommendations were considered and
adopted as it appears in Annex 8 of this report.
9 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Chairperson introduced the members of the Steering Committee to the above agenda item
and invited members to consider and discuss any further business under this agenda item.
Mr. Ali Mohammed who is also the Coordinator of NEPAD marine and coastal environment
component, informed that Steering Committee of the need for Somalia to be invited to the
Steering Committee meetings as well as the other technical meetings of the WIO-LaB Project.
He informed the Steering Committee that there is already a Government in place in Somalia
although it is still awaiting endorsement from the United Nations. He noted the importance of
involving Somalia at technical level so that they do not loose the benefits that will accrue
from the projects that will be implemented in the region. The Steering Committee agreed
with this suggestion.
Dr. Van de Guchte thanked the organizers of the three WIO-LaB Project meetings and noted
that the WIO-LaB Project has started on the right footing. He also informed the Committee
that the GPA review meeting will be held next year.
Dr. Waruinge informed that Committee about the Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Project proposal has already been endorsed by countries of the region. He reported that this
Medium Sized Project will be supported by GEF and participating countries will include
small developing island states in both the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans.
Mr. Waruinge also informed that Steering Committee of the proposal to hold a joint Nairobi
and Abidjan Convention Conference of Parties in South Africa. He informed the Committee
that the meeting will bring together a large number of Ministers in the two regions and the
intention is to review achievements made in sub-Saharan Africa since the World Summit on
Sustainable Development (WSSD), held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
10 CLOSURE OF MEETING
The WIO-LaB Project Manager Dr. Peter Scheren thanked the Government of Tanzania and
in particular the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) for assisting with the
organization of the three meetings of the project in Dar es Salaam.
Ms. Adrianarivo requested the WIO-LaB Project Management to distribute the edited final
versions of the decisions of the Steering Committee to the National Focal Points so that they
could use them to brief their respective Ministers. Ms. Adrianarivo also thanked the
participants for their valuable contributions and for having supported her throughout the
meeting. She also thanked the organizers of the meeting as well the WIO-LaB Project
Secretariat for the efficient organization of the meeting.
The Chairperson closed the meeting at 8pm on Thursday 21st of April 2005.
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Addressing Land Based Activities in the Western Indian Ocean
ANNEX 1 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
The COMOROS:
E-mail: val@angap.mg
MS. FATOUMA ALI ABDALLAH
MR. RICHARD NOELSON
Chef de Département Environnement/
RAHARIJAONA
Direction Générale de l'Environnement
F.T.M.
Point Focal de la Convention de Nairobi
Madagascar
Tel: (269) 736388/730018
Tel: (261) 22 22935
Moroni, Comoros
Home Tel: (261) 22 28270
Fax: (269) 736849
Fax: (261) 20 22 25264
E-mail: alfa@snpt.km
Email: ftm@dts.mg
MR. SOULE HAMIDOU HAMADA
Chef de service réglementation et contrôle à la
MAURITIUS:
Direction Nationale de l'environnement.
BP 883 Moroni
MRS. DAISY RATNA TATUR
Comores
RAMASAMY
Tel : (269) 73 63 88
Ministry of Environment
Mobile : (269) 33 13 38
3rd Floor, Ken Lee Tower, Barrack Street,
E-mail : soulehamidou@yahoo.fr
Port Louis, Mauritius
Tel: +230 212 4385 extension 210
MR. KASSIM HALIDI
Fax: +230 210 7109
Charge de la gestion des d hets municipaux
E-mail address: dtatur@mail.gov.mu
Commune de Mutsamudu
Tel (269) 71 03 36
Fax : (269) 710336
SEYCHELLES:
E-mail: mdossar@snpt.km
Mr Flavien JOUBERT
Acting Director for Pollution Prevention and
KENYA:
Control
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
MR. ALI MOHAMED
Botanic Gardens, Mont Fleuri, Mahe,
Coordinator, Coastal and Marine Programme
Seychelles
National Environment Management Authority
Tel: (248) 670500, (248) 722 890 (cell)
(NEMA)
Fax: (248) 610 648
P. O. Box 67839
E-mail: f.joubert@env.gov.sc
Nairobi
Tel: 254-20-609079/609694
Fax: 254-20-608997
SOUTH AFRICA:
E-mail: biofish@africaonline.co.ke
MR. SHAVHANI MUKWEVHO
Deputy Director: International Liaison
MADAGASCAR:
Department of Environmental Affairs &
Tourism
MS. CHANTAL ANDRIANARIVO
Private Bag X2, Rogge Bay, 8012Cape Town,
Chef de Cellule Recherche et Biodiversite
South Africa
Association Nationale pour la Gestion
Tel: (27 21) 21 402 3551
Des Aires Proteges
Fax: (27 21) 421 5342
B.P. 1424 Antananarivo 101
Email: SMukwevho@deat.gov.za
Republique de Madagascar
Tel: (261) 20 22415
Fax: (261) 20 22439
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/ PSC.1/4
TANZANIA:
DR. MAGNUS NGOILE
WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN MARINE
Director General
SCIENCE ASSOCIATION (WIOMSA):
National Environment Management
Council (NEMC)
DR. JULIUS FRANCIS
P. O. Box 63154
Executive Secretary
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
WIOMSA
Tel: (255) 742 340049
P. O. Box 3298, Zanzibar
Fax: (255) 264 7056
Tanzania
E-mail: magnus@simbanet.net
Tel: +255-24-2233472/2234597
Fax: +225-24-2233852
MR. JEREMIAH M. DAFFA
Email: julius@wiomsa.org /
Tanzania Coastal Management Programme
secretary@wiomsa.org
(TCMP)
NEMC
P. O. Box 71686
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND (WWF)
Dar es Salaam
EARPO:
TANZANIA
Tel: 255 22-12666190
DR. AMANI NGUSARU
Fax: 255 22-266861
Eco-Regions Programme
Email: jdaffa@epiq.or.tz
WWF-Eastern Africa Regional Programme
Office (EARPO)
MS. SANGAU MELANIA
P. O. Box 63117
National Environment Management Council
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
P.O. Box 63154
Tel: +255-22-2775346
D'Salaam, Tanzania
Fax: +255-22-2775535
Fax: 255 022 3124603
E-mail: angusaru@wwftz.org
Tel.: 255 744 753179
Email: melania_sengeu@yahoo.com
WORLD CONSERVATION UNION
MS. RITHA SAIDI
(IUCN):
National Environment Management Council
P.O. Box 63154
DR. MELITA SAMOILYS
D'Salaam, Tanzania
IUCN
Fax No. 255 022 2134603
P. O. Box
Tel. No. 255 022 2134603/745 511 561
Nairobi
Email: rithaminja@yahoo.com
Tel: +254-20-890606
Fax: +254-20-890615
MR. REWIS NZALI
E-mail: mas@iucnearo.org
National Environment Management Council
P.O. Box 63154
D'Salaam, Tanzania
WORLD BANK/GEF SOUTH WEST
Fax No. 255 022 2125256
INDIAN OCEAN FISHERIES PROJECT
Tel. No. 255 022 2134603/748 333 538
(SWIOFP):
Email: imnzali5@hotmail.com
MR. BILL LANE
NORWAY:
World Bank Task Team Leader
E-mail: wlane1@worldbank.org
MS. BARBRO THOMSEN
SFT, Norway
UNDP/GEF WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN
P.O Box 8100
MARINE ECOSYSTEM PROJECT:
Oslo, Norway
Tel: (47) 22573576
Email: babro.thomson@stf.no
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
2
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/ PSC.1/4
DR. DAVID LAROCHE
Project Manager
UNDP/GEF ASLME Project
UNEP-GEF WIOLAB PROJECT
New York, USA
SECRETARIAT:
E-mail: dal1727@starband.net
DR. PETER SCHEREN
Project Manager
UNEP-GPA:
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project Office
P.O Box 47074
MR. CEES VAN DE GUCHTE
Nairobi, Kenya
UNEP-GPA Coordination Office
Tel: +254-020-624612
P.O Box 16227
Fax: +254-020-623928
2900 BE The Hague
Email: peter.scheren@unep.org
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 70 311 4460
DR. JOHNSON U. KITHEKA
Fax: (+31 70 345 6648
Environmental Scientist/Project Officer
E-mail:gpa@unep.nl
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project Office
P.O Box 47074
Nairobi, Kenya
UNOPS:
Tel: +254-020-624612
Mobile: +254-733-777293
MR. PHILIPP VON WAECHTER,
Fax: + 254-020-623928
UNOPS Portfolio Manager
Email: johnson.kitheka@unep.org
UNOPS- east and southern africa regional office
P.O.box 783
00621 Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel : +254-20-623490/3804
Fax : +254-20-623540
E-mail: philippvw@unops.org
UNEP REGIONAL OFFICE FOR AFRICA:
MR. JAMES LETEN
UNEP Regional Office for Africa
UNEP, UN Gigiri Complex
P. O. Box 30552
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: 254 2 624576
E-mail: James.leten@unep.org
NAIROBI CONVENTION SECRETARIAT:
MR. DIXON WARUINGE
Programme Officer
Regional Seas (Nairobi and Abidjan
Conventions)
Division of Environmental Conventions,
UNEP
P.O Box 47074
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254-020-623130
Fax: +254-020-623130
Email: dixon.waruinge@unep.org
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
3
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
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UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/ PSC.1/4
ANNEX 2 LIST OF DOCUMENTS DISTRIBUTED DURING THE MEETING
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/1 Provisional agenda
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/2 Annotated Provisional agenda
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/3 Conclusions and recommendations of the Project Steering Committee
meeting (prepared during the meeting)
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/4 Report of the Project Steering Committee meeting (prepared after the
meeting)
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/5 Terms of Reference for the Project Steering Committee
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/6 Report on the establishment and functioning of the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB
Project Office
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/7 Draft Terms of Reference of the National Inter-Ministry Committee and
National Focal Points.
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/8 Organisational diagram
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/9 Proposed UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project Work Plan
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/10 Detailed list of activities earmarked for implementation by the UNEP-GEF
WIO-LaB Project
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/11 Procedures and criteria for the selection of demonstration projects for the
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/12 Proposed UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project budget.
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/13 Proposed in-kind co-financing by the participating countries
Information Documents
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/INF.1 Provisional List of Documents (this document).
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/INF.2 Provisional List of Participants.
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
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UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/ PSC.1/4
ANNEX 3 AGENDA
1. Opening of the meeting
1.1 Introduction of the Steering Committee members
1.2 Welcome addresses by the Honourable Minister for Environment of Tanzania
1.3 Opening statements:
o UNEP
o Country representatives
2. Consideration of the Terms of Reference for the Steering Committee.
3. Organization of the meeting (election and designation of Chairman and Rapporteur)
4. Adoption of the Agenda
5. Project implementation and coordination arrangements
5.1 Report of the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project Secretariat on the establishment and
functioning of the Project Office
5.2 Discussion on the regional and national management frameworks for the
execution of the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
5.3 Reports of the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project Task Forces on (1) PADH and (2),
Municipal wastewater
5.4 Discussion and adoption of the Project Work Plan for 2005
5.5 Arrangement for selection and implementation of demonstration projects
5.6 Sustainability of environmental benefits from the project
6. Financial arrangements and budgetary allocations
6.1 Budgetary allocation by project components/activities 2005-2008
6.2 Co-financing by participating governments in 2005-2008
7. Administrative Matters related to the WIO-LaB Steering Committee (Set date and place
of the next Steering Committee meeting).
8. Adoption of the draft conclusions and recommendations of the UNEP-GEF Project
Steering Committee Meeting
9. Any Other Business
10. Closure of the meeting
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
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UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/ PSC.1/4
ANNEX 4 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE UNEP/GEF WIO-LAB PROJECT
STEERING COMMITTEE
The Project Steering Committee (PSC) will be composed of senior government officials
chosen by the participating governments to act as the National Focal Points for the Nairobi
Convention and the GEF Project, or their designees, as well as representatives from the
international partners (including the World Bank/GEF SWIOFP Project and the UNDP/GEF
WIO-MEP Project), NGO representatives (WIOMSA, WWF and IUCN, as well as other
relevant NGOs where appropriate), and the Civil Society. PSC membership will also include
UNEP/DGEF, the Norwegian Government, GPA, UNOPS and the Nairobi Convention
Secretariat. Additional members can be added at the discretion of the PSC.
The PSC shall be convened annually. Ad hoc meetings may be convened (i) if the majority of
members make a request for such a meeting to the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project Office;
(ii) At the request of the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project Office when circumstances demand.
The PSC will be chaired by an elected senior government official from the participating
countries. The term of office of the chairman will be limited to one-year. In addition, a
rapporteur for the meeting will be elected.
The Project Manager will serve as the Secretary to the PSC. The WIO-LaB PSC will also act
as the PSC for any other projects that are incorporated under the WIO-LaB umbrella. The
WIO-LaB PSC will make decisions based on the consensus principle.
Specifically, the WIO-LaB PSC will have the following responsibilities:
a) Provide guidance, as well as overall strategic policy and management direction to the
Project;
b) Annually review and assess the progress of the Programme and its projects, based
upon a pre-defined Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, including progress made towards
making measurable impacts in terms of improvement of environmental status;
c) Discuss and review draft strategies for improving sustainability of environmental
benefits and replication drafted by the project unit;
d) Monitoring and reviewing of co-financing delivered to the project in line with GEF
requirements;
e) Annually review and approve the work plan and comment on the budgets of the
Project, and provide strategic direction on the work plan;
f) Advice on appropriate mechanisms for interaction with the private sector;
g) Seek additional funding to support the outputs and activities of the WIO-LaB project;
h) Review the extent and effectiveness of stakeholder involvement at the regional and
national level particularly among different sectors of government that have an interest
or impact in land based activities, including resolution of potential conflicts;
i) Review the quality of outputs produced;
j) Review and approve the outline of, and subsequently the final, project synthesis report
including TDA and SAP; and
k) Review/monitor the implementation of the project's outreach and communication
strategy.
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
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UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/ PSC.1/4
ANNEX 5 TERMS OF REFERENCES FOR THE UNEP-GEF WIO-LAB PROJECT
MANAGEMENT UNIT
A UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project (Management Unit PMU) has been established within the Nairobi
Convention Secretariat in Nairobi. The PMU consists of a Project Manager, Dr. Peter Scheren and a
Project Scientific Officer, Dr. Johnson U. Kitheka. The function of Project Secretary is temporarily
assumed by Ms. Annabel Olum. Preparations are underway to recruit a Project Secretary on a
permanent basis. The Secretariat for the Nairobi convention will support the PMU in the execution of
the project activities.
The PMU will be responsible for managing daily activities of the project. The GPA will provide
guidance to the PMU in the implementation of the activities that are co-financed by Norway.
UNEP/GEF will provide oversight to the implementation of activities as listed in the GEF Project
Document.
The PMU will report to the Executing and Implementing Agencies and will be responsible for the
implementation of activities as defined in the project document, which are based on priorities
identified under the Nairobi Convention, and will be working under the framework of GEF and GPA
operations of UNEP. The PMU will be physically located at the offices of the Nairobi Convention
within the Regional Office for Africa.
In accordance with the project document, the Project Office will assume the following tasks:
a) Perform project coordination for the WIO-LaB project;
b) Develop detailed TORs for all regional consultants, international consultants, and
subcontracts;
c) Assist the Executing Agencies in hiring the consultants and subcontractors, by
providing technical review of qualifications;
d) Design an annual detailed work plan for adoption by the Steering Committee;
e) Track the work plan using project management software such as Microsoft Project,
and manage actively to correct deficiencies in project progress;
f) Serve as Secretariat to the Steering Committee;
g) Liaise with the implementing and executing agencies, and with other international
partners and participants;
h) Review all final work products resulting from specific project activities;
i) Prepare a semi-annual project newsletter for broad distribution within the region;
j) Liaise with other GEF and non-GEF projects in the region, to assure synergy and
minimize overlap.
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
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UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/ PSC.1/4
ANNEX 5 ORGANOGRAMME FOR THE PROJECT COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE
Go
v
e
National Focal
WIO-LaB Project
UNEP/GEF
rna
Points
Steering Committee
GPA/Norway
n
ce
C
UNOPS
oor
Inter-
Project
dina
NCS
Ministerial
Coordination
Coordination
Unit
tio
Other
n
projects
National stakeholders
International stakeholders
Im
National Task Forces
Partner UN Agencies
ple
m
National Experts
International Expert
e
n
t
a
National Institutions
Intern. Institutions
tion
NGOs and CBOs
International NGOs
Private sector
Intern. Private sector
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
Addressing Land Based Activities in the Western Indian Ocean
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/ PSC.1/4
ANNEX 7 TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE NATIONAL FOCAL POINTS AND THE
NATIONAL INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE
Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committees
Each country will have its Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee, facilitated by the National Focal Point,
to help assure effective coordination and communication amongst all ministries, at all project stages. The
National Focal Points (NFP) will help assure intersectoral coordination within their countries, as a step
towards sustainability.
The Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committees will provide guidance and ensure coordination of a wide
range of National institutions and organizations directly responsible for the implementation of the Project at
the National level. The Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee will have a full time, small secretariat
reporting to the National Focal Points that will serve as the liaison with the Secretariat for the Nairobi
Convention.
The Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committees will have the following specific responsibilities
a) Ensure an integrated and coordinated approach to facilitating the sectoral changes required for the
long-term rehabilitation of the WIO ecosystem.
b) Identify national modalities for the implementation of various Components of WIO-LaB project.
c) Coordinate and ensure timely delivery of national contributions to the WIO-LaB Project.
d) Assume responsibility for national contributions to Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and
Strategic Action Programme (SAP), and preparation of National Action Plan (NAP).
e) Develop proposals for submission to the Nairobi Convention Secretariat.
f) Liaison with the Secretariat for the Nairobi Convention
g) Facilitate national and donor contributions to necessary `baseline' activities required to rehabilitate the
WIO environment.
National Focal Points
The UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project will make use of the Nairobi Convention National Focal Points who will
be expected to facilitate effective coordination and communication amongst all ministries and institutions
participating in the implementation of various activities of the project, through the Ministerial Coordinating
Committees.
The National Focal Points will be expected to
a) Facilitate the establishment and coordination of activities of the national Inter-Ministerial
Coordinating Committees, as a mechanism to help assure effective coordination and communication
amongst all ministries, during all project stages;
b) Actively promote the objectives and implementation of the work plan of the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB
Project and other complementary activities;
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/MWW.1/inf.6
c) Coordinate and oversee the implementation of activities of the partners of the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB
Project;
d) Provide advice to the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project Office on matters related to the implementation
of various activities;
e) Act as a platform for information sharing and exchange at the national level;
f) Liaise with the leaders of various UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project Task Forces/ Working Groups to
ensure timely implementation of activities and delivery of products;
g) Assist the UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project Office in the organization of Project Steering Committee
meetings, as well as other regional activities (e.g. Task Force and Working Group meetings) in their
respective countries.
The Steering Committee will be requested to consider and approve the Terms of Reference of the National
Focal Points and the Inter-Ministerial Committees in each of the participating countries.
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
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UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/ PSC.1/4
ANNEX 8 DECISIONS OF THE 1ST PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING OF
THE WIO LAB PROJECT (21ST APRIL 2005)
The Members of the WIO-LaB Project Steering Committee (PSC) elected Madagascar as the chair of
the WIO-LAB Project, and Seychelles as rapporteur, and made the following decisions and
recommendations:
1. It was agreed that the NEPAD- Coastal and Marine Secretariat, as well as designated
representatives of the UNDP/GEF WIO-MEP and World Bank/GEF SWIOFP Projects will be
invited to the WIO-LaB PSC meetings.
2. NGOs to be invited to the WIO-LaB PSC are those that were identified during the Nairobi
Convention Meeting in Mauritius, which are WWF, IUCN and WIOMSA. It was furthermore
proposed that other NGOs could be invited depending on their specificity or activity on the
ground.
3. The terms of reference for the WIO-LaB PSC were amended and adopted, as included in
Annex 1.
4. The WIO-LaB project office should be renamed as the WIO-LaB Project Management Unit
(PMU) to reflect the project's position within the framework of the Nairobi convention and
the Regional Coordinating Unit in Seychelles.
5. The PSC amended and adopted the terms of reference of the PMU as included in Annex 2.
6. The PMU should establish an email network to enhance communication between the PSC
members and to facilitate decision making between the PSC meetings between sessions.
7. Norway should be included in the governance structure of the WIO-LaB Project and the
Nairobi convention Secretariat should be reflected in the coordination structure together with
UNOPs.
8. The PMU should work within the framework of the operations of GEF and GPA as per the
project document.
9. The PMU should facilitate dialogue in the development of a mechanism for coordinating
marine and coastal issues for other GEF international waters funded projects that are being
implemented in the WIO region.
10. The PSC adopted the recommendations of the MWW and PADH Task forces as included in
Annex 3 and 4 respectively.
11. The PSC adopted the proposed procedures and criteria for the selection of demonstration
projects as presented in the supporting documentation for the first WIO-LaB PSC meeting
(Document UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/11).
12. Countries should explore suitable mechanisms for efficient inter-ministerial coordination in
accordance with the tasks described in document UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/PSC.1/7. Where such
mechanism does not exist, Inter-Ministerial Committees should be set up. Furthermore,
countries should ensure a small secretariat that will coordinate the work of the inter-
Ministerial Committees through the national Focal Point.
UNEP/GEF/WIOLAB/MWW.1/inf.6
13. The National Focal Points as the members of the PSC are to oversee and coordinate on a
national level the implementation of activities defined in the WIO-LaB Project document.
14. The WIO-LaB PSC endorsed the proposed project budget and work plan for 2005 but
recommended that the PMU should adapt the work plan where possible to take into
consideration activities which will provide quick results taking into account the restrictions
with regard to budget and capacity within the PMU and the logic of implementation.
15. Each country will provide a report on in-kind and cash co-financing on an annual basis using
the standard format provided by the PMU.
16. The PSC decided to hold the second PSC meeting early in 2006 if possible in association with
WIO-MEP and/or SWIOFP.
17. The PSC agreed that the WIO-LaB project would support initial discussions on the possibility
of establishing a WIO Sustainable Development Endowment Trust Fund, considering other
initiatives such as the NEPAD / AMCEM African Environment Facility.
18. Taking into consideration the various initiatives by the African Union and Regional Economic
Commissions to bring peace and security to Somalia, and the recognition of the Transitional
Somali Government by the African Union, the PSC agreed to invite Somalia to the WIO-LaB
PSC as observers and to explore possibilities of undertaking activities in that country.
UNEP-GEF WIO-LaB Project
2