Caribbean
Environment
Programme
United Nations Environment Programme
The Strategy for the Development of the Caribbean Environment Programme
CEP Technical Report No. 5
1990
Caribbean Environment Programme
United Nations Environment Programme
The Strategy for the Development of the Caribbean Environment Programme
CEP Technical Report No. 5 1990
Note:
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this document do not imply the
expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP concerning the legal status of any State,
Territory, city or area, or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of their frontiers or
boundaries.
For bibliographic purposes, this document may be cited as:
UNEP: The Strategy for the Development of the Caribbean Environment Programme. CEP
Technical Report No. 5. UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme, Kingston, Jamaica, 1990.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. GENERAL BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................... 1
Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1
The Regional Context................................................................................................................... 1
II. GOAL, PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES............................................................................... 2
III. STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION.......................................................................................... 5
Integrated Planning and Institutional Development for the Management of Marine and Coastal
Resources ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW)......................................................................... 7
Information Systems for the Management of Marine and Coastal Resources (CEPNET) .......... 7
Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution (CEPPOL)............................................................ 8
Education, Training and Public Awareness for the Appropriate Management of Marine and
Coastal Resources ........................................................................................................................ 9
IV. MECHANISMS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE STRATEGY ............................................... 10
The Monitoring Committee........................................................................................................ 11
The Regional Co-ordinating Unit (RCU)................................................................................... 11
The Focal Points......................................................................................................................... 11
The Caribbean Trust Fund and Other Contributions to the Programme .................................... 12
The Strategy for the Development of the Caribbean Environment Programme
I. GENERAL BACKGROUND
Introduction
1. The strategy for the development of the Caribbean Environment Programme responds to the
request of the Fourth Intergovernmental and First Contracting Parties Meeting convened in
Guadeloupe in October 1987. It has been prepared following an intensive review of the most
serious environmental problems affecting the region's marine and coastal resources (Regional
Overview of Environmental Problems and Priorities Affecting the Coastal and Marine
Resources of the Wider Caribbean)1. It is also responsive to the findings of the in-depth
evaluation of the Programme (The Action Plan for the Caribbean Environment Programme:
Evaluation of its Development and Achievements [1976-1987])2.
The Regional Context
2. In much of the developing world, economic growth is a major priority and the chief concern
of the States and Territories of the Wider Caribbean region. Current economic activity in the
region focuses on the expansion of tourism, agriculture and extractive industries. The desired
acceleration in long-term economic growth can only be achieved and maintained through a
process that is based on the principles of sustainable development. Maximizing economic
growth on a sustainable basis necessitates that the costs resulting from adverse environmental
impacts be minimized through the rigorous integration of environmental and developmental
planning and management.
3. The adverse environmental consequences of ill-conceived development projects are of
growing regional importance. Global phenomena such as the anticipated climatic changes,
toxic waste disposal and deforestation, as well as marine pollution, coastal erosion, species
depletion and pollution caused by accidents are of special concern to the region at large and
underlines the need for more rigorous evaluation of development projects prior to the granting
of funding approval. As the economies of the States and Territories of the region are largely
based on marine and coastal resources, this concern should result in an increased allocation of
funds from funding agencies for the effective management of these resources which are
necessary to revive growth within the region.
4. At the regional level, the key problems threatening marine and coastal resources have been
identified in the document "Regional Overview of Environmental Problems and Priorities
Affecting the Coastal and Marine Resources of the Wider Caribbean". Given the cultural,
political and linguistic diversity of the region and its pressing need for economic development,
1 This document has been published as CEP Technical Report No. 2.
2 This document has been published as No. 109 in UNEP's Regional Seas Reports and Studies Series, as well as CEP
Technical Report No. 1
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CEP Technical Report No. 5
the successful implementation of an environmental programme requires the establishment of
institutional arrangements suitably adapted to regional needs.
5. The problems of the region cannot be solved by any one national institution, regional
organization or international body. The Caribbean Environment Programme as a multilateral
initiative, is based on a co-operative approach involving governments, academic institutions,
international and non-governmental organizations promoting sound management principles
and it constitutes an appropriate framework which will allow for the development of co-
ordinated responses to the regional problems.
II. GOAL, PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
6. The long-term goal of the Caribbean Environment Programme is to achieve sustainable
development of marine and coastal resources in the Wider Caribbean Region through effective
integrated management that allows for increased economic growth.
7. In order to achieve the goal stated above, the strategy proposes that the Caribbean
Environment Programme incorporates the following principles
Mutual Technical Assistance
The Programme relies on the active participation of existing institutions, programmes and
expertise at the national and regional levels in determining programme priorities, planning and
implementation. As such, regional co-operation is a key instrument in the implementation of
the Programme.
Strengthening the Environmental Policy and Legislative Framework
The Programme assists governments in the formulation of appropriate policies, regulations
and standards for the management of marine and coastal resources at the national and regional
levels.
Encouraging Integrated Resource Management
The Programme assists governments in the establishment of mechanisms that will ensure a co-
ordinated and integrated approach for the planning and management of marine and coastal
resources.
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The Strategy...
Institutional Strengthening
The Programme supports and encourages the strengthening of national and regional agencies
responsible for the management of marine and coastal resources, as well as academic and non-
governmental organizations.
Standardization of Approaches and Methodologies
The Programme supports and encourages the development and dissemination of standardized
methodologies for resource assessment, enhancement and utilization appropriate to the needs
and conditions of the participating States and Territories. It also endorses the application of
evaluation procedures to projects of a regional or sub-regional concern in order to assess
environmental, social and economic costs and benefits.
Ensuring Public Participation
The Programme promotes active participation of all sectors of society in the management of
marine and coastal resources at the community, national and regional levels.
Encouraging Policy-Oriented Research
The Programme encourages basic and applied research that supports environmental policy
needs and decision-making and makes policy-makers aware of existing scientific knowledge.
Exchange of Relevant Information
The Programme accesses national, regional and international sources of information; sorts,
organizes and distributes relevant information to the region's users on a timely basis; assists in
the strengthening of information management capabilities of environmental agencies; and
increases communication among the principal actors in the region's environmental
management efforts.
Human Resources Development
The Programme develops the capabilities and skills required to identify, analyze and resolve
issues relevant to the region's marine and coastal resources.
Increasing Technology Transfer
The Programme recognizes the growing inter dependence within the region and with other
regions of the world and focuses on the need to share and jointly develop most appropriate
technologies to solve common problems, as well as to participate in global environmental
management efforts.
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Attracting Adequate Financial Resources
The Programme seeks to ensure a sound financial base for environmental management
activities by attracting and allocating appropriate funding.
Joint Management of Transboundary Resources
The Programme establishes and strengthens mechanisms for the co-operative management of
living and non-living marine and coastal transboundary resources.
8. The strategy will aim to develop mechanisms designed to ensure the achievement of the
following general objectives: (i) sustainability of the resource base; (ii) equitable distribution
of benefits from resource utilization; (iii) preservation of environmental quality and protection
of human health; (iv) mitigation of natural and technological hazards; (v) maintenance and
enhancement of ecosystem productivity; (vi) maintenance of habitat protection and biological
diversity; (vii) assessing the environmental impact of urban growth; (viii) preservation and
development of cultural integrity; (ix) strengthened regional co-operation; and (x)
participation of the region in global environmental management efforts.
9. Given the articulated needs of the States and Territories of the region and in order to orient the
Caribbean Environment Programme towards the achievement of the long-term goal and
general objectives, bearing in mind the principles stated above, the strategy must immediately
address the following specific objectives:
· To provide integrated planning mechanisms at the national and regional levels that will
allow for the rational utilization of marine and coastal resources;
· To protect marine and coastal ecosystems and species requiring special attention;
· To strengthen effective national capabilities for information management and exchange
systems among neighbouring countries;
· To control and abate degradation of marine and coastal resources; and
· To increase and improve training, educational and public awareness activities geared to the
achievement of the strategy's goals and objectives.
10. These objectives will be supported by the effective and efficient utilization of the various
mechanisms established by the Caribbean Environment Programme which are described in
paragraphs 32-43 of this document.
11. The strategy is inherently flexible, able to absorb new priorities and adjust to the results of
new findings. It seeks to assist with the stimulation, co-ordination and consolidation of
existing national and regional initiatives and provides the framework for building regional
consensus that will ensure effective management of the region's marine and coastal resources
resulting in ecological balance and greater socio-economic equity, both of which are essential
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The Strategy...
to sustainable development. The objectives of the strategy are to be re-evaluated on a biennial
basis and its mechanisms for implementation are to be continually supervised by the
governments of the region.
III. STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION
12. In the short-term (1990-1995), in order to attain its goal and objectives, the strategy will
develop regionally co-ordinated comprehensive programmes in the following major areas:
· Integrated Planning and Institutional Development for the Management of Marine and
Coastal Resources;
· Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW);
· Information Systems for the Management of Marine and Coastal Resources
(CEPNET);
· Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution (CEPPOL); and
Education, Training and Public Awareness for the Appropriate Management of Marine and
Coastal Resources.
13. These mutually reinforcing programmes which together constitute the Action Plan for the
Caribbean Environment Programme respond to the objectives of the strategy and incorporate
the principles stated above. They are to be revised in keeping with the priorities identified on a
biennial basis.
14. Implementation of the Programme's activities relies on the participation of a wide range of
organizations, each of whose contribution is vital to the success of this important regional
initiative. Participating organizations include those drawn from the following categories:
· National environmental and resource management agencies;
· United Nations organizations;
· Other international and regional organizations;
· Bilateral and multilateral aid agencies;
· Academic and other scientific institutions;
· Professional and technical organizations;
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CEP Technical Report No. 5
· Private sector organizations including foundations and corporate participants; and
· Non-governmental organizations.
15. It is to be noted that the strengthening of organizational participation has begun with the
development of specific joint programmes, such as the regional programme for the assessment
and control of marine pollution (CEPPOL) in co-operation with the Intergovernmental
Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.
Integrated Planning and Institutional Development for the Management of Marine and
Coastal Resources
16. The achievement of the objectives of the strategy relies on strong co-ordinating mechanisms at
both the national and regional levels with multi-disciplinary approaches, which will allow for
the development of the required policies and legislation leading to the resolution of conflicting
uses of marine and coastal resources.
17. Projects and activities of this programme are to be developed in order to achieve the objective
of strengthening the capabilities of national agencies responsible for the management of
marine and coastal resources, as well as regional organizations to enable them to manage these
resources in an integrated way by:
· formulating appropriate policies and legal measures including the development of
appropriate regional arrangements under the Cartagena Convention;
· integrating environmental management into the development planning process;
· developing the appropriate integrated approaches and responses to the impact of global
climatic changes;
· undertaking environmental impact assessments; and
· elaborating specific management plans for the development of coastal resources.
18. In the short term (1990-1995), the major outputs of a regional programme in this area are
expected to be the existence of national institutions and policies reflecting a coherent
integrated approach for the effective management of marine and coastal resources in at least
half of the States and Territories participating in the Caribbean Environment Programme and
an appropriate understanding of and preparation for the impact of global climatic changes in
the region.
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The Strategy...
Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW)
19. The appropriate identification of critical habitats and species requiring special management
regimes is essential for the sustainable development of marine and coastal resources. The
economic well-being of the region, in particular tourism and fisheries, is directly linked to this
process.
20. Projects and activities of this programme are to be implemented in order to achieve the
following objectives:
· The development of a comprehensive regional programme for the research, assessment
and management of protected areas and wildlife in the Wider Caribbean, as a major
instrument required for the implementation of the objectives of the Protocol on SPAW;
and
· The development of specific management plans for economically and ecologically
important species.
21. In the short term (1990-95) the major outputs of a regional programme in this area are
expected to be:
· A significant increase in, and improved management of, national protected areas and
species in the region, including the development of biosphere reserves, where appropriate;
· A strong regional capability for the co-ordination of information exchange, training and
technical assistance in support of national efforts; and
· Specific regional, as well as national management plans developed for endangered,
threatened or vulnerable species such as sea turtles, the West Indian manatee and the black
coral.
Information Systems for the Management of Marine and Coastal Resources (CEPNET)
22. The effective transfer, exchange and training in the use of relevant information and expertise
are central to the process of building institutional and managerial capabilities required for the
integrated management of marine and coastal resources.
23. Projects and activities of this programme are to be developed in order to fulfil the following
objectives:
· To strengthen existing networking mechanisms which allow for the provision of
information required by decision-makers;
· To assist the CEPPOL Programme in the dissemination of information on sources, levels,
trends and effects of marine pollution in the region as an additional component of the
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CEP Technical Report No. 5
scientific basis upon which the formulation of proposals for preventive and remedial
action can be based; and
· To strengthen the regional and national capabilities to handle data relevant to the
integrated management of coastal resources, including geographic information and other
decision-support systems, as well as on appropriate technologies for the protection and
development of these resources.
24. In the short term (1990-95) the major outputs of a regional programme in this area are
expected to be an open, decentralized network which provides the means for increased
information exchange and communication between all actors involved in the integrated
management of coastal resources as well as stronger national capabilities for the management
of environmental information.
Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution (CEPPOL)
25. Pollution affecting the marine and coastal resources of the region poses an increasing threat to
the integrity of these resources. The transboundary nature of pollution necessitates a co-
ordinated and comprehensive approach for its assessment and effective control.
26. The control and abatement of marine pollution provides the best opportunity and challenge for
regional co-operation among all of the Wider Caribbean nations. As marine pollution is
increasingly threatening the resource base required for economic development, its substantial
mitigation, therefore, constitutes a regional priority at the highest level. During the 1988-1989
biennium, efforts have resulted in the formulation of a comprehensive regionally co-ordinated
programme (CEPPOL) jointly developed with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. This programme is expected to substantially enhance
regional co-operation in this area.
27. Projects and activities of this programme are to be developed in order to satisfy the following
objectives:
· To organize and carry out a regionally co-ordinated marine pollution monitoring and
research programme concentrating on contaminants and pollutants affecting the quality of
the marine and coastal environment, as well as human health in the Wider Caribbean
Region;
· To strengthen the capabilities of national institutions allowing for their participation in
regional and national efforts in order to implement marine pollution monitoring and
research activities; and
To develop pollution control programmes at the national and regional levels aimed at the
establishment of water quality and effluent standards, measures to control domestic, industrial
and agricultural wastes and debris, waste water treatment-/ technologies, contingency planning,
as well as the construction of the required infrastructure.
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The Strategy...
28. In the short term (1990-95) the major outputs of this regional programme are expected to be:
· The identification of the sources, levels, trends and effects of the major contaminants and
pollutants affecting the quality of the marine and coastal environment, as well as the
assessment of the impact on human health in the region, all of which will constitute an
essential basis.0 for the development and implementation of appropriate control and
abatement responses;
· Specific standards and guidelines and concrete measures applicable in the various national
contexts in order to bring about a substantial reduction in industrial and agrochemical
pollution, as well as the disposal of solid wastes;
· Specific investment plans, where required, for sewage treatment plants in coastal cities
with more than 100,000 inhabitants in the Wider Caribbean, as well as the pr/1ovision of
appropriate outfalls and/or treatment plants, where appropriate, for all towns with more
than 10,000 inhabitants;
· A regional co-operation programme to improve the safety of maritime navigation and to
substantially reduce the risk from the transport of dangerous toxic substances which are
likely to affect the coastal areas or induce marine pollution;
· Specific investment plans for the establishment of reception facilities for ballast waters
and other oily residues and ship-generated garbage received from tankers and ships in
ports of the Wider Caribbean;
· An evaluation of the regional problems of solid waste disposal on land which may lead to
pollution of oceans and coasts by garbage and other substances; and
· A regional Protocol for land-based sources of pollution, as well as additional Protocols as
identified by the Contracting Parties to the Cartagena Convention at their biennial
meetings on issues such as the dumping of wastes and pollution from sea-bed activities.
Education, Training and Public Awareness for the Appropriate Management of Marine and
Coastal Resources
29. Effective environmental management depends on a high level of public awareness and
involvement, and on the availability of appropriate skills to respond to problems and issues in
a timely and efficient manner. At present, training requirements are not fully met by
existi24ng institutions and programmes and there is a need to develop the research, technical
and managerial capability of Caribbean States and Territories to address environmental issues
adequately. There are insufficient opportunities for public participation and involvement. The
public constituency for environmental management must be developed and strengthened.
30. Projects and activities of this regional programme are to be developed in order to achieve the
following objectives:
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CEP Technical Report No. 5
· To transform and improve educational systems for the integration of a consistent and
positive behaviour towards the environment, and in particular, an understanding of the
value and relevance of marine and coastal resources;
· To strengthen training programmes at the national and regional levels, aiming at the
improvement of technical and managerial skills of decision-makers responsible for the
management of marine and coastal resources; and
· To support the public awareness efforts of the media, community-based and non-
governmental organizations geared towards the economic sectors and the general public
for a better understanding of and a positive interaction with marine and coastal resources.
31. In the short term (1990-95) the major outputs expected from this regional programme are
expected to be:
· National policies and plans for the inclusion of integrated environmental approaches in the
educational systems of all countries of the Wider Caribbean;
· An integrated regional system of educational institutions at the tertiary level providing the
expertise required for the appropriate management of marine and coastal resources; and
· A regionally-based capability to generate information and to produce materials for media
and non-governmental organizations working towards sustainable development of marine
and coastal resources.
IV. MECHANISMS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE STRATEGY
32. Implementation of the strategy relies on the effective and efficient utilization of the
mechanisms established for the Caribbean Environment Programme. These mechanisms,
which were established by the governments of the region in 1981 and further developed at the
biennial Intergovernmental Meetings with the valuable catalytic assistance of the United
Nations Environment Programme, are now to be fully utilized in the implementation of the
strategy.
33. The Convention and its Protocols are the instruments providing the legal framework for the
design and implementation of the Programme, hence it is essential that the States of the region
ratify or accede to the Convention in order to provide the maximum support to the
Programme. The Action Plan constitutes the project component of the Programme. Both the
Action Plan and the Convention rely on the following mechanisms: The Intergovernmental
and Contracting Parties Meetings
34. The Intergovernmental and Contracting Parties Meetings provide the overall authority to
determine the Programme's content, review its progress, determine its course and oversee
financial and institutional arrangements. Once all the countries participating in the Programme
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The Strategy...
have ratified or acceded to the Convention, the Intergovernmental Meetings shall be convened
as meetings of the Contracting Parties.
35. These meetings provide the forum for the Ministers responsible for the management of marine
and coastal resources to meet on a biennial basis to review regional priorities, exchange
valuable information and strengthen the team required for the sustained development of these
resources.
36. An essential requirement for the strengthening of the Caribbean Environment Programme is
the consolidation of this Intergovernmental forum, which should include the active
involvement of all participating countries and related academic, intergovernmental and non-
governmental organizations of the region. Increased participation of all relevant sectors, such
as tourism, fisheries and other economic sectors is also to be encouraged. It is, therefore,
essential to broaden the base of the forum to include all sectors vital to the achievement of
sustainable development of marine and coastal resources of the region.
The Monitoring Committee
37. The Monitoring Committee which meets on a yearly basis, is responsible for supervising the
development of the Programme, as well as providing overall policy direction and guidance to
the Regional Co-ordinating Unit (RCU) in the period between Intergovernmental and
Contracting Parties Meetings. This mechanism allows for a more direct participation by the
governments of the region in the implementation of the Programme. Additionally, it allows for
more direct contacts of a technical nature with the experts involved in the Caribbean
Environment Programme's projects.
The Regional Co-ordinating Unit (RCU)
38. Programme development, project co-ordination and administration are the main functions of
the Regional Co-ordinating Unit. These functions are essential for the coherent and effective
co-ordination of the Programme. Through the exercise of these functions, the RCU co-
ordinates implementation of the Programme, provides information to the participating
governments on the overall progress of the Programme and ensures that funds are being
expended in a manner consistent with decisions approved at the Intergovernmental and
Contracting Parties Meetings.
39. The role of the Regional Co-ordinating Unit is central to the effective implementation of the
strategy. In light of the many institutions and agencies involved in the Programme, it is
essential that the RCU be capable of co-ordinating the activities of a large and growing
Programme.
The Focal Points
40. The implementation of the strategy requires a combined co-ordinating effort on the part of the
focal points of the Caribbean Environment Programme at the national level, other
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CEP Technical Report No. 5
international and regional organizations and the Regional Co-ordinating Unit. The national
focal points through mechanisms such as a national committee are to co-ordinate the
implementation of the strategy with all sectors involved in the management of marine and
coastal resources. The effective co-ordination seeks to reduce the duplication of efforts and to
take full advantage of existing and proposed regional, sub-regional and national initiatives.
This process requires the establishment of functional networks through which this co-
ordination can be achieved.
The Caribbean Trust Fund and Other Contributions to the Programme
41. The scarcity of financial resources constitutes a major constraint impeding the appropriate
management of marine and coastal resources. A substantial increase in capital flows are
essential for the strategy to be effective in sustainable development of the marine and coastal
resources of the Wider Caribbean. The strategy, therefore, seeks to increase the allocation of
funds for the implementation of the projects identified above at both the national and regional
levels.
42. The Caribbean Trust Fund, established in 1981 by the Governments of the region, clearly
demonstrates the commitment and level of importance that these governments attach to this
Programme, and is the basic funding source to support the common costs and priority
activities of the Programme.
43. The contributions that have been agreed to by governments for the Caribbean Trust Fund
allow the Programme to exercise a catalytic function in attracting financing from sources such
as: (1) the Environment Fund of UNEP; (2) other international, UN and non-UN, bilateral and
non-governmental organizations for the benefit of the countries of the Wider Caribbean
region; and (3) additional contributions from governments.
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