GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY
STRATEGIC ACTION PROGRAMME OF THE
RED SEA AND GULF OF ADEN
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Regional Organisation for the Conservation of the Environment of the
Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
World Bank
September 1998
ii
Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
CONTENTS
Abbreviations and Acronyms _______________________________________________iv
I. Overview _____________________________________________________________ 7
Project Management ______________________________________________________ 8
General Approach to Implementation _________________________________________ 9
II. Component Work Plans_______________________________________________ 11
Component 1. Institutional Strengthening to Facilitate Regional Co-operation ________ 11
Component 2. Reduction of Navigation Risks and Maritime Pollution ______________ 13
Component 3 Sustainable Use and Management of Living Marine Resources_________ 22
Component 4 Development of a Regional Network of Marine Protected Areas________ 27
Component 5. Support for Integrated Coastal Zone Management __________________ 30
Component 6 Public Awareness and Participation ______________________________ 34
Component 7 Monitoring and Evaluation of Programme Impacts __________________ 35
III. Country Implementation Plans ________________________________________ 37
Country Implementation Plan: Djibouti ______________________________________ 37
Country Implementation Plan: Northern Coast of Somalia________________________ 43
Country Implementation Plan: Sudan ________________________________________ 49
Country Implementation Plan: Yemen _______________________________________ 55
IV. Procurement and Disbursement _______________________________________ 64
Procurement of Goods and Services _________________________________________ 64
Financial Disbursement, Management and Monitoring___________________________ 64
Financial Reporting: Semi-Annual Budget Revisions____________________________ 66
Annual Independent Financial Audit_________________________________________ 66
Management of Resources at the Country Level________________________________ 66
V. GEF Implementing Agency Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation___________ 67
Annexes
Annex A. Terms of Reference_____________________________________________ 71
A.1 Chief
Technical Advisor __________________________________________ 71
A.2 UNDP
Programme
Co-ordinator____________________________________ 75
A.3 National
Programme Co-ordinators__________________________________ 77
A.4 Procurement/Finance Specialist ____________________________________ 81
A.5 Navigation
Advisor ______________________________________________ 83
A.6
Living Marine Resources Specialist _________________________________ 87
A.7
Habitat and Biodiversity Specialist __________________________________ 91
A.8 Marine
Protected Areas Specialist___________________________________ 95
A.9
Integrated Coastal Zone Management Specialist _______________________ 99
A.10 Public
Awareness Specialist ______________________________________ 103
A.11 Editor
_______________________________________________________ 107
A.12 Part-Time
National Specialists ____________________________________ 109
A.13
Navigation Working Group_______________________________________ 111
Annex B. Work Plan ___________________________________________________ 113
Project Implementation Plan iii
Annex C. List of Contact Persons _________________________________________ 117
Annex D. Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden -
Executive Summary __________________________________________ 121
Annex E. Transboundary Analysis ________________________________________ 129
List of Figures
Figure 1. Project Management Organisational Chart_____________________________ 69
List of Tables
Table 1. Sites suggested to form a regionally representative network of Marine Protected
Areas__________________________________________________________ 30
iv Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
ADB
African Development Bank
AIS
Automatic Identification System
APR
Annual Project Report
CO
Country Office (UNDP)
CRIPEN
Centre de Recherche, de l'Information et de la Production
de l'Education Nationale
CTA
Chief Technical Advisor
DAM
Direction des Affaires Maritimes
DEP
Direction de l'Elevage et des Pêches
DNV
Det Norske Veritas
EEAA
Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency
EPC
Environment Protection Council
EU European
Union
FAO
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
FR Financial
Report
FTI
Fisheries Training Institute
GEF
Global Environment Facility
GIS
Geographic Information System
GMDSS
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
GPS
Global Positioning Systems
GTZ
Gesellschaft für technische Zusammenarbeit
HCENR
Higher Council for the Environment and Natural
Resources
IALA
International Association of Lighthouse Authorities
ICRI
International Coral Reef Initiative
ICZM
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
IFAD
International Food and Agricultural Development
ILO
International Labour Organisation
IMO
International Maritime Organisation of the United Nations
IOMoU
Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in
the Indian Ocean
ISERST
Institut Supérieur d'Etudes et de Recherches Scientifiques
et Techniques
IUCN
World Conservation Union (formerly International Union
for the Conservation of Nature)
LMR
Living Marine Resources
MA
Marine Affairs (Yemen)
MARPOL
The International Convention for the Prevention of
Pollution from Ships
MEMAC
Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre
MEPA
Meteorology and Environment Protection Agency
MFW
Ministry of Fish Wealth
MGP Micro-Grants
Programme
MPA
Marine Protected Area
MSRRC
Marine Science and Resource Research Centre
NGO Nongovernmental
Organisation
nm
Nautical mile (1 international nautical mile=1.852
kilometres=1.1508 miles)
Project Implementation Plan
v
NPC
National Programme Co-ordinator
ONTA
Office National du Tourisme et de l'Artisanat
PA Preparatory
Assistance
PFS Procurement/Finance
Specialist
PAID
Port Autonome International de Djibouti
PFS
Procurement and Finance Specialist
PC
UNDP Programme Co-ordinator
PCMA
Public Corporation for Maritime Affairs
PCU
Programme Co-ordination Unit
PDF
Project Development Facility
PERSGA
Regional Organisation for the Conservation of the Marine
Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
PIP
Project Implementation Plan
PIR
Project Implementation Review
PMT
Project Management Team
PSC
Port State Control
QDR
Quarterly Delivery Report
SAP
Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of
Aden
SGP
Small Grants Programme
SOLAS
Safety of Life at Sea Convention
TF Task
Force
TSS
Traffic Separation Schemes
UKHO
United Kingdom Hydrographic Office
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UNEP
United Nations Environmental Programme
VHF
Very High Frequency
VTS
Vessel Traffic System
WB World
Bank
WG Working
Group
Project Implementation Plan
7
I. OVERVIEW
1.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council approved the Project Brief for the
Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in November 1997. UNDP
signed two Preparatory Assistance (PA) documents to facilitate the formulation of the
agency-specific Project documents. In order to discuss and agree on a detailed
implementation arrangement and a work plan for the full-scale Project, two consultative
meetings were held with PERSGA and within the three GEF implementing agencies.
During the Nairobi consultative meeting held in May 1998, it was agreed that a common
management document--the Project Implementation Plan (PIP)--would be co-operatively
developed and attached to each agency-specific Project document.
2.
Project Implementation Plan. The Project Implementation Plan is intended to
provide an overall management framework for implementation of the SAP. The benefits of
having this type of common document are:
· It will assure the full complementarity and integrity of activities under the Project
components to be supported by the three co-operating GEF implementing
agencies.
· A common Project implementation framework and reference material will be
provided for use by all co-operating parties.
· The implementation arrangements, including procurement and disbursement
procedures, to be used for activities supported by each of the GEF implementing
agencies, will be more easily understood and available for ready access.
· Countries with activities at the national level will be able to obtain specific
information concerning planned activities in a comprehensive manner.
· Effective Project planning and management by PERSGA, co-operating countries
and the GEF implementing agencies is enhanced by having a common, integrated
work plan.
3.
The preparation of the PIP benefited from the contribution of several international
specialists. Written sections were shared and discussed with PERSGA and among the three
GEF implementing agencies. The Country Work Plans were prepared after conducting
two-person missions during the months of May and June 1998 to Djibouti, Somalia
(Nairobi Offices), Sudan and Yemen.
4.
The PIP serves as the main reference document to be used for operational
purposes. Section I of the PIP focuses on SAP component work plans where activities of
regional nature (whether Project- or country-funded) which will facilitate the participation
of all countries in regional activities. Section II of the PIP document focuses on activities
that will be carried out at the national level of the four southern countries and which will be
funded by GEF.
8
Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
A. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The Council of Ministers and PERSGA
5.
The Regional Organisation for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA) was officially established in September 1996 with the
signing of the Cairo Declaration by all parties to the Jeddah Convention; its Secretariat is
hosted by Saudi Arabia. PERSGA is the official regional organisation involved in the
development and implementation of the regional programmes for the protection and
conservation of the marine environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Major functions
of PERSGA include the implementation of the Jeddah Convention, the Action Plan, and
the existing Protocol concerning Regional Co-operation in Combating Pollution by Oil and
Other Harmful Substances in Cases of Emergency.
6.
On 26 October 1996, the PERSGA Council of Ministers approved the SAP and
delegated responsibility to the PERSGA Secretariat to work directly with countries,
international financial institutions and other interested parties to assist them to develop and
implement projects which will support the SAP process. The PERSGA Council of
Ministers consists of Ministers responsible for environment in their respective member
countries. The Council meets on a rotational basis in the participating countries. It provides
PERSGA with the high level political support needed to ensure strong co-operation and
commitment amongst participating countries, as well as taking strategic decisions
regarding PERSGA's programmes and financing. Within the framework of this Project, the
Council of Ministers will be briefed about Project progress. Support and the advice of the
Council will be sought when new protocols and modifications or annexes to the
conventions are deemed necessary.
The Regional Task Force
7.
In each of the PERSGA member countries, the Government has appointed a Task
Force (TF) member. The TF members represent their respective Governments and their
commitments to the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden Convention and act as the overall Focal Point
for PERSGA activities. Under the Chairmanship of the Secretary General of PERSGA, the
Task Force consists of PERSGA representatives from each participating country, the three
GEF partners (UNDP, UNEP, World Bank) and the Islamic Development Bank. The Chief
Technical Advisor (CTA), The PERSGA Programme Co-ordinator (PC) who will be the
immediate counterpart to the CTA) and the Riyadh-based UNDP Programme Co-ordinator
(UNDP-PC) also serve as members of the Task Force.
8.
The members of the Task Force are not Project-funded. The Task Force will serve
as the technical advisory body to PERSGA regarding implementation of the SAP. It will
guide and oversee the Project, provide strategic decisions, review and assess the overall
thrust of Project progress, provide technical and political support and facilitate Project
implementation in the respective country. The TF is the forum whereby co-operation
among participating countries, international financial institutions and donors, is enhanced.
The TF will meet at least once a year on a rotational basis to discuss Project progress and
facilitate implementation of the SAP. Potential donors, such as the European Union (EU)
and bilateral donor organisations, will also be invited to the Task Force meetings. In
addition, the National Programme Co-ordinators will be invited to the TF meetings, as they
will be familiar with day-to-day running of the Project at the national level.
Project Implementation Plan
9
Country Based Implementation and Co-ordination
9.
The GEF SAP Project will be implemented through Project-funded regional
activities in Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, northern Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
Saudi Arabia will fund its participation in the regional activities. Project-funded country-
based activities will involve Djibouti, northern Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Project-funded
In the four countries where the GEF Project will implement national activities, the Project
will fund a National Programme Co-ordinator (NPC). The NPC will make complementary
reports to the PC, CTA and PERSGA in his/her country regarding implementation of
country-based activities. The NPC will co-ordinate various in-country components, in co-
operation with the TF member, and will ensure that implementation of these components is
progressing smoothly. The structure of the Project management team is provided in the
organisational chart in Figure 1.
Daily Management of the GEF Project at the PERSGA Headquarters
10.
The Project is executed by PERSGA under the overall authority of the Secretary
General of PERSGA. Day-to-day Project management will be the responsibility of the PC
and the CTA in close co-operation with the Lead Specialists. For the GEF implementing
agencies, the UNDP Resident Representative's Office in Saudi Arabia provides day-to-day
backstopping for the Project through the services of the UNDP Riyadh-based Programme
Co-ordinator (UNDP-PC). The UNDP-PC will provide both technical and administrative
backstopping and monitoring for the Project on behalf of the three implementing agencies.
11.
The PC, CTA, the Lead Specialists and the Procurement/Finance Specialist (PFS)
make up the Project Management Team (PMT). The PC and the CTA act as the anchor and
team leaders for the PMT under the guidance of the Secretary General and the Office of the
UNDP Resident Representative. In the spirit of flat and effective management and to
ensure greater transparency in decision making, it is expected that the PC and the CTA and
their PMT will hold weekly meetings to exchange information and to co-ordinate Project
activities. Lead specialists who are not present in PERSGA offices will link by telephone
conference or e-mail to these weekly management meetings. The Riyadh-based UNDP-PC
will travel to Jeddah at least once a month to attend one of the weekly PMT meetings, to
ensure substantive and administrative support and backstopping to the Project
implementation.
B. GENERAL APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION
12.
It is the foremost aim of the Project to provide maximum benefits to the countries
of the Region and their inhabitants, and to assure sustainability of Project achievements
beyond the duration of the SAP. To achieve these goals, highest priority will be given to
institutional strengthening and capacity building. Training and education of various target
groups will be part of all Project activities. Specialists from the Region will be involved in
and carry out Project activities. International exchange of knowledge and experience,
including establishment of international partnerships, is considered to be of pivotal
importance for the long-term success of the Project. However, international consultants
will only be involved where the required expertise is not available in the Region. Their
main task will be to transfer knowledge and experience. All data gathered by international
consultants will be made available to PERSGA.
10 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
13.
The Project will concentrate first on production of training materials and
development of training courses. The training activities will be carefully prepared and
targeted appropriately. Selected trainees should be able to participate in Project activities
and later on-the-job training to further develop skills. An initial workshop will be held to
assess training needs and guide the Project in the development of appropriate programmes.
Other early workshops will address regional selection and standardisation of methods and
techniques for surveys, data collection and development of databases. Methodologies will
be designed in a way that they fulfil the requirements of the Project while being as user-
friendly as possible. The type and range of data to be collected will be carefully considered
and quality control will receive the highest priority.
Project Implementation Plan 11
II.
COMPONENT WORK PLANS
COMPONENT 1.
INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING TO FACILITATE REGIONAL CO-OPERATION
Introduction
14.
Significant strengthening of existing institutional arrangements is required for
successful implementation of the priority actions identified in the SAP. With the
commitment to regional co-operation generated by the SAP preparation process, and given
the transboundary character of many environmental threats, co-operation and co-ordination
among the various sectors will be substantially strengthened at both the regional and
national levels. In the Region, the PERSGA Secretariat represents the most appropriate
existing institutional and programmatic framework in which regional co-operation and co-
ordination can be achieved. A priority in the SAP is institutional strengthening to promote
regional co-operation.
15.
Component 1 has the following objectives:
· Enhanced institutional capacity (both technical and administrative) of PERSGA to
effectively lead and co-ordinate the SAP as a long-term regional programme.
· Closer co-ordination among existing projects and programmes in the Region.
· Adequate environmental policies and legislation for managing transboundary
environmental issues.
· Enhancement of environmental management capacity throughout the Region.
· Increased participation in regional and global/conventions on the environment.
· Development of strong regional networks among environmental organisations.
· Effective linkages between national and regional goals for protection and
management of coastal and marine resources.
Component Implementation Arrangements
16.
This component is crucial for the success of the Project since it will provide
administrative and technical support to the other components. The resource mobilisation
element included in the component will contribute to sustainability of the SAP as a whole.
The Project component will be implemented by the PERSGA Secretariat which will play a
central role in:
· Developing a Region-wide SAP implementation plan.
· Providing administrative services to the Task Force as well as regional expert
Working Groups (WGs).
· Developing additional regional protocols as called for in the SAP.
· Establishing an effective information exchange system and databases.
· Developing an efficient financing and resource mobilisation programme.
12 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of the PERSGA Secretariat
17.
The PERSGA Secretariat played a commendable leadership role in ensuring active
Government participation at both the (i) political/policy and (ii) expert levels during the
preparation of the SAP. These were indispensable leverages in the implementation of the
GEF PDF-B Project and will be crucial in the implementation of the GEF Project.
18.
To ensure that PERSGA is able to continue in this role, a Programme Co-
ordination Unit (PCU) within PERSGA will be established, consisting of regional Lead
Specialists in the thematic areas of the SAP, administrative support staff (an administrative
assistant funded by UNEP and a procurement/finance specialist) and the Chief Technical
Advisor, both funded by UNDP. The PCU will strengthen the capacity of PERSGA and
will also be responsible for programme administration and financial management including
procurement and disbursement.
Enhancing Regional Co-operation
Programme Work Plan and the Task Force
19.
The activities to be carried out under this component will require development of a
work plan for Region-wide implementation of the SAP. In furtherance of this goal, the
SAP Task Force will be maintained under revised terms of reference to allow it to oversee
implementation and monitor the progress of the full programme.
Cross-sectoral Co-ordination and Consultation
20.
Activities to be carried out will include co-ordination and support of
implementation of the national components of the SAP, and their incorporation into
national policies and investment programmes. Regional Expert Working Groups will be
established for the different themes envisaged under the other Project components. Support
will be extended to their meetings and cross-sectoral training workshops.
Regional Protocols
21.
The development of new regional protocols will be carried out in line with the
decisions of the Council of Ministers of PERSGA. A communication/ information/ data
exchange system will be put in place. This will include newsletters, e-mail and Internet
services, a regional library and an information database.
Developing a Sustainable Strategy on Financing and Resource Mobilisation
22.
Successful implementation of the SAP requires that a range of resources, both
human and financial, be mobilised to support the priorities of the Programme. This will be
undertaken through multidimensional approach that includes seeking funds from bilateral
and multilateral donors, designing self-financing mechanisms for the respective
components, and establishing an environmental fund, as outlined below.
Financial Sustainability and Resource Mobilisation
23.
While support for environment and natural resources management programmes
and investments in the Region traditionally has been provided by national Governments,
Project Implementation Plan 13
often with support from international and bilateral organisations, the implementation of the
SAP will require new types of resources to support such measures in many countries. A
review of the opportunities for self-financing of the different components of the SAP will
be carried out at the regional and national level to identify potential economic sources and
mechanisms. Consultations with co-operating Governments and stakeholders, including the
private sector, will be regularly organised.
Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environmental Fund
24.
An assessment will be carried out to determine the feasibility of establishing the
proposed Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environmental Fund to support transboundary
activities identified in the SAP. Project activities will therefore involve an evaluation of
existing economic instruments within the countries that may contribute to the proposed
Fund as well as possible support from other donors. This will include procedures to define
disbursement priorities and the legal, governance and administrative structure of the
proposed Fund.
COMPONENT 2.
REDUCTION OF NAVIGATION RISKS AND MARITIME POLLUTION
Introduction
25.
The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden extend over a distance of some 1700 nautical miles
and are on average between 120 and 150 nautical miles wide. They form part of a major
world shipping route which currently carries around 7 percent of world seaborne trade.
Much of the world's crude and refined oil cargoes pass through the Red Sea and Gulf of
Aden and this Region would suffer significant damage if and when a major oil spill
occurred. The overall aim of this component of the Project is to support the objectives of
the SAP by reducing the risks of maritime accidents and minimising maritime pollution in
the Region.
Component Preparation Process
26.
In order to co-ordinate and support development of this component of the SAP, the
PERSGA "Navigation Working Group" was established in November 1996 and chaired by
the PERSGA Navigation Advisor, a regional expert in maritime affairs. Two regional
workshops were held--one organised by the Public Corporation for Maritime Affairs of
Yemen in Aden and the other by the Suez Canal Authority of Egypt in Ismalia. At the first
workshop, Det Norske Veritas (DNV) of Norway, made an initial presentation on the
report it was preparing for PERSGA under the supervision of the World Bank, entitled
"Navigation Risk Assessment and Management Plan for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden."
The seminar in Aden discussed matters relating to navigation safety and pollution control
and generated a number of recommendations. A follow-up seminar held in Ismalia brought
together many of the same experts from the Region to assess the semi-final DNV report,
suggest amendments to this report and put forward further recommendations to PERGSA.
Following completion of the DNV Report and the SAP, two internationally recognised
experts in maritime affairs--one from the region and a second with long-term experience
in the region--prepared a detailed work plan for implementation of the component under
the supervision of PERSGA and the World Bank. This work plan is available in the
Project files.
14 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Objectives
27.
The recommendations arising from these seminars, as reflected in part in the DNV
report, have been used in the SAP process for the identification of priority actions to be
included in this component for improvement of navigation safety and the control of marine
pollution in the Region. These objectives emphasise the need to take "preventive actions"
in a number of areas to avoid potential risks through better practices and improved
navigation and safety methods. The objectives of the component are to support PERSGA
and co-operating countries to:
· Implement international conventions to which the countries are signatory.
· Establish a Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (PSC) specific
to, or which includes, regional states.
· Provide means by which Port State Control training requirements may be met.
· Introduce, in co-ordination with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO),
additional Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) and other routing systems.
· Survey selected portions of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
· Consider the provision of additional aids to navigation in the Region.
· Study requirements for additional Vessel Traffic Systems (VTS), particularly in
the Red Sea.
· Strengthen regional co-operation in combating oil pollution.
· Support regional workshops on key topics.
The Navigation Working Group will also review potential financing mechanisms to
support long-term operation of navigation systems and oil spill management programs at
the regional, national and local levels. Recommendations on these will be prepared for
consideration and/or adoption by regional states and local authorities. The implementation
of the NWG recommendations will contribute directly to achieving the objectives of the
SAP.
Component Implementation Arrangements
28.
Implementation of this component will be co-ordinated by the Navigation Advisor
who will be regionally based and make regular visits to PERSGA. The Navigation Advisor
will supervise the Navigation Working Group that includes specialists in maritime affairs,
navigation and marine pollution control from the co-operating countries. The Working
Group will be chaired by the Navigation Advisor who will arrange the meetings, prepare
the agenda and facilitate follow-on activities. The Navigation Advisor will work at the
country level with the National Programme Co-ordinators, PERSGA National Focal Points
and specialist members of the Navigation Working Group to develop and implement
regional and national level activities. The Working Group will support regional training
and exchange programs and activities regarding environmental aspects of maritime affairs.
Project Implementation Plan 15
The Working Group will provide a forum for joint planning of activities, evaluation of
progress, exchange of data and lessons learned.
Co-ordination of Working Group Activities
29.
PERSGA will arrange and co-ordinate all Working Group meetings and seminars
and act as the channel through which contacts with the IMO, International Labour
Organisation (ILO) and other international organisations are made. Given the significant
relationships between reduction of navigation risks and control of maritime pollution
activities, and those supported under other Project components, the Navigation Advisor
will work closely with the PERSGA Project team to exchange information, promote co-
ordination and prevent duplication of effort. Special attention will be given to co-
ordinating activities under this component with those concerning habitat management,
MPA development and ICZM. Copies of reports and all significant correspondence
concerning the activities of the Working Group will be provided by the Navigation
Advisor to PERSGA.
PERSGA Navigation Working Group
30.
The formal establishment of the PERSGA Navigation Working Group with a long-
term role and a mandate to contribute to the objective of increasing navigational safety and
protection of the marine environment in the Region will be a valuable means of achieving
Project objectives in this regard. To this end, a number of steps will be taken, including:
· Definition of the Terms of Reference for the Working Group during the
implementation phase of the SAP.
· Definition of the membership of the Working Group to be made up of one expert
from each of the co-operating countries, that is, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi
Arabia, northern coast of Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, led by an expert from the
Region.
· Definition of a five-year work program tied to the SAP implementation process.
Implementation of Conventions and Port State Control
31.
Accession to the major IMO conventions varies considerably among PERSGA
member countries. Some countries have acceded to many of these conventions, but others
have not so far been able to do so. For the successful introduction of Port State Control in
the ports of the Region, it is essential that more countries ratify key maritime conventions,
particularly those relating directly to Port State Control. A substantial amount of work will
need to be carried out in order to move the ratification of these conventions forward,
including:
· Identification of `baseline' conditions in each of the states with reference to the
conventions.
· Identification of technical, commercial, institutional or legal reasons why
conventions have not been ratified by the states concerned.
16 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Means of promoting the ratification of these conventions, drawing upon the
experience of states in other parts of the world.
· Review of existing PERSGA protocols and recommendations on the development
of additional protocols as necessary.
32.
The Working Group will play a key role in bringing to the attention of the
Governments concerned the need to accede to and implement these Conventions. It will
obtain guidance and assistance from IMO and bi-lateral sources on methods of obtaining
support for these procedures. It will also seek exposure for key personnel to the experience
of states that are well advanced in the ratification process and in the implementation of
PSC procedures.
Support for Port State Control
33.
The SAP identified the establishment of a Regional Agreement on Port State
Control as a priority action to reduce risks from ships with substandard conditions and
crews. Under the component, the Navigation Working Group will receive support to
undertake the required administrative actions to establish PSC in the PERSGA Region;
conduct a Regional Workshop on PSC; and fund a series PERGSA-sponsored courses to
train Port State Control Officers in international standards and establish reporting
procedures in the Region. The objectives of the workshop are to inform key personnel in
the Region and to bring them together to discuss the benefits and methods used in
implementation of Port State Control. This will provide a framework for later Project-
supported training activities for Port State Control. As part of the process of developing
PSC, the Navigation Working Group will review Port Regulations at each port in the
region and promote inclusion in the regulations of essential safety clauses. Such clauses
could include the requirement for anchors to be ready for dropping from the time a vessel
reaches the port approaches; requirements for berthing and final departure from the port,
and "model" rules on safety for use by regional ports.
Regional Agreement on Port State Control
34.
One issue that will need to be resolved is whether the co-operating countries of
PERSGA should develop a Regional Agreement for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, or
whether they should join the larger Regional Agreement for the Indian Ocean that is
currently being developed under the auspices of IMO and with the support of ILO. This
process has resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Port State
Control in the Indian Ocean (IOMoU) by nineteen countries in the "Indian Ocean Region."
The IOMoU is based on financial and other commitments by its members and provides for
the establishment of a Secretariat, located in Goa, India, and an Information Centre located
in Pretoria, South Africa. The PERSGA countries represented at this meeting included
Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia (through a UNDP nominee), Sudan and Yemen, each
of whom has signed the IOMoU. However, a number of PERSGA countries bordering the
Red Sea were not represented at the Pretoria meeting, in particular Egypt, Jordan and Saudi
Arabia. In light of the new development, the Navigation Working Group, as a priority
action, will review the matter and make recommendations with regard to the most efficient
way to develop a Regional Agreement on PSC.
Project Implementation Plan 17
Improved Communications for Shipping
35.
A Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) has been established in
recent years. Under the IMO SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention, all vessels above
300 tons will need to carry radio and other equipment that allows them to contact coast
radio stations and communicate by satellite or other means with Maritime Rescue Co-
ordination Centres, "Ship Earth Stations" (ships), vessels in distress, etc. The GMDSS
system also requires "Coast Earth Stations" to be provided with modern equipment to
allow them to carry out their communications responsibilities. To accelerate
implementation of this system in the Region, the Navigation Working Group will review
plans for the installation of GMDSS equipment at centres in the Region and make
recommendations on the most cost-effective means of achieving satisfactory regional
coverage, strengthening institutional capacities and training the required skilled personnel.
Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS)
36.
The whole of the Red Sea may be considered to be an "environmentally sensitive
area" and any damage to ships or spillage of oil may adversely affect the area. The concept
of TSS and other ships' routing measures has been accepted for more than 20 years as a
means of improving the safety of navigation. The IMO is the only international body that
has been recognised as competent to approve ships' routing measures at the international
level. However, IMO does not (normally) act to initiate or provide routing measures. The
definition and submission to IMO for approval are primarily the responsibility of the
government or governments concerned. These requests can be organised and co-ordinated
by special regional bodies such as PERSGA.
37.
TSS were introduced some years ago in the Gulf of Suez, the Strait of Tiran and
the Strait of Bab al Mandab and have been amended from time to time to improve the
safety of navigation in these areas. The introduction of additional routing measures under
this component of the SAP is intended to further increase the safety of navigation in the
Region. Routing measures are introduced to improve the safety of navigation, to prevent or
to reduce the risk of marine pollution and/or other damage to the marine environment
caused by ships colliding and/or grounding, and to prevent or reduce the risk of new
obstructions being created along international trading routes. The accuracy of navigation
on board ships has increased in recent years due to the introduction of modern position
fixing methods such as satellite navigation systems (Global Positioning Systems-GPS,
Doppler GPS etc.). DNV stated in its report that around 1 million `end on' situations
between northbound and southbound vessels transiting the Red Sea occur each year. These
vessels, when using the routes from Bab al Mandab to the southern entrance to the Gulf of
Suez, which are very similar, risk being involved in `end on' collisions. The purpose of the
routing measures proposed for the Red Sea is therefore to separate the tracks of the
northbound vessels from those of the southbound vessels by a suitable distance.
Proposed Areas for New TSS
38.
Under the component, the Navigation Working Group, in full co-ordination with
the IMO and concerned national governments, will undertake actions to formally establish
new TSS in selected priority areas. These areas include:
18 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Northeast Side and Southwest Side of the Hanish Islands. It is proposed to improve
the safety of navigation in the Region thorough introduction of two new TSS on
the northeast and southwest side of the Hanish Islands. The schemes have been
proposed since vessels passing to the northeast and southwest of the Hanish
Islands must navigate in areas in which shallow water, rocks, islands and other
navigational hazards are found. The introduction of new TSS for these specific
areas is intended to provide safe routes around the various hazards, supported by
additional aids to navigation where required. New obstructions are being reported
each year in areas which are used by transiting vessels. By defining TSS and
Recommended Tracks, the extent of the area that will ideally be re-surveyed as a
matter of urgency to handle the larger vessels `in transit' will be reduced. Two TSS
have been initially defined for submission to IMO. These will connect with the
existing TSS in operation for Bab al Mandab and the southern entrance of the Gulf
of Suez through the use of "Recommended Tracks." The Tracks could be shown
on charts of the Red Sea, or could be referred to in notes on the charts covering the
area.
The Recommended Tracks have been designed to separate the two streams of
traffic; the proposed tracks lie 2.5 nautical miles on each side of defined positions.
By connecting existing TSS at the southern and northern ends of the Red Sea to
the new TSSs around the Hanish Islands by tracks, the desired separation of
northbound and southbound traffic by a distance of around 5 nautical miles will be
achieved. The tracks have been designed to ensure that ships remain in deep water
areas close to the centre of the Red Sea where possible; are routed well clear of
shallow areas (to allow searoom in the case of navigational errors, engine and/or
rudder failure, drifting etc.); and make maximum use of existing and possible
future navigational aids and other routing measures.
· Extension of Ras Muhammed TSS. Another "routing measure" which has been
proposed is the extension of the TSS around Ras Muhammed at the southern tip of
the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. An "area to be avoided" is regarded as a routing
measure as it prevents vessels from entering certain defined areas at sea. UK
Admiralty Chart No. 8 indicates that an "area to be avoided" exists south of Ras
Umm Sidd. This is a particularly sensitive area of the marine environment. The
notes states that "to avoid risk of pollution, vessels carrying dangerous or toxic
cargoes, or any other vessel exceeding 500 GRT should avoid the area indicated."
It is recommended that IMO be asked to extend this "area to be avoided" to the
west of Ras Muhammed to ensure that traffic is kept clear of the headlands and
reefs around the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula. An "area to be avoided" is
considered by IMO to be a routing measure which can be introduced when "...it is
exceptionally important to avoid casualties...". Any unauthorised vessel entering
the area to be avoided would be warned that it is entering this area by the VTS
stations operating in Gulf of Suez and the Strait of Tiran.
39.
The objective of separating northbound and southbound traffic transiting the Red
Sea is partially achieved by introducing the two proposed TSS adjacent to the Hanish
Islands. To confirm this separation, it is envisaged that this traffic will navigate between
Bab al Mandab and the southern end of the Gulf of Suez along Recommended Tracks.
These tracks will be defined for presentation to the IMO Navigation Sub-Committee
responsible for Routing Measures as soon as the necessary foundation work has been done.
This work will include and require the positive contribution of the Navigation Working
Project Implementation Plan 19
Group in achieving the approval of Egypt, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen for
submission of agreed tracks to the IMO.
Hydrographic Surveys and Navigational Aids
40.
A fundamental requirement for safety of navigation and implementation of this
component of the SAP is the accuracy of navigational charts and other navigational
information that is made available to vessels operating in the area. An examination of
navigational charts for the Region reveals that surveys for large areas of the Red Sea and
Gulf of Aden were carried out many years ago, using the technology available at that time.
Subsequent surveys, or accidents to ships, have demonstrated that isolated rocks and other
obstructions were not discovered or recorded on surveys which may have been carried out
100 years or more ago, or that depths have changed since the surveys were done. Shallow
water, rocks or other obstructions in or near routing measures must be recorded on charts
and in other navigational publications. The failure to carry out surveys in the past has led
to problems in TSS, and IMO requires survey results to be submitted to it before it will
approve a new or revised scheme.
Survey Procedures
41.
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), is responsible for producing
charts of this area and for carrying out survey work in the Region. It receives data from a
number of sources. These include surveys carried out by naval or private survey vessels for
Governments in the Region, surveys carried out for oil companies involved in offshore
exploration, data from United Kingdom naval survey vessels which may be sent to the
Region or are in transit and depth recordings from commercial ships. Much of the survey
work required by the UKHO is now carried out by commercial survey companies under
contracts with standards set by the UKHO, and frequently under the direction of a naval
survey officer or naval hydrographic adviser. Charts are also produced by other
organisations, such as the French Navy in the area around Djibouti, and the Saudi Arabian
Ports Authority for the coast of Saudi Arabia.
Priority Areas for Survey
42.
Under the SAP, two priority areas are due to be defined and surveyed. The cost of
hydrographic survey work is very high and it must be assumed that the surveying required
will be carried out by a commercial company at normal commercial rates. In order to limit
costs, it is recommended that the two areas selected for these surveys be the proposed TSS
to the northeast and southwest of the Hanish Islands. It is therefore proposed that these
areas should be surveyed, covering the planned TSS and beyond these to a distance of 500
meters on either side of the traffic lanes and 1000 meters to the north and south of the
boundaries of each scheme.
43.
Additional areas that may be considered for priority survey, subject to availability
of funds, include: the existing TSS in the Strait of Bab al Mandab, particularly if the
Navigation Working Group decides that an amendment to this scheme should be submitted
to IMO; the approaches to Port Sudan or Suakin in Sudan, as these ports are being
expanded and the need for new survey work is recognised by the Government; and the
approaches to the Port of Aden, which may be given priority because it is anticipated that
there will be a lot more use of the port by very large container vessels from late 1999
onwards. As these locations are relatively close to each other, additional mobilisation costs
20 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
for the survey vessel should be low if a larger number of surveys can be conducted at one
time.
Survey and Improvement of Navigational Aids
44.
The component will facilitate arrangements and provide support for a survey of the
positions and characteristics of any navigational aids in the Region. This survey will be
independently prepared and provide the basis for possible SAP-supported actions to
upgrade these facilities. It is planned that, subject to the approval of the Navigation
Working Group and concerned National Authorities, the regional members of the
International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) should ask IALA to carry out
a separate survey of navigation aids in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This survey would
exclude the Gulf of Suez, which has already been inspected by IALA. The IALA survey
would be required to determine the present status of these aids and what actions, if any,
may be necessary to improve or extend them. Proposals for improving their effectiveness
and/or means of operation may be put forward by IALA. These would then be reviewed by
PERSGA and the Navigation Working Group for consideration for funding under the SAP.
Vessel Traffic Systems (VTS)
45.
A Vessel Traffic System (VTS) is described as "any service implemented by a
competent authority primarily designed to improve the safety and efficiency of traffic and
the protection of the environment." It may range from the provision of simple information
messages to extensive management of traffic within a port or waterway. It may cover some
or all of the following functions: provision of routine information; co-ordination of ship
movement reports; monitoring of compliance with established traffic rules; provision of
advice or guidance; and/or regulation of traffic. The principal function of the surveillance
is to monitor traffic flow in and around the TSS and detect any vessels that fail or may be
about to fail to comply with the traffic regulations. It is then possible to broadcast warnings
to the vessel `at fault' and to all vessels operating in the area. Modern VTS vary from
simple radar/VHF-based systems to complex installations involving multiple radars, VHF
stations and channels, and computerised data processing. The functions of the VTS can
vary from the provision of relatively simple information to relatively complex traffic
regulation.
46.
VTS are frequently associated with port areas and some, but by no means all, IMO
Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS). The establishment of ships' routing measures implies
that vessels in the area will be navigated in accordance with the requirements and
constraints that the measure imposes. Experience shows that this is not always the case and
that some ships will be navigated in contravention to the measure, leading to possibly
dangerous situations for these vessels and for other users. This implies that a routing
measure should be monitored to achieve maximum effectiveness, and that vessels which do
not follow the requirements of the measure, and which may be standing into danger, should
be warned and/or penalised as appropriate. The future fitting of transponders to ships
carrying hazardous cargoes will allow for their automatic identification (Automatic
Identification System, AIS). It will then be possible to display on a radar screen data on the
ship's identity, type, size, course, speed, cargo carried etc.
Project Implementation Plan 21
VTS in the Northern Red Sea
47.
Some of the larger Port Authorities in the region already operate "Vessel Traffic
Services." Outside the Suez Canal and port areas in the Red Sea, Traffic Separation
Schemes exist along the whole length of the Gulf of Suez and the Strait of Tiran. In
addition, certain vessels are not allowed to enter the environmentally sensitive area south
of Ras Muhammed on the Sinai Peninsula. The need to introduce VTS to allow both
surveillance of and guidance for these areas has been recognised for some years and steps
are now being taken to provide these. The Gulf of Suez VTS will be a multi-station
installation covering the whole of this Gulf to the southern limit of the TSS. It is expected
to be in operation by the end of 1999. The VTS for the Strait of Tiran and its approaches is
also expected to come into operation in 1999. These VTS will monitor important areas in
the northern end of the Red Sea.
VTS in the Southern Red Sea
48.
Traffic using the TSS in the southern end of the Red Sea through the Strait of Bab
al Mandab has not been and is not currently monitored. The radar and/or VHF
communications equipment could be set up on Mayyun (Perim) Island or on the higher
land (possibly on Jebel al Menhali, 270 metres high) on the coast of Yemen 5 nautical
miles east-northeast of the island or on the Djibouti side of the Strait. If it is decided that
the VTS should be located on the Yemeni side of the Strait, it may be necessary to link the
VTS to the Port of Aden. Under the component, a feasibility study will be prepared for
establishment of a VTS at the southern end of the Red Sea that will initially monitor traffic
in the area around this TSS. The Terms of Reference have been prepared, based on
consultation with IMO, IALA and local authorities. Under the Terms of Reference, the
Consultant will evaluate alternative sites for the VTS, provide detailed cost estimates for
investment and operation of the facility, review training requirements for operators and
users, and assess potential user-based funding mechanisms. On the basis of this feasibility
study it is planned that the component will support development of the initial phase of the
VTS for the southern Red Sea.
Regional Workshop and VTS Training
49.
The Consultant will also plan and conduct a Regional Workshop on Vessel Traffic
Systems. The objectives of the workshop are to increase appreciation within the Region for
the importance of VTS in monitoring Traffic Separation Schemes and other routing
measures, as well as their role in improving safety in port areas. This will provide a
framework for later Project-supported training activities for VTS. The workshop will be
attended by members of the Navigation Working Group and by other key personnel
involved in these issues. It will be followed by a series of VTS training courses held at
various locations in the Region for operators of regional and local systems.
Oil Spill Prevention and Management
50.
The component, using GEF and PERSGA funding, will support three
complementary activities for oil spill prevention and management at the national level,
including:
22 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Regional Oil Spill Contingency Strategy. Terms of Reference for the conduct of a
feasibility study on a Regional Oil Spill Contingency Strategy will be prepared,
within which sub-regional, national and local Oil Spill Contingency Plans will be
located. Following evaluation and approval, the strategy will be implemented by
the countries of the Region.
· Djibouti MEMAC. Under earlier international support to the Region, the Djibouti
Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre (MEMAC) was established to provide
support for control of oil spills. Under this assistance a stockpile of equipment and
materials for combating oil spills has been established at Djibouti, and personnel
have been trained. The current agreement for operation of the centre provides for
its response to demands for assistance in case of oil pollution incidents in Djibouti,
Somalia and the Gulf of Aden coast of Yemen. Under the component, technical
assistance will be provided to prepare and negotiate a Revised Agreement to allow
this facility to become part of a PERSGA-supervised network of response centres
and to update its current Sub-Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan.
· Oil Spill Combating Training. Under the PERSGA-funded work programme,
courses for oil spill preparedness and combating procedures will be held, making
use of centres within the Region where possible and of opportunities for training at
specialised centres outside the Region as necessary in order to achieve training
objectives.
COMPONENT 3.
SUSTAINABLE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF LIVING MARINE RESOURCES
51.
The last review of fisheries in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Region was prepared
by FAO in 1989; it provided information on fisheries resources through 1987. Published
information after this date is very scarce. In April 1997 a regional fisheries workshop was
held at PERSGA, in the framework of the PDF phase of the SAP. Participants had prepared
updated reports on the state of living marine resources (LMR) in their countries. Based on
these reports, national and regional data were collated in a standardised format and
analysed in a regional context. Migratory species with stocks shared by several countries
received special attention, though very limited information was available. Threats to the
fisheries and potential environmental damage caused by fishing activities were identified.
As a result a proposal for regional fisheries management, outlining actions needed to
reduce threats and to develop a sustainable use of the living marine resources, has been
prepared. The scope of this component, which focuses on ecosystem health and
biodiversity conservation, is different from previous fisheries studies in the area and the
background data required are more diverse, including environmental and socio-economic
information. Major issues to be addressed include:
· Lack of information on transboundary stocks.
· Inadequate data on benthic and demersal stocks.
· Unregulated exploitation of high profile species, especially sharks and lobsters.
· Lack of co-operation in management of shared stocks.
· Lack of training in collection of fisheries data.
· Lack of public awareness in sustainable use of LMR.
Project Implementation Plan 23
· Lack of surveillance and enforcement of existing fisheries regulations.
· Shrimp and fish farming resulting in environmental degradation.
· Lack of monitoring.
· Threats to marine turtles, seabirds and marine mammals.
· Threats to key habitats, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves.
52.
As can be seen from this list, there are two aspects, which, even though closely
interlinked, require different approaches to problem solving. As a result, the component is
divided into two sub-components:
· Sustainable use of renewable resources exploited in fisheries, and
· Conservation of habitats and biota not subjected to consumptive use.
This division is reflected in the implementation plan.
Component Implementation Arrangements
53.
Within this component two closely linked WGs will be established, covering: (i)
sustainable use and management of LMR; and (ii) conservation of habitats and biota. Each
WG will be co-ordinated by a regional expert based at the PERSGA Secretariat. The
experts will be funded by the Project for a period of four years and by PERSGA as of the
fifth year. The experts will arrange and co-ordinate all WG meetings and seminars.
PERSGA will act as the channel through which contacts with FAO, IFAD and other
international organisations are made. The expert in LMR will assure close co-ordination
with other WGs, particularly that of habitats within this component, and the WG for
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Component 5.
Capacity Building for Sustainable Management of Living Marine Resources
54.
The WGs will meet twice annually to plan joint activities, evaluate progress, and
exchange data and lessons learnt. Each country will delegate one specialist to the WG
meetings. Additionally regional and international experts may be invited as necessary,
depending on the subject to be discussed. WG members are the link between the regional
Project and the national Government agencies concerned with the management of LMRs.
Specific issues will be dealt with by special expert committees to be formed ad hoc as
required during the implementation process.
55.
Training: Existing fisheries research and training institutions will be upgraded in
order to improve their ability to develop and conduct training courses for fisheries
managers and applied researchers directly involved in fisheries assessment, monitoring and
management. Two sub-regional research and training centres will be established, to
conduct regional, sub-regional and national training courses. The one for the Gulf of Aden
will be at Aden while the one for the Red Sea remains to be selected. Fishermen
throughout the Region will be trained in the collection of accurate fisheries data at landing
sites in order to enable them to contribute to statistics and stock assessment.
24 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Development of a Sustainable Management Strategy for Transboundary Fish
Stocks and Invertebrates
56.
Standardised Methods: At present fisheries data are not comparable because of a
lack of standardisation. In order to make data comparable throughout the Region, a
workshop will be held to develop standardised methods for data collection, statistical
analyses and presentation. A manual in Arabic and English will be produced and placed at
the disposal at fisheries workers throughout the Region.
57.
Identification Guide: Another obstacle to meaningful fisheries statistics is the lack
of a reliable identification guide. In conjunction with the Biotaxonomic Programme of
FAO, a "Species Identification Guide to the Living Marine Resources of the Red Sea and
Gulf of Aden" will be produced by a group of regional and international taxonomists. It
will be published in Arabic and English with a plastic paper edition for use in the field. It
will be complementary to the manual on standardised data collection methods and become
an important tool for fisheries statistics, fisheries management and ecological monitoring.
While most resource groups are reasonably well documented in the Red Sea, field surveys
have to be conducted in the Gulf of Aden. This activity will be supported by non-GEF
resources as an element of the SAP implementation process.
58.
Regional Reference Collection: A reference collection of plant and animal species
from coastal and marine areas of the Region will be developed, to allow verification of data
collected and assure the greatest possible accuracy in all Project documents and research
activities resulting from the Project. A suitable site for a regional collection will be
identified. It should allow for the highest professional standards in collection maintenance
and management. Scientists, collection managers and technicians will be trained
internationally, because such training is not available in the Region. This activity will be
supported by non-GEF resources as an element of the SAP implementation process.
59.
Assessment of Transboundary Stocks: Conservation and management of
transboundary stocks of pelagic finfish and sharks is hampered by a complete lack of
knowledge about their stocks in the Region. Stock assessments, which will cover migration
routes, major spawning and nursery areas, fishing pressures and economics, will require
experimental trawls for two 180 day periods in order to cover one full annual cycle. This
activity will be supported by non-GEF resources as an element of the SAP implementation
process.
60.
Shark Stocks: Elasmobranch resources, highly threatened throughout the Region,
need special attention. A regional study will analyse the impacts of present shark fisheries
on shark populations and the local socio-economic parameters of fishing communities
involved in shark fisheries. Data will be collected at landing sites throughout the Region
and from experimental trawls.
61.
Invertebrate Stocks: Lobsters and shrimp face high fishing pressure wherever they
occur. Other invertebrate resources such as cuttlefish and kokian are locally threatened.
Their stocks will be assessed, exploitation pressures and economics reviewed and
management plans developed. This activity will be partially supported by non-GEF
resources as an element of the SAP implementation process.
62.
Ornamental Fish: The collection of ornamental fish for the international aquarium
trade is rapidly expanding throughout the Region and is in urgent need of regulation.
Project Implementation Plan 25
Present practices in ornamental fish collecting will be surveyed, and stocks assessed in
those areas where fishes are collected. Quota will be set by species and site, considering
ecological conditions and the reproductive biology of individual species. A surveillance
and monitoring programme will be set up. Standards for transporting and keeping fishes
collected in the Region will be set and monitored. The development of captive breeding
programmes in the Region in conjunction with collecting activities will be encouraged. A
proposed self-financing mechanism for the surveillance and monitoring programme will be
developed, based on the principle that the industry should contribute to the costs of this
type of activity.
63.
Management Strategy: Based on the information obtained from the activities
described above, an overall sustainable management strategy for transboundary fish stocks
and invertebrates will be developed. This management strategy will include mechanisms to
monitor and regulate fishing activities and trading; introduction of quota and closed
seasons; regulations on fishing gear and methods; and community-based management
which builds, wherever possible, on the revival and strengthening of traditional fisheries
conservation practices. The implementation of the management strategy will be initiated at
national and local levels through the network of fisheries workers trained under this
programme.
64.
Public Awareness: Public awareness programmes for various target groups within
the coastal and especially the fishing communities and other users of marine resources will
be developed in support of the Management Strategy.
Development of a Regional Conservation Plan for Turtles, Seabirds and
Marine Mammals
65.
Surveys and Training: Seasonal surveys of marine turtles, sea birds and marine
mammals, including migration routes, nesting and feeding areas will be conducted
throughout the Region. Their present exploitation by local communities will be studied.
Formal and on-the-job training of biologists from the Region will accompany these
activities. Members of coastal communities will be educated and trained in the protection
and monitoring of turtles, nesting seabirds and marine mammals and actively involved in
the surveillance and monitoring schemes.
66.
Conservation Plan and Public Participation: Based on the above findings, a
Regional Conservation Plan for turtles, sea birds and marine mammals will be developed.
Wherever possible, it should build on traditional beliefs and conservation practices. The
implementation of this Conservation Plan at the regional, national and local levels will be
initiated through extensive public awareness programmes, with participation of the coastal
communities involved in the earlier training described above.
67.
Pilot Relief Projects: In Somalia and Sudan small-scale pilot relief projects for the
poorest fishing communities will be developed to reduce pressure on turtles and certain
other easily accessible nearshore resources. These programmes will include the provision
of boats and basic fishing gear. Possibilities for improving access to national and regional
markets will be assessed.
26 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Development of a Regional Conservation Plan for Key Habitats: Mangroves,
Seagrass Beds and Coral Reefs
68.
Habitat Conservation Workshop: A regional workshop on habitat conservation
with emphasis on mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs will be organised in order to
draft a detailed work plan for the conservation of key habitats. Habitat conservation will be
integrated into coastal zone management. This activity will be co-ordinated with the
components on Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and ICZM.
69.
Mangrove Conservation: Surveys on the status of the Region's mangrove areas
will be conducted to develop a regional framework for site-specific action, including
sustainable use of mangrove resources; alternative animal fodder, fuel and building
materials; and management of freshwater resources. The mangrove-associated fauna will
be surveyed with special emphasis on sensitive stages of harvestable resources (fishes,
shrimps). Based on the survey results, protection programmes, and where necessary,
rehabilitation programmes will be developed. Local mangrove nurseries and re-plantation
schemes will be established, with special attention to the genetic source of seedlings.
70.
Seagrass Conservation: Seagrass beds will be mapped and surveyed throughout
the Region and their status assessed, particularly in trawlable areas. Seasonal surveys of
diversity and biomass of seagrass-associated fauna, with special emphasis on harvestable
fish and shellfish species, will be conducted as a basis for the development of a
comprehensive management and conservation scheme.
71.
Coral Conservation: Seasonal surveys of selected coral reef areas will be
conducted by methods standardised throughout the Region to determine the degree and the
root causes of widespread deterioration of reef habitats. Based on the results, protection
programmes and, where necessary, rehabilitation schemes will be developed. A programme
for a sustainable, non-consumptive use of coral reefs by tourists will be developed,
including a long-term monitoring scheme.
72.
Control of Destructive Activities: The legislation and practice of construction
work, dredging and landfill throughout the Region will be reviewed. Based on the results, a
mechanism for the control and monitoring of these activities, with regard to the
conservation of mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs, will be developed.
Establishing the Legal and Policy Framework for Conservation and
Sustainable Management of Living Marine Resources
73.
Regional Agreements and Protocols: The present national legislation and regional
agreements on exploitation of LMR will be reviewed. A workshop will be held to draft
regional agreements and protocols for the sustainable use of transboundary stocks and
protection of threatened and endangered species, which will be reviewed by the member
countries and than submitted to the PERSGA Council for approval.
74.
National Legislation: The national regulations on species, size, fishing gear and
seasons of exploitation will be reviewed, consolidated and controlled through licensing and
marketing systems, in line with regional agreements and protocols. Regulations on the
collection of ornamental fish for the aquarium trade will be included.
Project Implementation Plan 27
75.
Surveillance, Monitoring and Enforcement: Regional and national fisheries
surveillance, control and monitoring systems will be reviewed and upgraded. Possible self-
financing mechanisms to support implementation will be assessed. Consultations will be
held with Governments and concessionaires to find means of enhancing enforcement of
fisheries laws and regulations. Financial mechanisms, such as licensing and fines, to cover
the capital and recurrent costs of enforcement programmes will be identified.
76.
Integration of Fisheries into CZM: The development and management of the
fisheries sector within the context of ICZM planning will be promoted with regard to the
protection and management of the resources and the environment, taking into account the
interactions between fisheries and other sectors. This applies to both capture fisheries and
aquaculture. These activities will be conducted in close co-ordination with the ICZM
component.
COMPONENT 4.
DEVELOPMENT OF A REGIONAL NETWORK OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
77.
The establishment of a system of MPAs aims at conserving all ecosystems of the
Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as a whole. The proposed network therefore contains
examples of all major biogeographical sub-units of the Region and major habitat types
within each sub-unit. It includes prime examples of the full range of coastal and marine
habitat types and species communities.
78.
All countries in the Region have designated MPAs, but they are few in number and
only one or two are adequately managed. Many of the current and/or proposed protected
areas are under high pressure from fishing and tourism; others are at risk from navigation
and development activities in adjacent areas. To avoid designating more MPAs than cannot
be managed, the proposed programme emphasises institutional and capacity building,
including resource mobilisation. The programme is designed in a way that the experience
gained during this regional exercise will allow each country to introduce conservation
management to the full set of MPAs in its territory.
79.
During the SAP process, thirteen declared and proposed/suggested MPAs,
representing different ecosystem types and biodiversity richness and uniqueness, were
identified as regionally or globally important (see Table 1). Of these, eight are covered by
existing projects with various funding sources, so the proposed programme will fund only
the remaining five sites and selected regional activities. The component will focus on these
priority sites while at the same time retaining a regional approach in planning, management
and provision of training.
Objectives
· Establishment of a regional network of experts specialised in MPA planning and
management.
· Increased human capacity in MPA management through regional training and
exchange programmes.
· Completion of site-specific management plans, supported by detailed habitat,
biodiversity and resource use surveys, public consultation, and commitments from
the respective Governments.
28 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Commitment from the respective Governments.
· Effective implementation of a network of representative MPAs.
· Establishment of a process of regular regional review meetings with exchange of
data, information and management expertise.
Component Implementation Arrangement
80.
The MPA programme will be integrated with other components of the Project
through regular consultation of its WG with others. Because of close linkages, this
component has a number of activities that will need to be carried out in association with
other Project components, such as the following:
· Information generated from other components such as surveys on living marine
resources, GIS, and stock assessment should be incorporated into MPA
management planning.
· The organisation of regional workshops on habitat conservation will improve the
integration of this component into the management of MPAs.
· Educational programmes established to train members of the coastal community in
the protection and monitoring of turtles, nesting seabirds and marine mammals
should be undertaken jointly with representatives from MPAs.
· Regional workshops on conservation plans for key habitats, mangroves, seagrass
beds and coral reefs should be conducted in association with the MPA WG.
· Research initiatives that study the benefits of MPAs for sustainable use of LMR
should be undertaken.
· The location and significance of MPAs needs to be integrated into coastal zone
management plans and any peripheral development and management constraints
need to be incorporated.
· Representatives from the MPA WG will submit articles and information to the
Regional WG on Public Awareness and Participation for inclusion into their
newsletters, educational materials and web pages.
81.
At the country level, the NPC and the PERSGA National Focal Points will play an
important role in co-ordinating national and regional activities of the programme. A system
of integration and co-operation will be established between the SAP programme and other
individual projects taking place in the member countries under separate funding
mechanisms.
Regional Networking
82.
A WG of Marine Protected Area (MPA) planners and managers, chaired by a
Regional Specialist based at the PERSGA Secretariat, will be established. The WG will be
responsible for implementation of this component in a participatory manner. This will be
achieved through joint planning activities, evaluating progress, and exchange of data and
lessons learnt. WG members are the link between the regional Project and the national
Government agencies in charge of MPAs. They are the key counterparts for all country-
based activities within the Project.
Project Implementation Plan 29
Regional Training and Exchange Programme
83.
The component emphasises capacity building and human resources development in
the Region. A training and exchange programme will be designed, following assessment,
to upgrade existing capacities in various aspects of management of MPAs, with full
involvement of the WG. In general, training will concern the following:
· Sanctuary management, survey and monitoring, and marine rangers duties. These
courses will be held at various sites throughout the Region, building on the
experience of existing MPAs.
· Exchange programmes and study tours for current and proposed MPA managers,
scientists and rangers in different countries of the Region to enhance the transfer of
experience within and outside the Region.
· Formal overseas professional training to selected candidates followed by on-the-
job training in home countries. PERSGA will seek additional non-GEF resources
to meet the costs associated with this activity.
Master Plan for MPAs
84.
Most of the countries involved in the SAP lack experience in developing and
implementing master and management plans for MPAs. Therefore, a regionally
standardised, site-specific Master Plan will be developed for each MPA, as a long-term
policy document. It will include site-specific management plans that define the every day
work in the MPA. They are short- or medium-term and will be revised on a regular basis
according to the results of the monitoring programme. The guidelines for the establishment
and management of MPAs will be adapted to regional conditions, including consideration
of the specific abiotic, biotic and socio-economic conditions. This will require
standardisation of all procedures and activities leading to the drafting of the management
plans, such as habitat, biodiversity and resource use, public consultation, recurrent costs,
etc.
85.
The standard format will be used as a template for developing site-specific
management plans for MPAs. The activity will be conducted in conjunction with intensive
training programmes in MPA issues for concerned parties within the participating
countries, adjusted as necessary to local needs.
Exchange of Information between Decision-makers and Building Commitment
86.
Under the authority of PERSGA, a series of regular review meetings will be held
to exchange data, information and management experience among members of different
Project component groups. A regional twinning arrangement by which two countries with
similar projects agree to co-operate directly on a bilateral basis to exchange information,
expertise and equipment to meet common goals will be promoted and established. To allow
easy access to information and efficient information exchange, copies of management
plans for all regional MPAs will be deposited at PERSGA.
Table 1. Sites suggested to form a regionally representative network of Marine
Protected Areas
Country Protected
area
Year of
Management/
Priority
declaration
Projects
30 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Djibouti
Iles des Sept Frères
Suggested None
Regional
and Ras Siyan
Egypt Ras
Mohammed
1992
High, supported by
Regional
National Park
EU project
Egypt
Giftun Islands and
Proposed
GEF-Egypt and EU
National/
Straits of Gubal
projects
Regional
Eritrea Dahlak
Islands
Proposed GEF-Eritrea
project
Global
Jordan
Aqaba coral reefs
Proposed
GEF-Jordan project
Regional/
Global
Saudi Arabia/
Strait of Tiran
Proposed
None
Regional
Egypt
Saudi Arabia
Wajj Bank, Sharm
Proposed None
Global
Habban and Sharm
Munaybirah
Saudi Arabia
Farasan Islands
1996
Terrestrial: high
Global
Marine: low
Somalia
Aibat and Saad ad-
Suggested None
Global
Din Islands, Saba
Wanak
Sudan Sanganeb
Marine
1990 Low
Global
National Park
Sudan
Mukkawar Island and
Proposed None
Regional
Dungonab Bay
Yemen Socotra
Islands
1996
GEF-Socotra
Global
biodiversity project
Yemen
Belhaf and Bir Ali
Proposed None
Regional
area
COMPONENT 5.
SUPPORT FOR INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
87.
Integrated coastal zone management in most countries in the Region is adversely
affected by weak co-ordination between ministries, overlapping jurisdictions, conflicting
objectives, and weak implementation of land use plans. Effective implementation of
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) plans will reduce the incidence of
inappropriate development decisions and provide an effective mechanism for sustainable
long-term use of the coastal zone. Throughout the Region the adoption of this planning and
management process to support development decisions could significantly decrease
unnecessary degradation of the coastal and marine environments. The effective use of
ICZM is especially important in supporting the co-operating countries to meet challenges
related to long-term development of coastal settlements and development zones, further
expansion of international and domestic tourism, and maintenance of the rich biodiversity
and cultural heritage of the coastal zone.
88.
Preparation of the SAP identified the need to strengthen integration of
environmental and natural resource concerns into the planning and management of the
coastal zone. An important activity to be supported under the component will be the
creation of a PERSGA co-ordinated network of regional specialists to promote the use of
ICZM and exchange experiences between co-operating countries. This will be
complemented at the regional level by support for training activities focused on the use of
ICZM and related tools such as environmental assessment and Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) in planning and management of the coastal zone. Current use of ICZM is
concentrated in the northern countries in the PERSGA Region and is mainly taking place at
the national level. Under the component support will be provided for model ICZM
Project Implementation Plan 31
activities in the four southern countries to balance efforts and to demonstrate sub-national
approaches to ICZM for selected priority areas. A mechanism for the promotion of ICZM
in these areas will take the form of national and/or local level ICZM working groups that
include a full range of stakeholders including relevant Government agencies, academic
institutions, community leaders, private sector interests and NGOs.
Objectives
89.
The component has as objectives to:
· Enhance regional exchange of expertise, experience and information on coastal
zone management through establishment of a regional Working Group.
· Strengthen national and local government capacity to develop and implement
ICZM plans at the national and local level through training and model projects.
· Promote the capacity of both national and local government departments to work
co-operatively to implement land use planning and environmental planning
policies and procedures.
· Provide training in the practical skills of policy planning, environmental
assessment, monitoring and management in the context of the ICZM process.
· Reduce environmental degradation within the Region through use of management
tools such as environmental assessment, environmental auditing and strategic
environmental assessment.
· Improve the technical support base and the provision of information required by
decision makers through use of guidelines for standardisation and routine updating
of Geographic Information Systems.
· Increase political and public support for ICZM by use of participatory approaches
in development and implementation.
Component Implementation Arrangement
90.
Implementation of this component will be co-ordinated by the Integrated Coastal
Zone Management (ICZM) Specialist based in PERSGA. The Specialist will supervise
establishment and operation of an ICZM Working Group that includes specialists from the
co-operating countries participating in this aspect of the SAP implementation process. The
Specialist will work at the country level with the NPCs and PERSGA National Focal
Points to develop and implement national level activities, including planning and
management of model ICZM activities to be undertaken in the four southern countries.
Given the significant relationships between ICZM activities and those supported under
other Project components, the ICZM Specialist will work closely with the PERSGA
Project team to exchange information, promote co-ordination and prevent duplication of
effort. Special attention will be given to co-ordinating activities under this component with
those concerning marine navigation, habitat management and MPA development. The
component will also be co-ordinated with current GEF-supported activities in Egypt,
Jordan, Yemen, others planned under the Project for the four southern countries, and
programmes supported by national Governments, international financial institutions and
donor organisations in the co-operating countries.
32 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Regional Networking
91.
The Working Group will constitute a forum for joint planning of activities,
evaluation of progress, exchange of data and lessons learned. It will be chaired by the
ICZM Specialist who will arrange the meetings, prepare the agenda and facilitate follow-
on activities. The WG will support regional training and exchange programmes and
activities concerning Geographic Information Systems. The WG will also provide advice
on the field level model ICZM activities to be undertaken in the four southern countries. In
addition, the WG will act as a link between the regional Project and a range of national and
local government bodies responsible for ICZM. To support this process, the following will
be undertaken:
· Identify personnel to form a Regional WG of experts on ICZM with specialists
drawn from each co-operating country.
· Convene a series of meetings at the regional or sub-regional level to review the
status of ICZM and supporting instruments such as physical and environmental
planning, environmental assessment procedures and Geographic Information
Systems.
· Undertake site visits in the Region to review case studies at the field level in
coastal zone management and the application of ICZM and supporting instruments
in specific locations.
· Conduct regional, sub-regional and national workshops to enhance capability in
this area.
· Based on the results of these activities, establish a common framework for regional
ICZM plans.
· Identify outreach activities to increase support by decision makers and
stakeholders in use of ICZM as a mechanism for sustainable management of the
coastal zone.
Regional Training and Exchange Programme
92.
The component will support regional activities for capacity building and human
resources development. Training programmes will be conducted in conjunction with
meetings of the WG to the fullest extent possible. The exchange programme will be
facilitated by the WG and activities will be developed on an individual basis for a limited
number of well qualified candidates. The proposed training programmes will be co-
ordinated with complementary activities included under other project components.
Exchange programmes, study tours and formal training outside the Region is a non-GEF
funded activity under the Project for which PERSGA will seek to mobilise funding from
public and private sources.
93.
In general, training and exchange activities will concern the following:
· Role of coastal and marine ecosystems in economic and social development.
· Role of coastal and marine protected areas in ICZM.
· Environment and development trends in the Region.
Project Implementation Plan 33
· Planning and implementation of ICZM.
· Use of physical and environmental planning in the ICZM process.
· Use of environmental assessment and environmental audits in the ICZM process.
· Use of strategic environmental assessment in the ICZM process.
· Use of resource valuation and environmental economics in ICZM.
· Mechanisms for inter-governmental and cross-sectoral co-ordination.
· Public participation in the planning process in coastal areas.
· Public information programmes to support the ICZM process.
· Methods of conflict resolution.
· Monitoring and evaluation of ICZM programmes and activities.
Geographic Information Systems
94.
ICZM and related environmental planning and management efforts in the Region
require measures to strengthen operational use of Geographic Information Systems and
related information data systems. The component will include support for measures to:
· Develop an improved understanding of the application of Geographic Information
Systems to the development and implementation of ICZM.
· Support development by the WG of PERSGA guidelines for standardisation and
the routine updating of Geographic Information Systems.
· Undertake a regional review of the present Geographic Information Systems and
related databases in the Region that contain data relevant to ICZM.
· Provide technical advice and support to harmonise the different systems to
facilitate and expand information exchange with the Region.
· Undertake well designed Geographic Information System applications as an
element of model ICZM activities supported under the component.
Model ICZM Plans
95.
The component will support the preparation and assist in implementation of model
ICZM plans for selected sites in the four southern countries--Djibouti, Sudan, the northern
coast of Somalia and Yemen. The development of ICZM in these countries is less
advanced than in the northern countries and measures need to be taken to improve their
knowledge of the ICZM planning and management process in order to achieve regional
goals for conservation of the coastal and marine environment. ICZM activities supported
by the Project will focus on a series of representative areas that are under pressure due to
current and/or planned development, locations potentially subject to major land use
changes associated with port or aquaculture development, important areas of critical
habitat, or areas adjacent to declared or proposed MPAs. All model ICZM plans will be
prepared through use of broad-based participation with a range of stakeholders. Work to be
undertaken in these countries will be closely co-ordinated with the activities supported
under other components, especially those concerning marine navigation, conservation of
34 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
habitats and biota, and Marine Protected Areas. In order to support this activity, a Terms of
Reference for a representative ICZM study has been prepared that can be used by PERSGA
and the co-operating countries as the basis for development of TORs for the site-specific
model ICZM plans. Details of key activities are provided in the Country Implementation
Plans.
COMPONENT 6.
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION
96.
Public awareness and participation activities will be incorporated into the thematic
components of the Project and designed in a way that they meet the requirements and
recommendations made by the other Project components. The linkage between this
component and the rest will be through the WGs. A WG for this component also will be
established. In each country, a national specialist will be assigned to join the Group. In
general, the WG will be responsible for:
· Development and implementation of a work programme for the component.
· Assessment of training needs, and implementation of regional training programme.
· Support for national activities to enhance public awareness.
· Development of SAP micro-grants programme (MGP) and acting as selection
committee for screening and awarding funds for successful proposals submitted by
environmental NGOs and local groups.
97.
Inputs for public awareness materials will be provided primarily by the WGs of the
other components and will be co-ordinated by the Public Awareness and Participation WG.
Role of NGOs and Local Groups
98.
The component will ensure a wide participation from NGOs (regional or national)
and local groups. Some of the activities such as dissemination of public awareness
materials, education and briefing of public gatherings will be assigned to environmental
NGOs and local groups.
Micro-Grants Programme
99.
The development of the MGP will require the following steps:
· Seeking the guidance of the global GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF/SGP) by
establishing contacts with the SGP Co-ordinator in UNDP New York.
· Developing a detailed MGP with lists of types of activities that can be supported,
established approving criteria, financial management, reporting requirements,
proposal format, submission, and the process leading to the awarding of the funds.
· Disseminating the MGP information to environmental NGOs and local groups in
the Region, and providing support and advice, when requested, on development of
proposals for consideration.
· Monitoring the implementation of the MGP and providing feedback to the other
components.
Project Implementation Plan 35
· Preparation of annual reports on the MGP, and dissemination of reports.
· Public Awareness Materials and Tools (newsletters, brochures, poster, etc.).
100.
The WG will be responsible on a regular basis for issuing materials, including the
PERSGA newsletter (Al-Sambouk), updating interested parties on Project activities, and
reporting news on any new development in the environmental management field. The
newsletters will also be used as a means of information and experience exchange with
other projects in the Region as well as world-wide. Coloured brochures, articles, and TV
clips will also be produced. Raising public awareness through radio and TV in the Region
is equally important to attract the attention of the general public who might not be able to
get written materials. A web site on the Internet for the SAP will be designed and regularly
maintained and updated. This ensures world-wide dissemination of information about
Project activities as well creating global awareness of environmental issues about the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden Region.
Global Exchange of Experience
101.
Through this component the SAP will be linked to other similar regional GEF
initiatives. It will facilitate exchange and sharing of information and experience. The
Project will arrange a number of focused and well-organised exchange visits involving the
Project WGs and other members of working teams.
102.
To ensure that lessons learned are disseminated and shared world-wide, the Project
will be linked to global programmes such as IW: Learn, Train-Sea-Coast programme, the
UNDP SIOCAM initiative, the Water Forum of the Global Water Partnership, etc. The
Project will make use of specialised training opportunities organised under those initiatives
and ensure that the Region is continuously updated with new developments in the various
fields of the SAP.
COMPONENT 7.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF PROGRAMME IMPACTS
103.
The monitoring and evaluation component is a built-in programme that will
essentially allow continuous and structured monitoring and evaluation of programme
impacts. In this manner, the capacity of PERSGA in self-monitoring and evaluating
activities will be enhanced substantially. Results from this component will serve as an early
warning system regarding programme progress and will be of great importance in
recommending correction measures/steps if problems arise. It will also enable the Project
to fulfil the reporting requirements of the GEF implementing agencies.
Component Implementation Arrangement
104.
The component will be implemented in an integrated manner with the participation
of Project specialists and stakeholders. It will be mainstreamed in Project components with
well-defined monitoring and evaluation criteria.
105.
Benchmarks outputs and indicators: At the onset of the Project, a specialist
working with the assistance of the CTA and the UNDP Programme Co-ordinator will
develop a matrix of Project targets to be achieved against a set of benchmarks and
indicators to measure programme impacts. This will take into account the GEF
36 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
implementing agencies' standard guidelines for monitoring and evaluation of GEF
international waters projects. The matrix will specify type, quality, quantity and collection
methods of data to be used. In addition, a standard format for analysis and reporting will be
included in the matrix.
106.
Pilot testing of the matrix will be carried out at the end of the first year of the
Project. It will cover activities of regional and national nature. All stakeholders including
NGOs and local groups are to be involved in the exercise. Baseline technical data and
outputs produced by the Project components should serve as the reference point for
measuring impacts. Feedback from the pilot testing will improve and enrich the matrix and
guide the process of monitoring and evaluation. Reports produced from this component
will be used to provide information for the Annual Project Progress Report and GEF
Project Implementation Review. They will also be widely disseminated to ensure transfer
of lessons learnt.
Project Implementation Plan 37
III.
COUNTRY IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
COUNTRY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: DJIBOUTI
Introduction
107.
During the PDF phase of the SAP a country report on the marine environment in
the Republic of Djibouti was prepared. It has been endorsed at a national workshop held in
December 1996. The final draft was submitted in July 1997. In June 1998, a short mission
to Djibouti was undertaken in order to:
· Review the information contained in the country report with an emphasis on new
developments since July 1997.
· Assess potential changes in the ranking of priority actions.
· Update the information on current and planned marine environmental activities
which are relevant to the SAP.
· Discuss the implementation arrangement for country-based activities with
representatives of Government agencies, NGOs and the UNDP Country Office.
Parallel Activities
108.
Major initiatives and activities relating to the marine environment relevant to the
SAP are briefly summarised here below:
· Survey of Coastal and Marine Habitats and their Management (PERSGA). A
PERSGA consultant visited Djibouti and conducted a survey covering over 180
locations. Information was gathered in the field using selected indicators. The
consultant concluded that the reefs were in generally good conditions and fish
populations in excellent condition. Based on the survey, an environmental
management plan was proposed and discussed at a workshop with in-country
representatives. A preliminary proposal for an Environmental Management Plan
was presented. The report is presently under review by PERSGA.
· Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan; and National Environmental Action Plan
(GEF/UNDP). These GEF-supported activities, which began in 1996, largely
consist of capacity building support for enhanced environmental management and
environmental assessment. Djibouti's biological diversity is assessed mainly based
on existing reports and publications. Existing laws and regulations are being
reviewed. Based on the results of these activities, recommendations for the
conservation of the county's biodiversity are prepared. An environmental planning
framework is being put into place, which will help the relevant Government
agencies to better carry out their mandate for planning and enforcement. The
project is being implemented with technical assistance from IUCN. Results from
this project will provide useful baseline information for the present Project
initiative.
38 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
SAP Activities at the National Level
109.
Although Djibouti is the smallest of the PERSGA member countries, it has a
relatively long coastline of about 370 km, with a great variety of coastal and marine
habitats and a high biological diversity. Its position at the juncture of the Red Sea and the
Gulf of Aden underlines its biogeographical importance. Except for some priority locations
in the vicinity of the capital, most of the coastal and marine habitats and biota are still in a
reasonably healthy and pristine state. Most living marine resources are still underexploited.
In order to preserve Djibouti's unique coastal and marine resources some basic
infrastructure has to be provided. In the framework of the SAP the following activities will
be carried out in Djibouti.
Objective 1. Institutional Strengthening and Enhanced Regional Co-operation
110.
The Task Force chaired by the Secretary General of PERSGA will meet on a
regular basis to review Project activities and guide the Project by taking strategic decisions.
Two Djiboutian representatives will attend the Task Force meetings: a Task Force
Member, who is delegated by the Government, and a National Programme Co-ordinator
employed by the Project.
111.
The Project (UNDP component) will fund the position of the NPC, for a period of
five years. The position of the NPC will be open, on a competitive basis, to all Djiboutian
nationals who fulfil the requirements outlined in the TOR. It will be announced in the
national press and in circular letters to relevant organisations, agencies and individuals.
Candidates short-listed will be interviewed by a panel, including representatives from
Government agencies, the UN and PERSGA. It should be emphasised that this is a full-
time position. The NPC will report to the CTA and to the Directorate for the Environment
(DE). The DE is the agency in charge of national co-ordination of environmental projects.
The office of the NPC will most probably be located in the DE. Office equipment, a 4 WD
vehicle, and the running costs of the office for the first three years will be funded by the
Project. Thereafter, the Government is expected to cover the running costs.
112.
Djiboutian nationals will participate in regional workshops and training activities.
Additionally, national workshops will be held and training courses conducted in order to
enhance national capacity to execute various Project components. The Project will also
assist in the organisation of cross-sectoral co-ordination.
113.
GIS is an important management tool which will be needed for implementation of
several Project components. There is no GIS unit in any marine environmental project in
Djibouti and this capacity has to be built from scratch. The national GIS will be linked to a
regional one at PERSGA. A regional GIS and database workshop will be held to decide
upon the software to be used.
Objective 2. Reduction of Navigation Risks and Maritime Pollution
114.
The main Government counterpart agencies dealing with navigation risk
assessment and maritime pollution issues are the Directorate of Maritime Affairs (DAM)
and the International Autonomous Port of Djibouti (PAID). Port State Control needs major
attention. Old and substandard vessels frequently call at Djibouti Port and pose constant
threats of pollution. The port area is heavily polluted by refinery products and oily wastes.
Project Implementation Plan 39
115.
Djibouti hosts a Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre (MEMAC), which is in
charge of spill response in the Gulf of Aden (Yemen, Djibouti and Somalia). The MEMAC
had been handed over from IMO to Djibouti in 1994. In June 1998, the mission mentioned
above inspected the facilities and found the equipment, the warehouse where the
equipment is stored, and two tugboats well maintained and in good condition. Some
supplies, such as dispersants, were beyond the expiration date. Major problems are lack of
funding for training drills, lack of communication (telephone, radio) at the centre and the
fact that any spill response requires the approval of all three member countries. It is
anticipated that as part of the SAP process, the co-ordination and operation of the centre
will become a responsibility of PERSGA.
116.
At the national scale the SAP will conduct/support the following activities:
· National participation in regional workshops and training programmes on risk
assessment, pollution control and oil spill response.
· Participation of a national specialist in the regional WG on Navigation Risk and
Maritime Pollution.
· Assistance to the Port of Djibouti to improve Port State Control.
· Assistance in identifying potential donors and private sector interests that could
support the further development of the MEMAC.
Objective 3. Sustainable Management of Living Marine Resources
117.
The Directorate of Stock-farming and Fisheries (DEP) is the lead agency in the
implementation of this component. Only artisanal fisheries are allowed in Djibouti.
Between 1993 and 1996 a project was carried out with support from GTZ to evaluate
fisheries resources and exploitable yields in Djibouti. The stocks of most bony fish
resources are reasonably well known, although certain pelagic stocks need re-evaluation
and stocks of sharks and invertebrates have to be assessed. Further studies on seabirds,
turtles and marine mammals are necessary. Recently new fisheries regulations were
prepared in collaboration with FAO, but they are still awaiting approval by the
Government. In a programme that has recently been approved by the African Development
Bank (ADB) a strategy for fisheries in Djibouti will be developed. Basic infrastructure will
be provided in the framework of this programme.
118.
The SAP will address issues which are of regional importance, such as the
assessment of key resources including transboundary pelagic stocks (with non-GEF
funding), mapping of habitats and compilation of inventories of biota, as a basis for the
introduction of conservation management. The following activities will take place at the
national scale:
· Two national representatives will participate in the two regional WGs on Fisheries
and Habitats/Biota. National specialists will attend regional and international
workshops and training activities.
· Fisheries research and training will be upgraded, in close co-operation with other
ongoing projects in this field. Besides the participation in regional training
activities, national training courses will be held.
40 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Stocks of shark and invertebrate resources will be assessed (non-GEF funded). The
impact of fisheries on shark populations will receive special attention. These
activities will result in improved statistics, which are an important prerequisite for
fisheries and environmental management. Based on the results of these surveys,
management will be introduced, including monitoring, surveillance and control
programmes. Mechanisms of law enforcement will be identified. Fisheries will be
integrated into ICZM.
· A brief study on the potential of ornamental fish collecting for the aquarium trade
has been conducted. The SAP will assist in follow-up studies and the introduction
of proper management.
· Education and training programmes on sustainable fisheries management and
conservation of coastal and marine resources for members of coastal communities,
addressing selected target groups, will be conducted.
· Key habitats, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and their associated
biota, will be surveyed, applying regionally standardised methods and techniques.
Seasonal surveys of marine turtles, seabirds and marine mammals will be
conducted. Based on the results, management plans will be drafted and
implemented, and a long-term monitoring programme set up.
Objective 4. Representative Network of Marine Protected Areas
119.
Within Djibouti's territorial waters one area of regional importance has been
identified to become part of a regional representative network of MPAs, the "Iles des Sept
Frères and Ras Siyan". This is a unique headland with a large mangrove area and a group
of uninhabited, coral reef fringed islands at the juncture of the Red Sea and the Gulf of
Aden. At present ONTA and ISERST are jointly in charge of the management of protected
areas. In order to introduce full-scale conservation management, the following activities
will take place:
· A national representative will participate in the regional WGs on MPAs. National
specialists will attend regional and international workshops, training activities,
exchange programmes and study tours.
· High level meetings will be held and the legislation in place will be reviewed.
Meetings will also be held with stakeholders in the area and an alternative
livelihood programme will be developed for local fishermen.
· Habitat and resource surveys will be conducted, using regionally standardised
survey methods. Basic equipment to conduct the surveys, such as a 4 WD vehicle,
boat and diving equipment will be provided.
· Based on the results of the surveys, a site-specific master plan, which is a long-
term policy document and includes the management plan, will be developed for the
MPA. Issues that will receive special attention include regulation of fisheries and
utilisation of the mangrove, protection of the islands from visitors during the bird
breeding season, installation of mooring buoys at major dive sites, and a study on
the potential effect of increased siltation from passing vessels.
· An eco-tourism plan will be established and a feasibility study for sustainable
financing conducted.
Project Implementation Plan 41
· National and local consultations will be held to launch the site-specific master and
management plan. The implementation of these plans includes the provision of
basic facilities and equipment to operate the MPA, the presence of regionally
trained marine rangers, and the introduction of site-specific public awareness
programmes.
· A long-term monitoring programme will be developed and implemented.
Objective 5. Support to ICZM
120.
The component will support development of ICZM in Djibouti and will focus on
institutional capacities and applied training of personnel in the principles and application of
ICZM. This will be accomplished through Djiboutian participation in the work programme
of the ICZM WG at the regional level, conduct of country specific training activities,
preparation of a model ICZM activity and use of Geographic Information Systems to
support coastal zone management. These activities will be closely co-ordinated with the
NPC and national PERGSA Task Force member. Most elements of this component will be
executed nationally and measures will be taken to have national level training courses and
materials prepared in French. Activities in Djibouti under the ICZM component will
include:
· A national representative will participate in the regional WG on ICZM. National
specialists will attend regional and international workshops, training activities
exchange programmes and study tours.
· Country specific ICZM training activities will be conducted to address the specific
issues in Djibouti, especially tourism development.
· A basic framework for ICZM at the national level will be developed to provide
general guidelines for use of this approach in Djibouti.
· A model ICZM plan will be prepared for a site jointly selected by Djiboutian and
PERSGA representatives; candidates for this site include the Djibouti City region
and Iles des Sept Frères and Ras Siyan.
· The model ICZM activity will be supported using a participatory approach with
broad-based stakeholder involvement.
· Support will be provided to facilitate Djiboutian participation in a PERSGA
regional Geographic Information Systems network designed to support the SAP
process.
· Support for training of personnel in GIS applications will focus on the model
ICZM plan and sensitivity mapping of the coastline using regionally standardised
methods.
121.
The activities under this component will be co-ordinated with the MPA component
activities at Iles des Sept Frères and Ras Siyan.
Objective 6. Public Awareness and Participation
122.
Training and support will be provided to Government institutions and NGOs
dealing with public awareness. At present, the key institutions providing environmental
42 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
education and conducting environmental awareness programmes at the national scale are
ISERST and CRIPEN. The following activities will take place under this component:
· A national representative will participate in the regional WG on Public Awareness
and Participation. National specialists will attend regional and international
workshops, exchange programmes, study tours and training activities including
overseas training.
· Public awareness materials will be acquired or developed and disseminated. These
materials will be in French and reflect the specific educational, social and
environmental situation in Djibouti.
· Djiboutian NGOs will be encouraged to seek funds from the SAP MGP to
implement small-scale pilot conservation projects involving stakeholders and local
communities.
· High level meetings, assessment of training needs for public awareness and review
of school curricula will be part of the national and local environmental awareness
programme.
Objective 7. Monitoring and Evaluation
123.
Bench marks and indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of SAP
activities will be developed through a participatory process involving all countries.
Indicators specific to Djibouti will be assessed through a consultation process with the
participation of all concerned groups. Once the matrix of indicators and targets is set, the
SAP will facilitate its implementation, making use of data generated from the components
listed here above, and other ongoing and planned activities funded from outside the SAP.
Djiboutian specialists will participate in relevant workshops and information exchange
programmes. National environmental monitoring programmes will be developed.
Project Implementation Plan 43
COUNTRY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: NORTHERN COAST OF SOMALIA
Introduction
124.
During the PDF phase of the SAP a country report on the marine environment of
the Gulf of Aden coast of Somalia was prepared. The final draft was submitted in May
1997. A mission to Somalia will need extensive preparation. It is being planned for late
1998 or early 1999. In May 1998 the UNDP Somalia Country Office, UNEP, FAO Kenya
and UNCTAD Somalia, all based in Nairobi, Kenya, were visited in order to prepare the
mission to Somalia and to:
· Review the information contained in the country report with an emphasis on new
developments since May 1997.
· Assess potential changes in the ranking of priority actions.
· Update the information on current and planned marine environmental activities
which are relevant to the SAP.
· Discuss the implementation arrangement for country-based activities with
representatives of international agencies operating in Somalia.
Parallel Activities
125.
There is one recent initiative, relating to the marine environment of Somalia, which
is relevant to the SAP, the Protection and Sustainable Development of Somalia's
Environment, Seaports and Coastal Areas.
126.
In February / March 1998 an interagency mission visited Somalia in order to re-
assess the situation with regard to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and
sustainable use of LMR. The lead agency was UNDP while IMO was the implementing
organisation. Major conclusions of this mission were that in general Somalia's coasts are
under no serious threats from pollution. Allegations of dumping of toxic wastes in Somali
waters by foreign vessels were not confirmed. Virtually all navigational aids are out of
order. The main issues in the fisheries sector that need addressing are the state of the
resources and the possibility of involving Somalis in fishing, processing of fisheries
products and trading. The most outstanding threats to the area's coastal and marine
resources are the international ship traffic in the Gulf of Aden and uncontrolled fisheries.
SAP Activities in Somalia
127.
In a situation where there is no functional central authority, Project implementation
arrangements will differ from those in other PERSGA member states. Similarly to the
UNDP Country Programme in Somalia, the SAP will be implemented in co-operation with
local authorities. There are presently no project support in the marine environmental field
in the area and very basic infrastructure has to be provided in order to implement the SAP.
Many of the SAP activities, such as support to ICZM, will not be possible in the present
situation. In those cases the Project will aim at: (i) assuring that Somalia is not losing pace
with the rest of the Region; and (ii) having infrastructure and mechanisms in place when
the situation is back to normal. In the framework of the SAP the following activities will be
carried out in Somalia.
44 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Objective 1. Institutional Strengthening and Enhanced Regional Co-operation
128.
A regional Task Force chaired by the Secretary General of PERSGA will meet on
a regular basis, to review Project activities and guide the Project by taking strategic
decisions. Two Project-employed National Programme Co-ordinators, one each
representing the northwest and the northeast will participate in the Task Force Meetings.
129.
The Project (UNDP component) will fund the position of the two NPCs, for a
period of five years. The position of the NPC will be open, on a competitive basis, to all
Somali nationals who fulfil the requirements outlined in the TOR. The announcements for
the posts will be disseminated by the UNDP Country Office to relevant organisations,
agencies and individuals. Candidates short-listed will be interviewed by a panel, including
representatives of UN agencies, the local authorities and PERSGA. It should be
emphasised that this is a full-time position. The NPCs will report to the CTA and to the
UNDP Country Office.
130.
For the northwest, the NPC should be based at Berbera and keep close contacts
with the authorities in Hargeisa. The NPC for the northeast should be based in Bosaso.
Suitable locations for their offices will be selected during the implementation mission.
Office equipment, VHS radio communication, and the running cost of the offices will be
funded by the Project. A 4 WD vehicle will be rented for each office.
131.
Somali nationals will participate in the regional workshops and training activities.
Additionally, local workshops will be held and training courses conducted in order to
enhance the national capacity to execute the various Project components. The Project will
also assist in the organisation of cross-sectoral co-ordination.
132.
GIS is an important management tool, which will be needed for implementation of
several Project components. There is no GIS unit in any marine environmental project in
along the Gulf of Aden coast of Somalia and this capacity has to be built from scratch. The
feasibility of installing a GIS locally will be assessed during the implementation mission.
Alternatively, data will be stored in a database with GIS capability and kept at PERSGA
for later transfer to Somalia. A regional GIS and database workshop will be held to decide,
among other issues, upon the software to be used.
Objective 2. Reduction of Navigation Risks and Maritime Pollution
133.
Virtually all navigational aids are out of order. The existing ones need maintenance
and additional ones have to be installed. The lighthouse at the Berbera Port, the largest
harbour in the area, collapsed about two years ago and no funds are available to replace it.
With the assistance of UNCTAD new training facilities have been installed at Berbera Port.
They are suitable for oil spill response drills and can be used for training activities in the
framework of the SAP. At the local level the SAP will conduct / support the following
activities:
· National participation in the regional workshops and training programmes on risk
assessment, pollution control and oil spill response.
· Participation of national specialists in the regional WG on Navigation Risk and
Maritime Pollution.
· Assessment of navigation risk near the two major ports.
Project Implementation Plan 45
· Assistance to the ports of Berbera and Bosaso to improve local conditions.
Objective 3. Sustainable Management of Living Marine Resources
134.
The absence of adequate fisheries regulations allows for almost unrestricted
exploitation of LMRs. Some resources, such as lobsters and sharks show clear signs of
overfishing. Offshore fishing for deepsea lobster and pelagic stocks is carried out under
licensing arrangements of questionable legality. In order to manage fisheries resources an
appraisal of the state and potential yield of major groups is urgently needed.
135.
The coastal and marine habitats and biota of Somalia are the least known within
the entire Indian Ocean. IUCN has recently proposed a biodiversity assessment and
submitted a draft report to UNDP. Any SAP activities in this area will have to be co-
ordinated with IUCN.
136.
The SAP will primarily address issues which are of regional importance, such as
the assessment of key resources including transboundary pelagic stocks (with non-GEF
funding), mapping of habitats and compilation of inventories of biota, as a basis for the
introduction of conservation management. The following activities will take place at the
national scale:
· Two local representatives will participate in each of the two regional WGs on
Fisheries and Habitats/Biota. Somali specialists will attend regional and
international workshops and training activities.
· Fisheries research and training will be upgraded. Basic equipment and supplies
will be provided. Besides the participation in regional training activities, national
training courses will be held.
· Stocks of fisheries resources will be assessed (largely non-GEF funded), with an
emphasis on high profile taxa, such as lobster and shark. The impact of fisheries on
shark populations will receive special attention. These activities will result in
improved statistics, which are an important prerequisite for fisheries and
environmental management. Based on the results of these surveys, management
will be introduced, including monitoring, surveillance and control programmes.
Mechanisms for enforcement of fisheries regulations will be identified.
· Since the private sector in Somalia is interested in the exploitation of ornamental
fish for the aquarium trade, a survey of this resource will be conducted.
· Education and training programmes on sustainable fisheries management and
conservation of coastal and marine resources for members of coastal communities,
addressing selected target groups, will be conducted.
· Pilot relief projects will be carried out for the poorest fishermen communities,
including provision of boats and basic fishing gear. Possibilities for improved
access to national and regional markets will be assessed.
· Key habitats, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and their associated
biota, will be surveyed; applying regionally standardised methods and techniques.
Seasonal surveys of marine turtles, seabirds and marine mammals will be
conducted. Based on the results, management plans will be drafted and
implemented, and a long-term monitoring programme set up.
46 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Objective 4. Representative Network of Marine Protected Areas
137.
Within Somali territorial waters one area of global importance was identified
during the first mission to the country: Aibat and Saad ad-Din Islands and Saba Wanak on
the coast near Zayla. It will become part of a regional representative network of MPAs.
This area is in need of a full-scale survey. In order to introduce conservation management,
the following activities will take place:
· A local representative will participate in the regional WG on MPAs. National
specialists will attend regional and international workshops, training activities,
exchange programmes and study tours.
· High level meetings will be held and a proposal for legislation prepared. Meetings
will also be held with stakeholders in the area. Alternative livelihood programmes
will be offered for local fishermen.
· Habitat and resource surveys will be conducted, using regionally standardised
survey methods. Basic equipment to conduct the surveys, such as a 4 WD vehicle,
boat and diving gear will be provided (rented or bought, depending on the local
situation).
· Based on the results of the surveys, a site-specific master plan, which is a long-
term policy document and includes the management plan, will be developed.
Issues that will receive special attention include regulation of fisheries, collection
of marine invertebrates and utilisation of the mangrove, and restricted access to the
islands during the bird breeding and turtle nesting season.
· An eco-tourism plan should be established and a feasibility study for sustainable
financing conducted (for future use).
· Local consultations will be held to launch the site-specific master and management
plan. The implementation of these plans includes the provision of basic facilities
and equipment to operate the MPA, the presence of regionally trained marine
rangers, and the introduction of a site-specific public awareness programme.
· A long-term monitoring programme will be developed.
Objective 5. Support to ICZM
138.
The component will support development of ICZM in the northern coast of
Somalia and will focus on institutional capacities and applied training of personnel in the
principles and application of ICZM. This will be accomplished through Somali
participation in the work programme of the ICZM WG at the regional level, conduct of
country specific training activities, preparation of a model ICZM activity and use of
Geographic Information Systems to support coastal zone management. These activities will
be closely co-ordinated with the two NPCs and PERGSA Task Force members. Most
elements of this component will be executed nationally. Activities in the northern coast of
Somalia under the ICZM component will include the following:
· Two Somali representatives will participate in the regional WG on ICZM.
Specialists will attend regional and international workshops, training activities
exchange programmes and study tours.
Project Implementation Plan 47
· Country specific ICZM training activities will be conducted to address the specific
issues in northern Somalia.
· Discussions will be conducted concerning the use of ICZM in the future
development process in northern Somalia and a preliminary framework prepared
with support from local specialists.
· A model ICZM plan will be prepared for a site jointly selected by Somali and
PERSGA representatives; possible locations include Berbera, Bosaso and the site
of the proposed marine protected area of Aibat and Saad ad-Din Islands and Saba
Wanak on the coast near Zayla. Depending on political developments in the future,
consideration could also be given to activities being undertaken in the Berbera and
Bosaso regions, which includes the largest coastal settlements and port facilities.
· The model ICZM activity will be supported using a participatory approach with
broad-based stakeholder involvement.
· Support will be provided to facilitate Somali participation in a PERSGA regional
Geographic Information Systems network designed to support the SAP process.
· Support for training of personnel in GIS applications will focus on the model
ICZM plan and sensitivity mapping of the coastline using regionally standardised
methods. It is anticipated that for technical reasons, the data will be collected in
Somalia and processed at PERSGA for use by national counterparts.
The activities under this component will be co-ordinated with the MPA component
activities at Aibat and Saad ad-Din Islands and Saba Wanak.
Objective 6. Public Awareness and Participation
139.
Training and support will be provided to groups engaged in public awareness. The
following activities will take place under this component:
· Two local representatives will participate in the regional WG on Public Awareness
and Participation. National specialists will attend regional and international
workshops, exchange programmes, study tours and training activities including
overseas training.
· Public awareness materials will be acquired or developed and disseminated. As far
as possible these materials will reflect the specific educational, social and
environmental situation in the area.
· NGOs will be encouraged to seek funds from the SAP MGP to implement small-
scale pilot conservation projects involving stakeholders and local communities.
· Meetings, assessment of training needs for public awareness and review of school
curricula will be part of the national and local environmental awareness
programme.
Objective 7. Monitoring and Evaluation
140.
Bench marks and indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of SAP
activities will be developed through a participatory process involving all countries.
Indicators specific to Somalia will be assessed through a consultation process with the
participation of all concerned groups. Once the matrix of indicators and targets is set, the
48 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
SAP will facilitate its implementation, making use of data generated from the components
listed here above, and other ongoing and planned activities funded from outside the SAP.
Somali specialists will participate in relevant workshops and information exchange
programmes. National environmental monitoring programmes will be developed.
Project Implementation Plan 49
COUNTRY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: SUDAN
Introduction
141.
During the PDF phase of the SAP a country report on the marine environment in
the Republic of the Sudan was prepared. It has been endorsed at a national workshop held
in November 1996 in Port Sudan. The final draft was submitted in April 1997. In July
1998, a short mission to Sudan was undertaken in order to:
· Review the information contained in the country report with an emphasis on new
developments since April 1997.
· Assess potential changes in the ranking of priority actions.
· Update the information on current and planned marine environmental activities
which are relevant to the SAP.
· Discuss the implementation arrangement for country-based activities with
representatives of Government agencies, NGOs and the UNDP Country Office.
Parallel Activities
142.
Major initiatives and activities relating to the marine environment relevant to the
SAP are briefly summarised here below:
· Survey of Coastal and Marine Habitats and their Management (PERSGA). A
PERSGA consultant visited Sudan and conducted a survey covering about 180
locations. Information was gathered in the field using selected indicators. The
consultant concluded that the reefs were in generally healthy condition supporting
good fish populations. In some shallow reef areas impacts of unknown cause were
detected. Based on the survey, an environmental management plan was proposed
and discussed at a workshop with in-country representatives. A crucial need for
improvements in physical infrastructure was identified in order to make such a
plan viable. Potential costs for infrastructure development are estimated at up to
US$100 million.
· National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (GEF/UNDP). The GEF is funding
a biodiversity enabling project which seeks to assist Sudan in preparation of a
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan as well as Sudan's first report to
the Biodiversity Convention Secretariat. The project will assess the biological
diversity of Sudan, both terrestrial and marine, mainly based on existing reports
and publications. The project will also enter relevant information into a national
database. Existing laws and regulations are being reviewed for their consistency
under the Convention. Based on the results of these activities, recommendations
for conservation of the county's biodiversity will be prepared. The project is
expected to be completed in late 1999. IUCN is acting as the technical support
agency for this project.
SAP Activities at the National Level
143.
Sudan has 750 km of coastline with the most complex coral reefs and possibly the
highest biological diversity in the entire Red Sea. So far environmental problems are
50 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
largely restricted to the vicinities of the cities of Port Sudan and Suakin. However, a
planned free zone and a large-scale shrimp farming project may pose very serious threats to
the country's coastal and marine environment in the near future. Yet unlike other countries
in the Region, Sudan does not have a single GEF project in the marine environmental field.
In many areas very basic infrastructure has to be provided in order to implement the SAP.
In the framework of the SAP the following activities will be carried out in Sudan.
Objective 1. Institutional Strengthening and Enhanced Regional Co-operation
144.
The Task Force chaired by the Secretary General of PERSGA will meet on a
regular basis to review Project activities and guide the Project by taking strategic decisions.
Two Sudanese representatives will attend the Task Force meetings: a Task Force Member
who is delegated by the Government, and a National Programme Co-ordinator employed
by the Project.
145.
The Project (UNDP component) will fund the position of the NPC for a period of
five years. The position of the NPC will be open, on a competitive basis to all Sudanese
nationals who fulfil the requirements outlined in the TOR. It will be announced in the
national press and in circular letters to relevant organisations, agencies and individuals.
Candidates short-listed will be interviewed by a panel, including representatives from
Government agencies, the UN and PERSGA. It should be emphasised that this is a full-
time position. The NPC will report to the CTA and to the HCENR. In order to facilitate co-
ordination and communication, a Focal Point for the SAP will be appointed in each
relevant agency.
146.
There is general agreement that the NPC's office will be located in Port Sudan. A
suitable site will be selected in conjunction with the HCENR. Office equipment, a 4 WD
vehicle, and the running cost of the office for the first three years will be funded by the
Project. Thereafter, the Government is expected to cover the running costs.
147.
Sudanese nationals will participate in regional workshops and training activities.
Additionally, national workshops will be held and training courses conducted in order to
enhance national capacity to execute various Project components. The Project will also
assist in the organisation of cross sectoral co-ordination.
148.
GIS is an important management tool which will be needed for the implementation
of several Project components. There is no GIS unit in any marine environmental project in
Sudan and this capacity has to be built from scratch. The national GIS will be linked to the
regional one at PERSGA. A regional GIS and database workshop will be held to decide
upon the software to be used.
Objective 2. Reduction of Navigation Risks and Maritime Pollution
149.
The main Government counterpart agencies dealing with navigation risk and
maritime pollution issues are the Sea Ports Corporation and the Maritime Administration.
Sudan Line is a commercial shipping company that has an important role in observing
maritime traffic at high sea in absence of a surveillance system. A new maritime code has
been drafted and is presently under review. The sea area between Port Sudan and Suakin
has to be surveyed in detail. Some navigational aids have recently been installed, but in the
Towartit anchorage area and Wingate reef existing navigational aids need maintenance and
Project Implementation Plan 51
additional ones have to be installed. Port State Control needs major attention. At the
national scale the SAP will conduct / support the following activities:
· National participation in regional workshops and training programmes on risk
assessment, pollution control and oil spill response.
· Specialised training to develop a capacity to implement the Maritime Law.
· Participation of a national specialist in the regional WG on Navigation Risk and
Maritime Pollution.
· Assistance to the ports of Port Sudan and Suakin to improve Port State Control.
Objective 3. Sustainable Management of Living Marine Resources
150.
The Marine Fisheries Administration, the Marine Fisheries Research Centre and
the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries of the Red Sea University will jointly
participate in the implementation of this component. Further input is expected from the
Marine Conservation Committee. The use of living marine resources is governed by the
Sudanese Fisheries Ordinances and Regulations of 1937, amended in 1975 and 1978,
which prohibit unsustainable fisheries, dumping of refuse into the sea, collection of corals,
shells and aquarium fishes. Considering the present scale of exploitation, these regulations
are considered adequate and not in urgent need of revision.
151.
The SAP will address issues of regional importance, such as the assessment of key
resources including transboundary pelagic stocks (with non-GEF funding), mapping of
habitats and compilation of inventories of biota, as a basis for the introduction of
conservation management. The following activities will take place at the national scale:
· Two national representatives will participate in the two regional WGs on Fisheries
and Habitats/Biota. National specialists will attend regional and international
workshops and training activities.
· Fisheries research and training at the Marine Fisheries Research Centre, which had
so far concentrated on oyster culture, and Red Sea University will be upgraded.
Basic equipment and supplies will be provided. Besides participation in regional
training activities, national training courses will be held.
· Stocks of fisheries resources will be assessed (partly non-GEF funded), with an
emphasis on high profile taxa, such as najil, lobster and kokian. The impact of
fisheries on shark populations will receive special attention. These activities will
result in improved statistics, which are an important prerequisite for fisheries and
environmental management. Based on the results of these surveys, management
will be introduced, including monitoring, surveillance and control programmes.
Mechanisms of law enforcement will be identified. Fisheries will be integrated into
ICZM.
· Although the collection of aquarium fish is illegal at present, feasibility studies for
potential activity will be conducted because of increased pressure from the private
sector to exploit this resource.
· Education and training programmes on sustainable fisheries management and
conservation of coastal and marine resources for members of coastal communities,
addressing selected target groups, will be conducted. Pilot relief projects will be
52 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
carried out for the poorest fishing communities, including provision of boats and
basic fishing gear.
· Key habitats, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and their associated
biota, will be surveyed, applying regionally standardised methods and techniques.
Seasonal surveys of marine turtles, seabirds and marine mammals will be
conducted. Based on the results, management plans will be drafted and
implemented, and a long-term monitoring programme set up.
Objective 4. Representative Network of Marine Protected Areas
152.
Within Sudanese territorial waters two areas of global/regional importance have
been identified to become part of a regional representative network of MPAs. Sanganeb
was declared a Marine National Park in 1990 and several surveys have been conducted by
national and international teams of specialists. Master and management plans for this area
can largely be compiled using the results of these surveys. Additional studies will only be
conducted where more information is needed to meet regional standards. The second area,
Mukkawar Island and Dungonab Bay, is in need of a full scale survey. Certain issues such
as shark fisheries and oyster culture need special attention. In order to introduce full-scale
conservation management in both areas, the following activities will take place:
· A national representative will participate in the regional WG on MPAs. National
specialists will attend regional and international workshops, training activities
exchange programmes and study tours.
· High level meetings will be held and the legislation in place will be reviewed.
Meetings will also be held with stakeholders in the areas (Sea Port Corporation,
Navy, fishermen communities). Alternative livelihood programmes will be offered
for local fishermen.
· Habitat and resource surveys will be conducted in Mukkawar Island and Dungonab
Bay, using regionally standardised survey methods. Basic equipment to conduct
the surveys such as a 4 WD vehicle, boat and diving equipment will be provided.
· Based on the results of the surveys, a site specific master plan, which is a long-
term policy document and includes the management plan, will be developed for
each MPA. Issues that will receive special attention in Sanganeb include regulation
of recreational use, setting up moorings at popular dive sites, and assistance
towards the establishment of on-site infrastructure for research and environmental
education. In Mukkawar/Dungonab it is particularly important to regulate fisheries
and ban elasmobranch fisheries entirely from the area. In both areas, an eco-
tourism plan should be established and a feasibility study for sustainable financing
conducted.
· National and local consultations will be held to launch the site-specific master and
management plans. The implementation of these plans includes the provision of
basic facilities and equipment to operate the MPAs, the presence of regionally
trained marine rangers, and the introduction of site-specific public awareness
programmes.
· A long-term monitoring programme will be developed.
Project Implementation Plan 53
Objective 5. Support to ICZM
153.
The component will support development of ICZM in Sudan and will focus on
institutional capacities and applied training of personnel in the principles and application of
ICZM. This will be accomplished through Sudanese participation in the work programme
of the ICZM WG at the regional level, conduct of country specific training activities,
preparation of a model ICZM activity and use of Geographic Information Systems to
support coastal zone management. These activities will be closely co-ordinated with the
Port Sudan-based NPC and national PERGSA Task Force member. Most elements of this
component will be executed nationally. Activities in Sudan under the ICZM component
will include the following:
· A national representative will participate in the regional WG on ICZM. National
specialists will attend regional and international workshops, training activities
exchange programmes and study tours.
· Country specific ICZM training activities will be conducted to address the specific
issues in Sudan, including free zone and port development, expansion of
aquaculture and tourism.
· A basic framework for ICZM at the national level will be developed to provide
general guidelines for use of this approach in Sudan.
· A model ICZM plan will be prepared for a site jointly selected by Sudanese and
PERSGA representatives; candidates for this site include the Port Sudan region,
proposed free zone port area, selected areas being considered for aquaculture
development and Mukkawar Island and Dungonab Bay.
· The model ICZM activity will be supported using a participatory approach with
broad-based stakeholder involvement.
· Support will be provided to facilitate Sudanese participation in a PERSGA
regional Geographic Information Systems network designed to support the SAP
process.
· Support for training of personnel in GIS applications will focus on the model
ICZM plan and undertaking sensitivity mapping of the coastline using regionally
standardised methods.
· The activities under this component will be co-ordinated with the MPA component
activities at Sanganeb Marine National Park, Mukkawar Island and Dungonab
Bay.
Objective 6. Public Awareness and Participation
154.
Training and support will be provided to Government institutions and NGOs
dealing with public awareness. The following activities will take place under this
component:
155.
A national representative will participate in the regional WG on Public Awareness
and Participation. National specialists will attend regional and international workshops,
exchange programmes, study tours and training activities including overseas training.
54 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Public awareness materials will be acquired or developed and disseminated. As far
as possible these materials will reflect the specific educational, social and
environmental situation in the Sudan.
· Sudanese NGOs will be encouraged to seek funds from the SAP MGP to
implement small-scale pilot conservation projects, involving stakeholders and local
communities.
· High level meetings, assessment of training needs for public awareness and review
of school curricula will be part of the national and local environmental awareness
programme.
Objective 7. Monitoring and Evaluation
156.
Bench marks and indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of SAP
activities will be developed through a participatory process involving all countries.
Indicators specific to Sudan will be assessed through a consultation process with the
participation of all concerned groups. Once the matrix of indicators and targets is set, the
SAP will facilitate its implementation, making use of data generated from the components
listed here above, and other ongoing and planned activities funded from outside the SAP.
Sudanese specialists will participate in relevant workshops and information exchange
programmes. National environmental monitoring programmes will be developed.
Project Implementation Plan 55
COUNTRY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: YEMEN
Introduction
157.
During the PDF phase of the SAP a country report on the marine environment in
Yemen was prepared. It has been endorsed at a national workshop held in December 1996
in Sana'a. The final draft was submitted in July 1997. In June 1998, a short mission to
Yemen was undertaken in order to:
· Review the information contained in the country report with an emphasis on new
developments since April 1997.
· Assess potential changes in the ranking of priority actions.
· Update the information on current and planned marine environmental activities
which are relevant to the SAP.
· Discuss the implementation arrangement for country-based activities with
representatives of Government agencies, NGOs and the UNDP Country Office.
Parallel Activities
158.
The following section is a brief summary of the major initiatives relating to the
marine environment under implementation and essentially relevant to the SAP:
· The GEF Project: Protection of Marine Ecosystems of the Red Sea Coast of Yemen
(GEF Red Sea Yemen Project). The project is scheduled to end by June 1999. The
project has achieved the following:.
A well established office with good infrastructure (office building, equipment,
computers, etc.). Four professional staff are assigned to work permanently for
the facility. Sufficient Government funding is necessary to keep the facility
running and to implement its future plans after the GEF project ceases.
Trained counterparts. At least twenty national counterparts from several
Government institutions, such as Ministry of Fish Wealth (MFW),
Environment Protection Council (EPC), Maritime Affairs (MA), were trained
in several aspects of marine sciences. Four of the counterparts have been
allocated from the MFW as permanent staff to the project.
Coastal and offshore habitat surveys. A number of reconnaissance and site-
specific surveys of coastal and littoral habitats have been carried out. In
addition, surveys of underwater habitats were done for main offshore islands
of Yemeni Red Sea waters.
Monitoring programme. The project has set up an environmental monitoring
programme of representative habitats and sites of important biodiversity along
the coast and on the offshore islands. Regular assessment of these sites is
currently undertaken but additional resources are needed for long-term
monitoring.
GIS. This utility is now functional with one computer unit and Archview 3.0
software. Data from past and present surveys were fed into the GIS; personnel
56 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
were trained on the use of the GIS and it is aimed to make use of the GIS as a
planning tool.
· Fourth Fisheries Development (Fisheries IV). This EU/World Bank/IFAD funded
project started in 1993 with most of its activities concentrating on the Gulf of Aden
Coast. The component relating to the construction of six fisheries facilities along
the coast of the Gulf of Aden was completed in 1997. The local Fishing Co-
operatives were contracted to run these facilities. A small-scale training
programme is now conducted for the use and maintenance of these facilities.
Two other components of the project currently under implementation are:
Fisheries Stock Assessment. This is being undertaken with support from FAO.
Technical expertise and training will be provided. Data for stock assessment
are planned to be taken from landing sites along the coast and no experimental
trawling is envisaged. The duration of the component may not allow annual
trend analysis nor is the geographical scale known.
Women In Development: This will concentrate on three coastal areas. Three
training centres will be constructed and equipped for training purposes. The
first Rapid Appraisal (RA) for women's training needs indicated that activities
will be concentrated on sewing, handicrafts, repair of fishing nets, basic
education, etc.
· Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity of Socotra Archipelago (Socotra
GEF/UNDP Project). The project was launched in August 1997. A project
implementation unit has been established on the Island. Preparations for launching
two major comprehensive terrestrial and marine biodiversity surveys have been
almost finalised and actual fieldwork is planned to take place at the end of next
year. A more recent development regarding Socotra Island is its declaration as a
Free Zone Area, putting much pressure on the project to accelerate the process of
developing and implementing a management plan ensuring sustainable
development. The project works in parallel with a UNDP-funded Basic Needs
project aimed at addressing poverty-related concerns on the island.
· World Bank Environment Component. In response to the National Environment
Action Plan, the Government and the World Bank are preparing a project proposal
for Solid Waste Management in small towns with a parallel Environmental
Management Component (EM). Three main activities/outputs are proposed under
the EM: Environment Assessment, Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and
Protected Areas Management (PAM). Under the CZM, the proposed project will
attempt to: (i) develop an enabling framework for coastal zone management, and
(ii) implement ICZM pilot activities at two sites on the coast of the Gulf of Aden:
Belhaf to Burum and Sharma to Jathmum. During the project preparation phase, a
number of feasibility studies were conducted for these sites, the results of which
will be of significance to the SAP. A detailed project proposal is currently being
prepared by the Government of Yemen with the assistance of the World Bank.
· National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (GEF/UNDP). The GEF is funding
a biodiversity enabling project which seeks to assist Yemen in the preparation of a
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan as well as Yemen's first report to
the Biodiversity Convention Secretariat. The project will assess the biological
diversity of Yemen, both terrestrial and marine, mainly based on existing reports
Project Implementation Plan 57
and publications. The project will further enter relevant information into a national
database. Existing laws and regulations are being reviewed for their consistency
under the Convention. Based on the results of these activities, recommendations
for the conservation of the county's biodiversity will be prepared. The project is
expected to be completed in late 1999. IUCN is acting as the technical support
agency for this project. Results from this project will be useful baseline
information for the present Project.
SAP Activities at the National Level
159.
In the case of Yemen, it should be noted that linkages between activities carried
out on the Red Sea coast and those on the Gulf of Aden are in need of further
strengthening. The two sides have each advanced in fields relevant to the other side. For
example, on the Red Sea, more information and experience have been generated regarding
habitat distribution/ classification and environmental monitoring/ assessment, while it is
weak on fisheries aspects. On the other hand, on the Gulf of Aden coast, most studies
concentrate on fisheries while little is known about habitats, biodiversity, environmental
assessment, etc. The SAP will attempt to make the link and strengthen institutions on both
sides to better use their comparative advantages in implementing projects at the national
scale. Essentially SAP activities will seek to complement the above initiatives by making
optimal use of the facilities, outputs, human resources resulting from previous institutional
support. In general, the following activities will be supported within the overall objectives
of the SAP.
Objective 1. Institutional Strengthening and enhanced regional co-operation
160.
The Task Force chaired by the Secretary General of PERSGA will meet on a
regular basis to review Project activities and guide the Project by taking strategic decisions.
Two Yemeni representatives will attend the TF meetings: a Task Force Member who is
delegated by the Government and a National Programme Co-ordinator employed by the
Project.
161.
The Project (UNDP component) will fund the position of the NPC for a period of
five years. This position will be open, on a competitive basis, to all Yemeni nationals who
fulfil the requirements outlined in the TOR. It will be announced in the national press and
in circular letters to relevant organisations, agencies and individuals. Candidates short-
listed will be interviewed by a panel, including representatives from Government agencies,
the UN and PERSGA. It should be emphasised that this is a full-time position. The NPC
will report to the CTA and to the EPC.
162.
During the country mission mentioned above, the EPC, MFW and UNDP strongly
suggested that the SAP offices be located in Hodeidah where a well-established and well-
equipped office is already in place and currently used for the GEF Hodeidah Red Sea
project. If this suggestion meets with general approval, the running cost of the office will
be covered by the project for a period of three years, after which the Government will
provide the necessary funds. All equipment and facilities (including vehicles, furniture,
computers, communications equip. etc.) acquired by the Hodeidah project will be made
available for implementation of the SAP.
163.
As discussed above, a number of activities are already ongoing in the country and
it is very important that these activities are well co-ordinated. A number of cross-sectoral,
58 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
multidisciplinary meetings, seminars and workshops should be conducted to achieve full
integration at the national level. The SAP will facilitate such in-country co-ordination and
information sharing.
164.
GIS is an important management tool which will be needed for the implementation
of several Project components. Three GIS units already exist, at the Hodeidah GEF Project,
the MSRRC in Aden and the EPC in Sana'a. ArchView is used in Hodeidah, Aden and at
the Socotra GEF project, while ArchInfo is used in Sana'a. The unit at Hodeidah contains a
good set of data on the Red Sea coast while no data have so far been entered into the unit
in Sana'a. The national GIS will be linked to the regional one at PERSGA. A regional GIS
and database workshop will be held to decide upon standardised software to be used by all
the co-operating parties.
Objective 2. Reduction of Navigation Risks and Maritime Pollution
165.
The main Government counterpart agency dealing with maritime issues is the
Public Corporation for Maritime Affairs (PCMA). Ports Administrations are also important
in terms of infrastructure for oil pollution combating and implementation of Port State
Control. Local contingency plans for oil export terminals were prepared and recently
updated (the Ras Issa Hunt Oil Company updated in September 1997). No national
contingency plan is available. The PCMA has signed a contract to purchase one tugboat for
pollution control. In general, the scale of this objective is regional, however, local elements
specific to Yemen that the SAP will support can be listed as follows:
· Support of national participation to the regional workshops and training
programmes.
· Provision of specialised training to implement the existing Maritime Law and the
Law for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Pollution.
· Selection of a national specialist to join the regional WG on Navigation Risks and
Maritime Pollution.
· Provision of technical assistance to support the issuance of by-laws relating to the
maritime laws.
· Support of major ports to raise capacities in adopting and implementing the
Regional Agreement on Port State Control.
· Provision of practical on-the-job training for ports/PCMA officers on use of
equipment to combat pollution, vessel inspection, etc.
· Training in the use of equipment.
Objective 3. Sustainable Management of Living Marine Resources
166.
This component will be implemented mainly by MFW institutions such as the
Marine Sciences Research Resources Centre (MSRRC) and the Fisheries Training Institute
in Aden, as well as the Hodeidah GEF project, all of which are involved in the study and
management of marine habitats/resources. In addition, university research institutions such
as the Oceanography Department of Sana'a University and the newly established Faculties
of Marine Sciences of the Universities of Hodeidah (on the Red Sea coast) and
Project Implementation Plan 59
Hadhramaut (on the Gulf of Aden) are expected to substantially contribute to the
implementation of this component.
167.
The SAP will fill gaps in the overall habitat/resource surveys, as far as this is of
regional importance. It will strengthen the integration of national-scale results into a
regional framework, in particular those with transboundary implications. Within the
regional context, the SAP will assist Yemen in developing a system of fisheries stock
assessment and contribute to the inventory of significant biodiversity of rare, endemic and
threatened seabirds and marine mammals. The activities will fall into the following
categories:
· Capacity Building and Training: Two national professionals will be selected to
join the regional WGs for Habitat/Biota and Fisheries. Young Yemeni
professionals will be given the chance to attend short- to medium-term training
courses in-country and abroad.
· Upgrading Fisheries Training/Research Centres: The MSRRC in Aden is the
advisory body for the MFW regarding fisheries management. The centre has
conducted, with external assistance, a number of fish stock studies in the Gulf of
Aden area, but these studies are discontinued because of lack of financial
resources. On the other hand, the Fisheries Training Institute (FTI) in Aden was
established with the main objective to meet Government requirements for qualified
staff in the fisheries sector. The Institute has very good infrastructure training
facilities, laboratories, internal accommodation and teaching staff. The Institute is
conducting long-term courses leading to diplomas as well as specially designed
short-term courses. It has joint programmes with similar Canadian and Indian
institutes. A number of regional training courses have been organised by this
Institute in recent years. This makes it an ideal sub-regional centre for fisheries
training within the context of the SAP. Support to strengthen these institutions will
be given as follows:.
Provision of basic equipment (such as balances, microscopes, books, etc.) to
the MSRRC and FTI to be used for training and implementing stock
assessments studies.
Use of the institute's facilities for training fishermen for the collection of
fisheries data along both coasts.
Organisation of national and sub-regional training courses in various aspects of
fisheries management.
Enhancement of human resource capacities through involvement of the
institute's staff in regional and international exchange programmes.
Extending activities of the MSRRC and FTI to the Red Sea coast.
168.
Stock Assessments. Under the Fisheries IV project, US$500,000 is allocated for
stock assessment of certain commercial fishes, with a planned pilot training programme for
fishermen in Hadramaut. The SAP will attempt to:
· Introduce regionally standardised data collection and management systems for
pelagic fishes, above all transboundary pelagic stocks. Experimental trawling will
60 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
be carried out within the context of the regional component (with non-GEF
funding).
· Extend activities of MSRRC and FTI to include both the Gulf of Aden and the Red
Sea coast.
· Contribute to the overall improvement of fisheries statistics in the country.
· Support and conduct local training programmes in data collection and analysis for
improved decision-making and management of fisheries resources.
· Assist the MFW in developing guidelines and by-laws for sustainable fisheries
management.
· Conduct a study on the impact of shark fisheries (both socio-economic and
ecological implications).
· Conduct an assessment of the ornamental fish trade, including review of its
licensing system, and recommendations for more effective ways of monitoring fish
collection by the private sector.
169.
For the invertebrate surveys and stock assessment, the SAP will:
· Update information on the Red Sea shrimp stock and catch (partly non-GEF
funded) and review current legislation regarding shrimp fisheries.
· Review the status of the cuttlefish catch and assist in introducing appropriate
management recommendations.
· Update studies on lobster stocks, especially spiny lobster, linking it to the similar
studies under the GEF Socotra project.
· Conduct education and training programmes for coastal communities in the field of
sustainable fisheries management and environmental conservation.
170.
Monitoring, Surveillance and Control: It is understood that the Government is
proposing a fifth phase of the Fisheries Development (Fisheries V). The proposal mainly
deals with strengthening Government capabilities in monitoring and surveillance, in
addition to standards and quality control for fisheries products. It is apparent that this type
of activity is beyond the scope of the SAP. However, within the context of Government
plans, the SAP will provide when requested a feasibility study on monitoring and
surveillance and advise on any interim measures or identifying mechanisms to strengthen
enforcement.
171. Habitat/Resources
Surveys:
The SAP will strengthen the integration of national-
scale results into a regional framework, in particular those with transboundary
implications. Within the regional context, the SAP will assist Yemen in extending its
inventory of significant biological resources of rare, endemic and threatened seabirds and
marine mammals.
Objective 4. Network of Representative System of MPAs
172.
Socotra Island was already declared a Special Protected Area in 1996. The
development and implementation of its management plan is supported by GEF. Because of
its unique biodiversity and biogeographic location, Socotra will be linked to the regional
Project Implementation Plan 61
network of MPAs by facilitating information and experience exchange with the network
and the regional WG on MPAs.
173.
Within Yemeni territorial waters another area of outstanding regional importance
has been identified to become part of a regional representative network of MPAs: the
Belhaf and Bir Ali area. Recent surveys indicate that it may even be considered of global
importance. Certain issues such as fisheries and tourism development need special
attention. In order to introduce full-scale conservation management in this area, the
following activities will take place:
· A national representative will participate in the regional WG on MPAs. National
specialists will attend regional and international workshops, training activities,
exchange programmes and study tours.
· High level meetings will be held and the legislation in place will be reviewed.
Meetings will also be held with stakeholders in the area (oil terminal operators,
tour operators, fishermen communities). Alternative livelihood programmes will be
developed for local fishermen.
· Habitat and resource surveys will be conducted, using regionally standardised
survey methods. Basic equipment to conduct the surveys, such as a 4 WD vehicle,
boat and diving equipment will be provided.
· Based on the results of the surveys, a site-specific master plan, which is a long-
term policy document and includes the management plan, will be developed. An
eco-tourism plan should be established and a feasibility study for sustainable
financing conducted.
· National and local consultations will be held to launch the site-specific master and
management plan. The implementation of these plans includes the provision of
basic facilities and equipment to operate the MPA, the presence of regionally
trained marine rangers, and the introduction of site-specific public awareness
programmes.
· A long-term monitoring programme will be developed.
Objective 5. Support to ICZM
174.
The component will support development of ICZM in Yemen and will focus on
development of institutional capacities and applied training of personnel in the principles
and application of ICZM. This will be accomplished through Yemeni participation in the
work programme of the ICZM WG at the regional level, conduct of country specific
training activities, preparation of a model ICZM activity and use of Geographic
Information Systems to support coastal zone management. These activities will be closely
co-ordinated with the NPC and national PERGSA Task Force member. Most elements of
this component will be executed nationally. Activities in Yemen under the ICZM
component will include the following:
· A national representative will participate in the regional WG on ICZM. National
specialists will attend regional and international workshops, training activities
exchange programmes and study tours.
62 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Country specific ICZM training activities will be conducted to address the specific
issues in Yemen, including port development, oil and gas export facilities and
expansion of tourism.
· A basic framework for ICZM at the national level will be developed which will
provide general guidelines for use of this approach in Yemen.
· A model ICZM plan will be prepared for a site jointly selected by Yemeni and
PERSGA representatives; candidates for this site include the Aden region,
Hodeidah region, areas in the vicinity of current and proposed oil and gas export
sites, and the Belhaf and Bir Ali area.
· The model ICZM activity will be supported using a participatory approach with
broad-based stakeholder involvement.
· Support will be provided to facilitate Yemeni participation in a PERSGA regional
Geographic Information System network designed to support the SAP process.
· Support for training of personnel in GIS applications will focus on the model
ICZM plan and sensitivity mapping of the coastline using regionally standardised
methods.
· The activities under this component will be co-ordinated with the MPA component
activities in the Belhaf and Bir Ali area.
175.
These activities will be co-ordinated with proposed World Bank-supported
activities for development of an enabling framework for ICZM at the national level,
strengthening environmental assessment and potential GEF medium-size grants for
selected protected areas. They will also be co-ordinated with the GEF-supported
programme for development of a management plan for the Socotra Archipelago.
Objective 6. Public Awareness and Participation
176.
Training support will be given to Government institutions dealing with public
awareness as well as to local NGOs and groups. The SAP will continue the public
awareness programme initiated by the Hodeidah GEF project, extending it to the Gulf of
Aden coast with particular emphasis on local fishing communities. Yemeni NGOs will be
helped and encouraged to seek funds from the SAP MGP to implement small pilot
conservation projects involving stakeholders and local communities. The SAP will also
support assessment of training needs for public awareness and review of school curricula,
within the context of the overall regional public awareness and participation programmes.
Objective 7. Monitoring and Evaluation
177.
The bench marks and indicators for the monitoring and evaluation of SAP impacts
will be developed through a participatory process involving all countries. Yemen-specific
indicators will be developed through a consultation process with the participation of
concerned groups. Once the matrix of indicators and targets are set, the SAP will facilitate
its implementation, making use of data generated from the above listed components and
other ongoing and planned activities funded from outside the SAP.
178.
In addition, Yemen will be included in the regional issue-specific monitoring
programme through linking some of the existing sites (identified within the context of the
Project Implementation Plan 63
Hodeidah GEF project) along the Red Sea with additional sites along the Gulf of Aden
coast. Examples of these transboundary issues are oil pollution monitoring and shark
populations.
64 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
IV.
PROCUREMENT AND DISBURSEMENT
PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES
179.
In order to ensure adherence to procurement rules of the GEF implementing
agencies, resources have been set aside in the UNDP-managed component of the Project
budget for the hiring of a Procurement and Finance Specialist (PFS). This person should be
completely familiar with UNDP/UNEP and World Bank rules pertaining to procurement. It
will therefore be necessary that the PFS take training provided by UNDP, UNEP and WB
before any major procurement is undertaken by PERSGA for this Project. This training
may be offered by the organisations at their headquarters or at locations within the Region.
180.
With respect to the UNDP and UNEP components of the budget, it is suggested
that PERSGA adopt UNOPS Rules of Procurement for all goods and services. As these
rules are widely accepted by international agencies, adoption of these rules will assist
PERSGA in terms of executing Project funds received through other donors in the future.
UNDP/Riyadh, through the Programme Co-ordinator, will render active support to
PERSGA in adopting (revised) UNOPS rules.
181.
The PFS will establish a Procurement Plan for the World Bank portion of the
Project and will ensure approval of this Plan prior to initiating any procurement actions on
the World Bank managed budget. The Plan will be in accordance with the World Bank
Guidelines for Procurement of Goods and Works (revised September 1997) and for
Consulting Services (1997).
Financial Disbursement, Management and Monitoring
182.
Financial disbursements will vary slightly depending on the relevant GEF
implementing agency. The procedures for each of the three implementing agencies are
outlined below.
UNDP
Advances and Reporting
183.
Resources will be advanced by UNDP/Riyadh on a quarterly basis, based on a
submitted and approved work plan for the quarter and on quarterly budget estimates. At the
end of the quarter, PERSGA will report to UNDP/Riyadh in accordance with the standard
"Financial Report" (FR) format, and at the same time submit a request for the next
quarterly advance. Upon acceptance of the FR, UNDP/Riyadh will advance the funds for
the next quarter.
Banking
184.
In order to satisfy UNDP/GEF requirements, the Executing Agency must establish
a "stand-alone" bank account into which UNDP/Riyadh can make resource transfers. It is
required to be a separate account into which only UNDP-managed Project resources are
deposited.
Project Implementation Plan 65
Certifying Officers on Bank Account for UNDP/GEF resources:
185.
UNDP will require dual signature certification on all withdrawals and cheques
from the account holding the UNDP-managed GEF Project resources. As such, the
Secretary General (or his/her Assistant) will be the one certifying officer, while the second
certifying officer will be the CTA, or the PFS in the absence of the CTA.
UNEP
Advances and Reporting
186.
Resources will be advanced by UNEP/Nairobi on a quarterly basis, based on a
submitted and approved work plan for the quarter and on a quarterly budget. At the end of
the quarter, PERSGA will report to UNEP/Nairobi in accordance with the standard
"Quarterly Delivery Report" (QDR) format, and at the same time submit a request for the
next quarterly advance. Upon acceptance of the QDR, UNEP/Nairobi will advance the
resources for the next quarter.
Banking
187.
In order to satisfy UNEP/GEF requirements, the Executing Agency must establish
a "stand-alone" bank account into which UNEP/Nairobi can make resource transfers. It is
required to be a separate account into which only UNEP-managed Project resources are
deposited.
Certifying Officers on Bank Account for UNEP/GEF resources:
188.
UNEP will require signature certification by the PERSGA Secretary General on
account and cheque withdrawals.
World Bank
Banking, Advances and Reporting
189.
A special account will be established by PERSGA with an advance made by the
World Bank. Following receipt by World Bank/Washington of a "Statement of Expenses"
in accordance with World Bank requirements, the World Bank will replenish the account.
This is normally done on a quarterly basis. It is required that this account be managed in
United States dollars.
Certifying Officers on Bank Account for World Bank /GEF resources:
190.
The World Bank will require signature certification by the PERSGA Secretary
General on account and cheque withdrawals.
66 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Financial Reporting: Semi-Annual Budget Revisions
UNDP and UNEP
191.
A substantive budget revision for the UNDP and UNEP portions of the Project will
be prepared in co-ordination with the Riyadh Office of UNDP (for the UNDP resources)
and with the Water Branch/UNEP (for the UNEP resources). These budget revisions will
be done in (i) April for the mandatory budget revision which will reflect prior year
expenditures, thereby closing the previous year's financial book and in (ii) October to
ensure realistic budgetary rephasing in accordance with work planning needs.
192.
Timing: As outlined above, a mandatory revision in April and an October
rephasing will be submitted.
193.
Distribution: The relevant budget revision will be sent to the relevant GEF
implementing agency.
194.
These reports will be prepared by the PFS under the supervision of the CTA and
with support from the Riyadh UNDP Programme Co-ordinator.
World Bank
195.
PERSGA shall maintain separate records and ledger accounts in respect of the
Bank GEF funds and disbursements therefrom. Not later than three months after the end of
any fiscal year of PERSGA in which Bank GEF funds are expended, PERSGA shall: (i)
provide the Bank with a statement of account showing the use of the grant funds; and (ii)
provide the Bank with a copy of its externally audited financial statements (see below) for
such year, together with the opinion of the external auditor on such statements.
Annual Independent Financial Audit by Internationally Recognised Auditing
Company
196.
The GEF implementing agencies require that an annual independent audit be
carried out by an internationally recognised auditing company. Resources have been made
available in the Project budget to facilitate an auditing contract that can be established with
an auditing company for the full duration of the Project period. The audit will take place
every 12 months following Project signature until the Project has been declared closed.
The audit will include all three funding sources (UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank).
Management of Resources at the Country Level
197.
PERSGA will also hold responsibility for effecting/authorising transfers to the
Project in Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, where field operations exist. The transfers
will be made through the UNDP Country Offices. PERSGA will authorise UNDP Offices
in these countries to transfer resources to a distinct bank account (in local currency) which
will be opened for the Project, and for which two signatories might be required: signature
of the Project-funded NPC and signature of the Government-designated official.
198.
The account will not exceed US$3,000 equivalent and will only be replenished by
PERSGA (through UNDP local offices) after PERSGA has received acceptable reporting,
with supporting documentation which will enable PERSGA to replenish the account.
Project Implementation Plan 67
199.
The national GEF Project bank accounts will be subject to audit by the same
company hired to conduct the overall annual audit of the GEF Project. UNDP Country
Offices in the four countries should be kept informed of Project field activities, and copied
on the Project work plan, financial statements/reports and any substantive reports produced
by the Project.
V.
GEF IMPLEMENTING AGENCY REPORTING, MONITORING
AND EVALUATION
200.
During the implementation of the Project, the following reporting will be required:
· Monthly narrative report (maximum 2 pages): Outlining the work accomplished in
the preceding month, an outline of the work expected to be completed during the
coming month, and if appropriate, comments and/or recommendations relating to
any unforeseen conditions which may affect the progress or the quality of the
work.
Distribution: PERSGA, UNDP, UNEP, World Bank. For internal use only.
· Semi-Annual Project Implementation Progress Reports. Covering the intervals
between the annual reports and reflecting: (a) the status of implementation
progress, problems encountered and corrective actions needed; (b) the current costs
of each Project component and estimated costs for completion; and (c) the degree
of achievement of Project objectives, as measured by the status of Project
indicators. These reports will include a special sections on procurement and
disbursement with information on: progress of procurement activities against plans
set forth in the PIP; variations in progress, reasons for variations and actions being
taken to address these problems; and project expenditures (foreign and local costs).
Timing: First report to be submitted 6 months after Project signature.
Distribution: PERSGA, UNDP, UNEP, World Bank. This report may also be
shared with parties outside the three GEF implementing agencies, upon their
request in accordance with established GEF policy.
· Annual Substantive Project Progress Report: In view of the tripartite funding
relationship of this Project, every effort will be made to simplify and unify the
reporting arrangements. The Project CTA will therefore review the annual
reporting requirements from UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank, and design a
unified reporting format which meets most of the reporting requirements of the
three agencies, through one single report.
Based on the unified approach, this report will fulfil the UNDP requirements
(Annual Project Report - APR), the UNEP requirement (Yearly Progress Report),
and World Bank requirement (Annual Progress Report). The CTA will complete
an Annual Substantive Project Progress Report, which will clearly describe and
assess Project progress against the established work plan, the Project documents
and the overall objectives of the Project.
Timing: First report to be submitted 12 months after Project signature and 2
months ahead of the first Annual Project Review.
68 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Distribution: PERSGA, UNDP, UNEP, World Bank. This report may also be
shared with parties outside the three GEF implementing agencies, upon their
request in accordance with established GEF policy.
· Substantive Work Plan: Will be attached to the Annual Substantive Project
Progress Report and distributed as outlined above.
· GEF Project Implementation Review (GEF PIR). The Project will also complete
the annual GEF PIR. In order to minimise duplication of effort, it has been agreed
that the UNDP electronic format for the GEF PIR will be utilised and that UNDP
therefore will submit the GEF PIR on behalf of the three agencies. The CTA will
liaise with the Riyadh/UNDP Programme Co-ordinator and with the HQ Task
Manager for this purpose.
Timing: To be submitted annually. Normally in June of every year.
Distribution: PERSGA, UNDP, UNEP, and World Bank. UNDP will ensure
onward forwarding to the GEF Secretariat.
This report may also be shared with parties outside the three GEF implementing
agencies, upon their request in accordance with established GEF policy.
· Mid term and final evaluations: Resources have been set aside in accordance with
standard procedure to ensure that a mid-term evaluation as well as a final
evaluation can be carried out. The Terms of Reference and timing of these
evaluations will be determined through the Annual Review process or by
correspondence. The evaluations will normally be independent of the GEF
implementing agencies and of PERSGA and thus carried out by consultants not
previously associated with the Project.
Timing: Mid-term evaluation: During third year of Project implementation. Final
evaluation: Not later than four months prior to Project closure.
Distribution: PERSGA, UNDP, UNEP, World Bank, GEF Secretariat. This report
may also be shared with parties outside the three GEF implementing agencies,
upon their request in accordance with established GEF policy.
· Ad hoc Reporting and Substantive Reports. The Project will be producing a large
number of ad hoc substantive reports within the thematic areas in which it is
operating. These reports will be produced at either the national or regional levels
for a variety of purposes.
Distribution: As per intention of report. Additional distribution: PERSGA, UNDP,
UNEP, World Bank
Project Implementation Plan 69
Figure 1.
Project Management Organisational Chart
Figure 1 organisational chart to be inserted here see separate file
Project Implementation Plan 71
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.1 CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISOR
The objective of this long-term (5 years) technical assistance is to provide support for the
timely and effective implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea
and Gulf of Aden, and effective integration of all programme components implemented by
the three GEF implementing agencies.
Scope of Work and Tasks to be Undertaken
The Chief Technical Advisor will assist in upgrading the institutional capacities of the
PERSGA National Focal Points to ensure effective implementation of the SAP.
The Chief Technical Advisor will bring substantial experience in project management as
well as technical and substantive matters to the Project and will assist the Secretary
General of PERSGA to successfully introduce new skills and management systems for
implementation of the SAP.
Tasks
In consultation with the PERSGA Secretary General, and representatives of UNDP, UNEP
and the World Bank, the Chief Technical Advisor will:
· Supervise, co-ordinate and assist with the initiation and implementation of all
GEF-funded SAP activities, consultancies, procurement actions and Project
components.
· Supervise and assist the five component specialists, based at PERSGA
headquarters, with their work planning and implementation in line with SAP
documentation.
· Supervise, and where necessary, assist the GEF-funded National Programme Co-
ordinators in strengthening the implementation of national SAP activities,
including assistance with planning, budgeting and reporting.
· Support the nationally-funded PERSGA Focal Points and Task Force members in
their integration and involvement in the GEF-funded Project.
· Assist the PERSGA Secretary General, when so requested, in resource
mobilisation from a range of public and private sector organisations in support of
PERSGA's mandate and implementation of the SAP.
· Supervise and assist the GEF-funded Procurement/Finance Specialist in
procurement and finance-related functions, in accordance with GEF implementing
agency requirements for procurement standards and financial management and
monitoring.
72 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Reporting
The Chief Technical Advisor will report, in parallel track, to the Secretary General of
PERSGA and to UNDP/UNOPS through the UNDP Resident Representative, based in
Riyadh, in the following manner:
· On a monthly basis: A brief narrative report (maximum 2 pages) outlining the
work accomplished in the preceding month, an outline of the work expected to be
completed during the next progress reporting period and, if appropriate, comments
or recommendations relating to any unforeseen conditions which may affect the
progress or the quality of work. Distribution: PERSGA, UNDP, UNEP and World
Bank for internal use only.
· On a six-monthly basis: A substantive budget revision for the UNDP portion of the
Project to be prepared in co-ordination with the Riyadh Office of the UNDP
Resident Representative. Upon clearance of the revision by GEF/RBAS, this
revision will be signed. Similar budgetary work may also be required at the same
intervals for UNEP and World Bank components of the Project.
· On an annual basis: A consolidated Annual Project Report (in accordance with
UNDP format) to be prepared prior to the Annual Project Review. Distribution:
PERSGA, UNDP, UNEP and World Bank.
· Annual Project Implementation Review report (in accordance with GEF format) to
be prepared prior to the GEF Global Project Review. Distribution: PERSGA,
UNDP, UNEP and World Bank for submission to the GEFSEC.
· An updated work plan, reflecting status of Project implementation to be completed
in draft prior to the Annual Project Review. Distribution: PERSGA, UNDP, UNEP
and World Bank.
· Ad hoc reporting: In addition to the above, the CTA may also be requested to
prepare ad hoc reports on specific aspects of the Project. Such requests will at all
times be channelled through the UNDP Resident Representative's office, in order
to streamline and minimise ad hoc reporting requests.
Qualifications Required
· Advanced degree from an international recognised university in marine sciences,
coastal zone management or environmental sciences.
· Ten years experiences in the management of complex marine projects, preferably
in the Middle East and North Africa region.
· Proven successful track record in the management and backup of field and
scientific staff.
· Strong management skills, with good capacities for technical, on-the-job training,
delegation and interpersonal skills.
· Ability to write reports and project management plans in English.
· Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and project expenditures.
Project Implementation Plan 73
· Fluency in English is required and operational knowledge of Arabic and French is
desirable.
· Ability to train and work effectively with counterpart staff at all levels.
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with all
social groups involved in the Project, including Government officials,
representatives of the private sector and civil society, and local groups such as
subsistence fishing communities.
Project Implementation Plan 75
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.2 UNDP
PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR
A Project of this size requires continuous support and technical backstopping from the
office of the UNDP Resident Representative. A UNDP Programme Co-ordinator (PC) will
be recruited to fulfil this task. Under the general supervision of the Resident
Representative, the PC performs the function of a specialist in environment matters. The
PC is responsible to provide expert advice to UNDP and other GEF implementing
agencies, Governments of the PERSGA Region and the donor community on all matters
relating to the efficient implementation of the Project. Duties include:
· Co-ordinating tasks for the efficient implementation of the UNDP component in
close co-operation with the CTA.
· Liaising with GEF implementing agencies to ensure efficient co-ordination.
· Supporting PERSGA in international recruitment and procurement.
· Ensuring the overall technical integrity of the Project from UNDP's backstopping
and supervision perspective.
· Linking with other UNDP offices in the PERSGA Region and providing support
for backstopping and supervision for those offices on the more technical aspects of
the Project.
· Ensuring linkages with other GEF international waters initiatives and/or projects
and ensuring lessons learnt are transmitted to the Project.
· Assisting in donor co-ordination activities.
· Supporting all GEF and UNDP requirements for reporting and monitoring.
Reporting
The UNDP Programme Co-ordinator will report to the UNDP Resident Representative in
Riyadh and will keep GEF Task Mangers at UNDP, UNEP and World Bank headquarters
informed of the progress made in implementing the SAP. The standard UNDP PAR system
will be used for evaluation of staff performance.
Qualifications Required
· Advanced degree from an internationally recognised university in marine sciences,
coastal zone management or environmental sciences.
· At least 5 years of experience in marine environmental research and conservation,
programme design and implementation with emphasis on the following areas of
experience:.
UNDP Programming.
GEF Project design and programming.
Experience of local marine issues, having worked within the Arab region.
76 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Full proficiency in English and Arabic.
Project Implementation Plan 77
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.3 NATIONAL PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATORS
The Project will have field operations in four countries: Djibouti, northern coast of
Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Five National Programme Co-ordinators (two for Somalia)
will be hired to work full-time for the duration of the Project. The NPCs will ensure
effective co-ordination and implementation of project activities at the national level, linking
them to the overall region-wide initiatives. The NPCs will work under the overall guidance
of PERSGA, the CTA, PERSGA's National Focal Points and their appointed SAP Task
Force members.
Scope of Work and Tasks to be Undertaken
· Institutional capacity building and upgrading of national capacities in the
management of the coastal and marine environment.
· Development, within regional frameworks, of sustainable marine resources
management strategy; management systems for marine protected areas; national
frameworks for integrated coastal zone management; and interventions to reduce
navigation risks and maritime pollution.
· Enhancement of public awareness and participation regarding marine
environmental issues at the national level.
Tasks
In close co-ordination with the PMT and under the guidance of the PERSGA National
Focal Point, the Chief Technical Advisor, and the office of the UNDP Resident
Representative in the respective country, the National Programme Co-ordinator will:
· Supervise and co-ordinate the planning and implementation of the national
elements of SAP activities, assisting in actions pertaining to procurement,
consultancies, recruitment, logistics, budgeting, disbursement, etc.
· Liaise with the PERSGA National Focal Point, other governmental departments
and UNDP Country Office at the operational level to ensure smooth
implementation of field activities.
· Co-ordinate with the national specialists and Lead Specialists for the effective
implementation of activities at the national level, and their linkage to regional
activities.
· Co-ordinate the work of national members of the Working Groups. Prepare and
facilitate their meetings, providing them with up-to-date information on the status
of programme activities as a whole.
· Participate in the regional Task Force meetings, prepare and present
reports/briefings on the status of programme implementation and plans in the
respective country.
78 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Maintain close contacts with other planned/operational projects in the relevant
fields and ensure integration of the SAP regional dimension into those projects.
· Assist the PMT in monitoring and reporting to the GEF agencies. Be responsible
for the production of the required reporting from and to (collating from project
components) the Project ad hoc and regular reports.
· Propose new ways and initiatives to support the country's developmental priorities,
in consultation with national specialists and based on updated knowledge of the
country's developmental perspective.
Reporting
The National Programme Co-ordinator should be in continuous contact with the PCU
in Jeddah but will report in writing and on parallel track to the Chief Technical Advisor
and the PERSGA National Focal Point, with copies to the Office of the UNDP Resident
Representative in the respective country:
· On a monthly basis: A brief narrative report (maximum 1 pages) outlining the
work accomplished in the preceding period, an outline of the work expected to be
completed during the next progress reporting period and, if appropriate, comments
or recommendations relating to any unforeseen conditions which may affect the
progress or the quality of work. Distribution: PERSGA, Focal Point, and UNDP
Country Office for internal use only.
· On an annual basis: A substantive progress report, prepared against the agreed
work plan, outlining in greater detail activities undertaken, substantive
accomplishments made, and a discussion of issues which will affect the work plan
for the coming twelve months. Report should be discussed with the PERSGA
Focal point. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into (i) the PERSGA
Annual Report, (ii) the Annual Programme Report and the (iii) GEF Project
Implementation Report.
· On an annual basis: A workplan outlining activities planned and the time frame
for their implementation. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
overall project workplan to be reviewed at the Annual Project Review.
· Quarterly Financial Reports. The NPC will be responsible for preparing
financial/expenditure reports incurred for the Project at the country level, to be
incorporated into Project requests for advance of funds. He/she will be responsible
for maintaining project ledgers, inventories, etc.
· Ad hoc reporting: In addition to the above, the NPC may also be requested to
prepare ad hoc reports on specific aspects of the Project as the need arises.
Qualifications Required
· Relevant university degree, preferably, M. Sc. or Ph.D., in marine sciences, coastal
zone management and/or environmental sciences.
· Five years experiences in marine and/or environmental issues and project
management.
· Good management skills, with good capacity for technical, on-the-job training.
Project Implementation Plan 79
· Excellent interpersonal skills and good team spirit.
· Ability to write reports and project management plans in English, or in the case of
Djibouti in French.
· Willingness to participate in field activities/surveys and travel to remote areas
within the country.
· Fluency in English, Arabic and/or French as required for the specific country.
· Knowledge in use of computer software packages for word-processing, databases
and spreadsheets. Familiarity with modern communication systems (such as
INTERNET, World Wide Web, e-mail, etc.)
Project Implementation Plan 81
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.4 PROCUREMENT/FINANCE SPECIALIST
The Procurement/Finance Specialist (PFS) holds the overall responsibility for all
procurement actions undertaken in the GEF-funded Project and for overall financial
management of the Project funds.
Accountancy Duties
· Develops/monitors/analyses Project budget ledgers and Project allocations versus
expenditures at the budget line levels, country level, regional level and SAP
component level.
· Establishes and updates Project budget ledgers, in accordance with UNDP, UNEP
and World Bank required formats, and monitors Project expenditures.
· In consultations with the CTA, designs and prepares Project cost projections for
the current year expenditures, in order to make accurate delivery projections and
realistic budgeting.
· In consultation with the Component Specialists and the CTA, prepares and verifies
budget revisions twice yearly, in October ("October Rephasal") and April
("Mandatory") and in collaboration with UNDP/Riyadh and GEF/RBAS, issues
UNDP budget revisions for signature by the Executive Secretary/PERSGA and the
UNDP Resident Representative/Saudi Arabia. Support for such activities will also
be provided to UNEP and the World Bank at intervals appropriate for their fiscal
years.
· Oversees and prepares financial transactions, payments and purchase orders, in
accordance with established PERSGA and UNDP, UNEP and World Bank
procedures.
Procurement Duties
· Sources materials and vendors world-wide; prepares short-lists; issues invitations
to bid or requests for quotations; analyses offers, recommends awards and issues
purchases after securing most advantageous procurement terms and conditions in
accordance with UNDP/World Bank Procurement Rules and Regulations. Reviews
and analyses procurement requisition/plan, verifies, clarifies and ascertains
adequacy of specifications and target delivery dates. Traces undelivered shipments
and prepares cargo insurance claims.
· Is responsible for maintaining working files and records; is responsible for
correspondence for procurement activities; seeks legal advice where appropriate;
maintains budgetary control over procurement matters; prepares procurement
progress reports and financial records as and when required; ensures the
application of UNDP/World Bank Financial Rules and Regulations.
· Maintains appropriate business relations with suppliers and liaises with CTA and
Project personnel. Obtains technical clearances from CTA for all technical bids.
82 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Maintains current market knowledge by evaluation of technical data, price and
payment terms, visits and phone/e-mail interviews and contacts.
· Resolves post-order problems (i.e., shipping delays, commissioning of equipment,
incorrect deliveries, order cancellations, damages, etc.). Organises shipping
logistics of equipment orders. Is abreast of INCOTERMS.
· Prepares short-list of suppliers based on firm capabilities. Disseminates bidding
opportunities to international firms through advertisements and trade offices, when
appropriate.
Guidelines
The following written and unwritten guidelines will be applied to performing the duties of
the post:
Written:
· UNDP Financial Rules and Regulations.
· World Bank Financial Rules and Regulations.
· UNDP Programme and Projects Manual.
· General Administration Handbook.
· UNOPS Handbook.
Unwritten
· Common sense in applying proper business practise and sound purchasing
principles.
· Know when to negotiate and how to achieve goals successfully.
· Maintain sound ethical principles, integrity and transparency of due process.
Reporting
The Procurement and Finance Specialist will report to the UNDP Resident Representative
in Riyadh and to the PERSGA Executive Secretary, through the CTA.
Qualifications
· A higher degree in financial management, procurement services or accountancy.
· Five years work experience in either the procurement or project finance
management field.
· Willingness to engage equally well in both requirements of the job (accountancy
and procurement) irrespective of emphasis of previous training and experience.
· Knowledge of UN project management procedures.
· Full and up-to-date computer literacy, especially in all MS and Windows-based
applications, including Excel, Word, and other relevant software.
· Full fluency in English and Arabic.
Project Implementation Plan 83
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.5 NAVIGATION ADVISOR
Under the overall supervision of the Secretary General of PERSGA and the Chief
Technical Advisor, the Navigation Advisor will provide long-term (4 years) technical
assistance, on a part-time basis, and support for the timely and effective implementation of
the Reduction of Navigation Risks and Maritime Pollution Component of the GEF-funded
Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Navigation Advisor
will serve as the Chairperson of the Navigation Working Group and will be authorised to
retain the services of international and/or regional consultants to support the work.
Scope of Work and Tasks to be undertaken
· Capacity building at the regional and national level and training in navigation and
maritime pollution issues within the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Region.
· Development and implementation of regional agreements on Port State Control.
· Development and implementation of Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) and Vessel
Traffic Systems (VTS).
· Oil Spill Contingency Planning.
Tasks
Under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor, the UNDP Programme Co-ordinator
and the Procurement Specialist, the Navigation Advisor will:
· Supervise and co-ordinate the planning and implementation of this component (at
the regional and national levels) of GEF-funded SAP activities, consultancies and
procurement actions. This will include serving as the Chairperson of the
Navigation Working Group and undertaking the planning and co-ordination of its
meetings.
· Re-examine and, following discussion with national organisations and the relevant
IMO Committee, assist in implementing additional Traffic Separation Schemes
and routing measures proposed for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
· Review Port Regulations at each port in the Region to ensure the inclusion in these
rules of essential safety clauses, such as the requirement for anchors to be ready for
dropping from the time a vessel reaches the port approaches, to berthing, to final
departure from the port. Formulate `model' rules on safety for use by regional
ports.
· Review the need for and measures required to establish Vessel Traffic
Management Systems in the Region, in particular at the southern end of the Red
Sea, and for monitoring traffic in the central section of the Red Sea (following the
introduction of marine transponders on ships) in the Jeddah area.
· Verify the proposed Terms of Reference for the re-survey of waters and coastlines
in the Region and the areas to be surveyed, evaluate the results of the proposed
84 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
initial surveys and prepare recommendations on the need for new navigational
charts.
· Verify requirements for new navigational aids in the Region.
· Collate all relevant information on the current status of Maritime Conventions in
each country in the Region and determine what constraints each country faces in
ratifying these conventions, drawing on the experience of other regions of the
world to promote ratification of the main conventions relating to Port State Control
in the Region.
· Reconsider the need to establish a separate Memorandum of Understanding on
Port State Control within the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, consider the advantages,
or otherwise, and implications of all states in the Region joining the Indian Ocean
Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, and reach agreement on
future actions. Review proposals for training Port State Control Officers to
international standards and establish reporting procedures in the Region. Arrange
for training and reporting to be implemented.
· Receive reports on serious maritime accidents within the Region, review the
circumstances leading to these and formulate methods of avoiding the repetition of
such accidents in future.
· Formulate regional Contingency Plans for Oil Spill Response, including
consideration of available expertise and equipment, identify shortfalls and define
methods of addressing the problems discovered.
· Formulate regional Search and Rescue plans, taking into account other initiatives
in the Indian Ocean region and drawing upon assistance from other concerned
organisations.
· Define the current situation relating to the requirements of the Global Maritime
Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) within the Region and implement these
requirements in terms of equipment and availability of skilled personnel.
· Tasks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11 will be completed with the support of inputs from
consultants with the appropriate expertise, who will be charged with the
preparation of reports on these elements prior to their review by the WG.
Reporting
The Navigation Advisor will report to the CTA in the following manner:
· On a weekly basis: Through weekly Project team meetings, the Navigation
Advisor will update the CTA and other team members on work planning,
activities, progress and other relevant issues. (As the Advisor will not necessarily
reside in the same location as the PCU, the briefing will be made through a
telephone or e-mail link with the PMT). The Advisor should travel to Jeddah and
attend one meeting each quarter.
· On a monthly basis: A brief narrative report (maximum 1 page) outlining the work
accomplished in the preceding month, an outline of the work expected to be
completed during the next progress reporting period and, if appropriate, comments
or recommendations relating to any unforeseen conditions which may affect the
Project Implementation Plan 85
progress or the quality of work. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
his monthly report.
· On an annual basis: A substantive progress report, prepared against the agreed
work plan, outlining in greater detail activities undertaken, substantive
accomplishments made, and a discussion of issues which will affect the work plan
for the coming twelve months. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
(i) the PERSGA Annual Report, (ii) the Annual Programme Report and the (iii)
GEF Project Implementation Report.
· On an annual basis: A work plan outlining activities planned and the time frame
for their implementation. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
overall Project work plan to be reviewed at the Annual Project Review.
· Ad hoc reporting: In addition to the above, the CTA may also request the
Navigation Advisor to prepare ad hoc reports on specific aspects of the Project for
specific purposes as these may arise.
Qualifications Required
· Relevant professional training and experience in maritime affairs and pollution
management. It is desirable that the Navigation Advisor have direct experience as
either deck or engineering officer in the navy and/or merchant marine.
· Ten years experience following graduation working in the maritime industry with
experience in the operation of vessels and the management of marine pollution;
this should include relevant experience with navigation issues in the Middle East
and North Africa region.
· Proven successful track record in the backup of field and scientific staff.
· Good management skills, with good capacities for technical, on-the-job training.
· Excellent interpersonal skills and good team spirit.
· Ability to write reports and project management plans in English and Arabic.
· Fluency in English and Arabic.
· Willingness to travel to remote areas in the Region.
· Ability to train and work effectively with counterpart staff at all levels.
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and deal
with all social groups involved in the Project, including Government officials,
representatives of the private sector and civil society, and local groups such as
subsistence fishing communities.
· The Navigation Advisor should be a national of one of the PERSGA member
countries, but need not be residing in country of origin at the time of application.
Project Implementation Plan 87
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.6 LIVING MARINE RESOURCES SPECIALIST
Under the overall supervision of the Secretary General of PERSGA and the Chief
Technical Advisor, the Living Marine Resources Specialist (LMR Specialist) will provide
long-term (4 years) technical assistance and support for the timely and effective
implementation of the Living Marine Resources Component of the GEF-funded Strategic
Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Scope of Work and Tasks to be undertaken
· Capacity building at the national level and training for sustainable management of
living marine resources at the national and regional levels within the Region.
· Development of sustainable management strategy for transboundary fishstocks and
invertebrates.
· Development of sustainable management strategy for demersal fish stocks and
marine invertebrates.
· Establishment of the legal and policy framework for conservation and sustainable
management of living marine resources.
Tasks
Under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor, the UNDP Programme Co-ordinator
and the PFS, the LMR Specialist will:
· Supervise and co-ordinate the planning and implementation of the regional and
national LMR Component of the GEF-funded SAP activities, consultancies,
procurement actions.
· Co-ordinate with the other component specialists, especially the Habitats, MPA
and ICZM component specialists, regarding the overall planning and
implementation of the LMR component at the regional and national levels.
· Supervise and assist the GEF-funded country-based National Programme Co-
ordinators (Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen) in strengthening the
implementation of LMR activities at the national level, including assistance with
planning, budgeting and reporting.
· Support the nationally-funded PERSGA Focal Points (all PERSGA countries) in
their integration and involvement in the GEF-funded Project.
· In close consultation with the CTA and the Procurement/Finance Specialist, ensure
that planning for procurement of goods and services at both regional and national
levels for the LMR component are handled effectively and efficiently, in
accordance with PERSGA and GEF implementing agency requirements for
procurement standards and financial management and monitoring.
88 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Be responsible for the production of the required reporting on the LMR activities
at the national and regional levels.
Reporting
The LMR Specialist will report to the CTA in the following manner:
· On a weekly basis: Through weekly Project team meetings, the LMR Specialist
will update the CTA and other team members on work planning, activities,
progress and other relevant issues.
· On a monthly basis: A brief narrative report (maximum 1 page) outlining the work
accomplished in the preceding month, an outline of the work expected to be
completed during the next progress reporting period and, if appropriate, comments
or recommendations relating to any unforeseen conditions which may affect the
progress or the quality of work. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
his monthly report.
· On an annual basis: A substantive progress report, prepared against the agreed
work plan, outlining in greater detail activities undertaken, substantive
accomplishments made, and a discussion of issues which will affect the work plan
for the coming twelve months. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
(i) the PERSGA Annual Report, (ii) the Annual Programme Report and the (iii)
GEF Project Implementation Report.
· On an annual basis: A work plan outlining activities planned and the time frame
for their implementation. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
overall Project work plan to be reviewed at the Annual Project Review.
· Ad hoc reporting: In addition to the above, the CTA may also request the LMR
Specialist to prepare ad hoc reports on specific aspects of the Project for specific
purposes as these may arise.
Qualifications Required
· Relevant M.Sc. or Ph.D. in fishery and/or marine sciences.
· Five years experience following graduation working in the implementation of
marine projects, preferably in the Middle East and North Africa region.
· Proven successful track record in the backup of field and scientific staff.
· Good management skills, with good capacities for technical, on-the-job training.
· Excellent interpersonal skills and good team spirit.
· Ability to write reports and project management plans in English and Arabic.
· Fluency in English and Arabic.
· Willingness to travel to remote areas in the Region and live in camp conditions.
· Ability to train and work effectively with counterpart staff at all levels.
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and deal
with all social groups involved in the Project, including Government officials,
Project Implementation Plan 89
representatives of the private sector and civil society, and local groups such as
subsistence fishing communities.
· The LMR Specialist should be a national of one of the PERSGA member
countries, but need not be residing in country of origin at the time of application.
Project Implementation Plan 91
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.7 HABITAT AND BIODIVERSITY SPECIALIST
Under the overall supervision of the Secretary General of PERSGA and the Chief
Technical Advisor, the Habitat and Biodiversity Specialist (HAB Specialist) will provide
long-term (5 years) technical assistance and support for the timely and effective
implementation of the Habitat and Biodiversity Component of the GEF-funded Strategic
Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Scope of Work and Tasks to be undertaken
· Capacity building at the national level and training for the conservation of habitats
and biodiversity at the national and regional levels within the Red Sea and Gulf of
Aden Region.
· Development of regional conservation plan for turtles, seabirds and marine
mammals.
· Development of regional conservation plan for key habitats, such as mangroves,
seagrass beds and coral reefs.
· Establishment of the legal and policy framework for conservation of habitats and
biodiversity.
Tasks
Under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor, the UNDP-PC and the PFS, the HAB
Specialist will:
· Supervise and co-ordinate the planning and implementation of the regional and
national Habitat and Biodiversity Component of the GEF-funded SAP activities,
consultancies, and procurement actions.
· Co-ordinate with the other component specialists, especially the LMR and MPA
component specialists, regarding the overall planning and implementation of the
Habitat and Biodiversity Component at the regional and national levels.
· Supervise and assist the GEF-funded country-based National Programme Co-
ordinators (Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen) in strengthening the
implementation of LMR activities at the national level, including assistance with
planning, budgeting and reporting.
· Support the nationally-funded PERSGA Focal Points (all PERSGA countries) in
their integration and involvement in the GEF-funded SAP.
· In close consultation with the CTA and the Procurement/Finance Specialist, ensure
that planning for procurement of goods and services at both regional and national
levels for the LMR component are handled effectively and efficiently, in
accordance with PERSGA and GEF implementing agency requirements for
procurement standards and financial management and monitoring.
92 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Be responsible for the production of the required reporting on the Habitat and
Biodiversity activities at the national and regional levels.
Reporting
The HAB Specialist will report to the CTA in the following manner:
· On a weekly basis: Through weekly Project team meetings, the HAB Specialist
will update the CTA and other team members on work planning, activities,
progress and other relevant issues.
· On a monthly basis: A brief narrative report (maximum 1 page) outlining the work
accomplished in the preceding month, an outline of the work expected to be
completed during the next progress reporting period and, if appropriate, comments
or recommendations relating to any unforeseen conditions which may affect the
progress or the quality of work. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
his monthly report.
· On an annual basis: A substantive progress report, prepared against the agreed
work plan, outlining in greater detail activities undertaken, substantive
accomplishments made, and a discussion of issues which will affect the work plan
for the coming twelve months. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
(i) the PERSGA Annual Report, (ii) the Annual Programme Report and the (iii)
GEF Project Implementation Report.
· On an annual basis: A work plan outlining activities planned and the time frame
for their implementation. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
overall Project work plan to be reviewed at the Annual Project Review.
· Ad hoc reporting: In addition to the above, the CTA may also request the HAB
Specialist to prepare ad hoc reports on specific aspects of the Project for specific
purposes as these may arise.
Qualifications Required
· Relevant M.Sc. or Ph.D. in marine biology.
· Five years experience following graduation working in the implementation of
marine projects; preferably in the Middle East and North Africa region.
· Proven successful track record in the backup of field and scientific staff.
· Good management skills, with good capacities for technical, on-the-job training.
· Excellent interpersonal skills and good team spirit.
· Ability to write reports and project management plans in English and Arabic.
· Fluency in English and Arabic.
· Willingness to travel to remote areas in the Region and live in camp conditions.
· Ability to train and work effectively with counterpart staff at all levels.
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and deal
with all social groups involved in the Project, including Government officials,
Project Implementation Plan 93
representatives of the private sector and civil society, and local groups such as
subsistence fishing communities.
· The HAB Specialist should be a national of one of the PERSGA member
countries, but need not be residing in the country of origin at the time of
application.
Project Implementation Plan 95
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.8 MARINE PROTECTED AREAS (MPA) SPECIALIST
Under the overall supervision of the Secretary General of PERSGA and the Chief
Technical Advisor, the MPA Specialist will provide long-term (4 years) technical
assistance and support for the timely and effective implementation of Marine Protected
Areas Component of the GEF-funded Sea Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and
Gulf of Aden.
Scope of Work
· Organisation and development of capacity building and training in MPA
management within the Region.
· Development of a common framework for regional MPA planning.
· Development of a regional framework for the regular exchange of expertise and
experience in the field of MPA management.
· Supervision of management of habitat, biodiversity and resource use surveys in
various countries of the Region.
Tasks
Under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor, the UNDP-PC and the PFS, the MPA
Specialist will:
· Supervise and co-ordinate the planning and implementation of the regional and
national MPA component of the GEF-funded SAP activities, consultancies, and
procurement actions.
· Lead the team of MPA specialists in each of the PERSGA member countries by
acting as the motivating force to promote the implementation of activities listed in
the SAP implementation document.
· Co-ordinate fully with all other component specialists, but especially the ICZM
and LMR component specialists, regarding the overall planning and
implementation of the MPA component at the regional and national levels.
· Co-ordinate with and assist the GEF-funded country-based National Programme
Co-ordinators (Djibouti, Somali, Sudan and Yemen), providing assistance with
planning, budgeting and reporting.
· Support the national PERSGA Focal Points (all PERSGA countries) in their
integration and involvement in the GEF-funded SAP.
· In close consultation with the CTA and the Procurement/Finance Specialist, ensure
that planning for procurement of goods and services at both regional and national
levels for the MPA component are handled effectively and efficiently, in
accordance with PERSGA and GEF implementing agency requirements for
procurement standards and financial management and monitoring.
96 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Be responsible for the production of the required reports on MPA activities at the
national and regional levels.
Reporting
The MPA Specialist will report to the CTA in the following manner:
· On a weekly basis: Through weekly Project team meetings, the MPA Specialist
will update the CTA and other team members on work planning, activities,
progress and other relevant issues.
· On a monthly basis: A brief narrative report (maximum 1 page) outlining the work
accomplished in the preceding month, an outline of the work expected to be
completed during the next progress reporting period and, if appropriate, comments
or recommendations relating to any unforeseen conditions which may affect the
progress or quality of work. Distribution: To the CTA for incorporation into his
monthly report.
· On an annual basis: A substantive progress report, prepared against the agreed
work plan, outlining in greater detail activities undertaken, substantive
accomplishments made, and a discussion of issues which will affect the work plan
for the coming twelve months. Distribution: To the CTA for incorporation into (i)
the PERSGA Annual Report, (ii) the Annual Programme Report and (iii) GEF
Project Implementation Report.
· On an annual basis: A work plan outlining activities planned and the time frame
for their implementation. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
overall Project work plans to be reviewed at the Annual Project Review.
· Ad hoc reporting: In addition to the above, the CTA may also request the MPA
Specialist to prepare ad hoc reports on specific aspects of the Project for specific
purposes as these may arise.
Qualifications Required
· An advanced degree from an internationally recognised university in marine
sciences.
· Five or more years of experience in MPA development.
· Experience in preparation or execution of training courses.
· Proven management and administrative skills.
· Familiarity with the procedures of international organisations would be an asset.
· Fluency in Arabic and English.
· Ability to write management plans in both Arabic and English.
· Willingness to travel to remote areas in the Region and live in camp conditions.
· Ability to assist with the training of staff in PERSGA member countries.
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and deal
with all social groups involved in the Project, including Government officials,
Project Implementation Plan 97
representatives of the private sector and civil society, and local groups such as
subsistence fishing communities.
· The MPA Specialist should be a national of one of the PERSGA member
countries, but need not be residing in the country of origin at the time of
application.
· Familiarity with the procedures of international organisations would be an asset.
Project Implementation Plan 99
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.9 INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT (ICZM) SPECIALIST
Under the overall supervision of the Secretary General of PERSGA and the Chief
Technical Advisor, the ICZM Specialist will provide long-term (4 years) technical
assistance and support for the timely and effective implementation of the Integrated
Coastal Zone Management Component of the GEF-funded Strategic Action Programme for
the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Scope of Work
· Organisation and development of capacity building and training, at the national
level, in coastal zone management and environmental assessment within the Red
Sea Region.
· Development of a common framework for regional ICZM planning.
· Co-ordinate preparation of ICZM plans for selected areas in co-operation with
national and local counterparts.
· Development of a regional framework for the regular exchange of expertise and
experience in the field of coastal zone management.
· Establishment of guidelines for standardisation and updating of GIS systems
within the Region.
Tasks
Under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor, the UNDP PC and the PFS, the ICZM
Specialist will:
· Supervise and co-ordinate the planning and implementation of the regional and
national ICZM component of the GEF-funded Sea SAP activities, consultancies,
and procurement actions.
· Lead the team of ICZM specialists in each of the PERSGA member countries by
acting as the motivating force to promote the implementation of activities listed in
the SAP implementation document.
· Co-ordinate fully with all other component specialists, but especially the MPA and
LMR component specialists, regarding the overall planning and implementation of
the ICZM component at the regional and national levels.
· Co-ordinate and assist the GEF-funded, country-based National Programme Co-
ordinators (Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen) in strengthening the
implementation of ICZM activities at the national level, including assistance with
planning, budgeting and reporting.
· In close consultation with the CTA and the Procurement/Finance Specialist, ensure
that planning for procurement of goods and services at both regional and national
levels for the ICZM component are handled effectively and efficiently, in
100 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
accordance with PERSGA and GEF implementing agency requirements for
procurement standards and financial management and monitoring.
· Be responsible for the production of the required reports on ICZM activities at the
national and regional levels.
Reporting
The ICZM Specialist will report to the CTA in the following manner:
· On a weekly basis: Through weekly Project team meetings, the ICZM Specialist
will update the CTA and other team members on work planning, activities,
progress and other relevant issues.
· On a monthly basis: A brief narrative report (maximum 1 page) outlining the work
accomplished in the preceding month, an outline of the work expected to be
completed during the next progress reporting period and, if appropriate, comments
or recommendations relating to any unforeseen conditions which may affect the
progress or quality of work. Distribution: To the CTA for incorporation into
his/her monthly report.
· On an annual basis: A substantive progress report, prepared against the agreed
work plan, outlining in greater detail activities undertaken, substantive
accomplishments made, and a discussion of issues which will affect the work plan
for the coming twelve months. Distribution: To the CTA for incorporation into (i)
the PERSGA Annual Report, (ii) the Annual Substantive Project Progress Report
and (iii) GEF Project Implementation Review.
· On an annual basis: A work plan outlining activities planned and the time frame
for their implementation. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
overall Project work plans to be reviewed at the Annual Project Review.
· Ad hoc reporting: In addition to the above, the CTA may also request the ICZM
Specialist to prepare ad hoc reports on specific aspects of the Project for specific
purposes as these may arise.
Qualifications Required
· Advanced degree from an internationally recognised university in coastal zone
management, land use planning, marine sciences and/or environment sciences.
· Five or more years of experience in working in Government or the private sector in
land use planning and management.
· At least one year of experience and/or training in the field of coastal zone
management.
· Proven management and administrative skills.
· Familiarity with the procedures of international organisations would be an asset.
· Fluency in Arabic and English.
· Ability to write ICZM plans in both Arabic and English.
· Willingness to travel to remote areas in the Region and live in camp conditions.
Project Implementation Plan 101
· Ability to assist with the training of staff in PERSGA member countries.
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and deal
with all social groups involved in the Project, including Government officials,
representatives of the private sector and civil society, and local groups such as
subsistence fishing communities.
· The ICZM Specialist should be a national of one of the PERSGA member
countries, but need not be residing in the country of origin at the time of
application.
Project Implementation Plan 103
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.10 PUBLIC AWARENESS SPECIALIST
Under the overall supervision of the Secretary General of PERSGA and the Chief
Technical Advisor, the Public Awareness Specialist (PA Specialist) will provide long-term
(5 years) technical assistance and support for the timely and effective implementation of
the Public Awareness and Participation Component of the Strategic Action Programme for
the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Scope of Work and Tasks to be Undertaken
· Capacity building at the national level and training for public awareness and
participation and environmental education at the national and regional levels
within the Region.
· Development of public awareness education and training programmes.
· Development of micro-grants schemes.
· Promotion of role of NGOs and local groups.
· Development of monitoring and evaluation programme.
Tasks
Under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor, the UNDP Programme Co-
ordinator and the Procurement Specialist, the PA Specialist will:
· Supervise and co-ordinate the planning and implementation of the regional and
national PA component of the GEF-funded SAP activities, consultancies,
procurement actions and Project components.
· Co-ordinate with the other component specialists (all components) for the overall
planning and implementation of the PA component at the regional and national
levels.
· Supervise and assist the GEF-funded country based Red Sea National Programme
Co-ordinators (Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen) in strengthening the
implementation of PA activities at the national level, including assistance with
planning, budgeting and reporting.
· Following a review of micro-grants operational in other countries, for example,
GEF Small Grants Programme, Africa 2000, Partners in Development, and others,
the Public Awareness Specialist will design and backstop the NGO/grassroots
micro-grant programme.
· Support the nationally-funded PERSGA Focal Points and Task Force members in
their integration and involvement in the GEF-funded Project.
· Be responsible for the production of the required reporting from and to (collating
from other components) the PA activities at the national and regional levels.
104 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Reporting
The PA Specialist will report to the CTA in the following manner:
· On a weekly basis: Through weekly Project team meetings, the PA Specialist will
update the CTA and other team members on work planning, activities, progress
and other relevant issues.
· On a monthly basis: A brief narrative report (maximum 1 page) outlining the work
accomplished in the preceding month, an outline of the work expected to be
completed during the next progress reporting period and, if appropriate, comments
or recommendations relating to any unforeseen conditions which may affect the
progress or the quality of work. Distribution: To the CTA for incorporation into
his monthly report.
· On an annual basis: A substantive progress report, prepared against the agreed
work plan, outlining in greater detail activities undertaken, substantive
accomplishments made, and a discussion of issues which will affect the work plan
for the coming twelve months. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
(i) the PERSGA Annual Report, (ii) the Annual Programme Report and the (iii)
GEF Project Implementation Report.
· On an annual basis: A workplan outlining activities planned and the time frame
for their implementation. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
overall Project workplan to be reviewed at the Annual Project Review.
· Ad hoc reporting: In addition to the above, the CTA may also request the PA
Specialist to prepare ad hoc reports on specific aspects of the Project for specific
purposes as these arise.
Qualifications Required
· Relevant B.A., M.Sc. or Ph.D. in communications, public relations, applied social
sciences, and/or public awareness / environmental education.
· At least five years experience following graduation working in the implementation
of environmental education and public awareness projects.
· Good management skills, with good capacities for technical, on-the-job training.
· Excellent computer skills (ability to design and produce PA materials) and
familiarity with modern communication systems and public outreach (such as
INTERNET, World Wide Web, e-mail, etc).
· Excellent interpersonal skills and good team spirit.
· Fluency in English and Arabic. Ability to write reports and project management
plans in English and Arabic. A working knowledge of French would also be
desirable although not required.
· Willingness to travel to remote areas in the Red Sea and live in camp conditions.
· Ability to train and work effectively with counterpart staff at all levels.
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and deal
with all social groups involved in the Project, including Government officials,
Project Implementation Plan 105
representatives of the private sector and civil society, and local groups such as
subsistence fishing communities. Also good skills to communicate with the media.
· The PA Specialist should be a national of one of the PERSGA member countries,
but need not be residing in country of origin at the time of application.
Project Implementation Plan 107
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.11 EDITOR
Under the overall supervision of the Secretary General of PERSGA and the Chief
Technical Advisor, the Editor will provide long-term (5 years) technical assistance and
support for the timely and effective dissemination of information about the GEF-funded
Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to a wide audience. The
Editor will be in charge of the technical editing of Project reports and publications.
Scope of Work
· Development of capacity to disseminate information about the SAP to a wide
audience, including the general public regionally and internationally.
· Development of skills and capacity in the preparation of reports and publications at
the highest professional level.
Tasks
Under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor, the UNDP Programme Co-ordinator
and the PFS, the Editor will:
· Prepare Project information for dissemination to a wider public through various
channels.
· Prepare press releases and maintain contacts, on request by the Secretary General,
with the regional and international press.
· Develop and maintain a Project website on the Internet.
· Be responsible for the technical editing and layout of Project reports and
publications.
· Train technical personnel from the Region in the preparation of reports in English.
Reporting
The Editor will report to the CTA in the following manner:
· On a weekly basis: Through weekly Project team meetings, the Editor will update
the CTA and other team members on work planning, activities, progress and other
relevant issues.
· On a monthly basis: A brief narrative report (maximum 1 page) outlining the work
accomplished in the preceding month, an outline of the work expected to be
completed during the next progress reporting period and, if appropriate, comments
or recommendations relating to any unforeseen conditions which may affect the
progress or quality of work. Distribution: To the CTA for incorporation into
his/her monthly report.
108 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· On an annual basis: A substantive progress report, prepared against the agreed
work plan, outlining in greater detail activities undertaken, substantive
accomplishments made, and a discussion of issues which will affect the work plan
for the coming twelve months. Distribution: To the CTA for incorporation into (i)
the PERSGA Annual Report, (ii) the Annual Substantive Project Progress Report
and (iii) GEF Project Implementation Review.
· On an annual basis: A work plan outlining activities planned and the time frame
for their implementation. Distribution: To the CTA for his incorporation into
overall Project work plans to be reviewed at the Annual Project Review.
· Ad hoc reporting: In addition to the above, the CTA may also request the Editor to
prepare ad hoc reports on specific aspects of the Project for specific purposes as
these may arise.
Qualifications Required
· A bachelors and/or masters degree from an internationally recognised university
combined with relevant professional experience as an editor.
· Excellent knowledge of English, including grammar (preferably English native
speaker); basic knowledge of Arabic will be an advantage.
· Experience in technical editing of manuscripts.
· Proven management and administrative skills.
· Excellent interpersonal skills and good team spirit. The ability to communicate
effectively with people of various backgrounds.
· Willingness to travel throughout the Region.
· Ability to train staff in PERSGA member countries.
Project Implementation Plan 109
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.12 PART-TIME NATIONAL SPECIALISTS
National Specialists, working on a part-time basis, will be part of six specialist
Working Groups in the themes of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and
Gulf of Aden. The National Specialists will play an important role in implementing the
SAP and achieving its objectives. Their work will be vital in transferring experiences and
lessons learned from the national to the regional levels and vice versa.
Each national specialist will be linked to the Lead Specialist of the respective Working
Group through the Project facility of the offices of the NPC and PERSGA Focal Points.
Tasks
Under the guidance of the PERSGA-based Lead Specialist and the National
Programme Co-ordinator/Focal Point, the National Specialist will, in general, perform the
following tasks:
· Facilitate the implementation of the SAP for the respective theme, providing
technical advice from the national perspective.
· Establish strong technical links to and actively participate in the respective
Working Group ensuring dual flow of scientific information between the national
and the regional elements of the SAP.
· Assist in organising and conducting national and regional workshops/training
programmes in the respective theme of the SAP.
· Assist in conducting training needs assessments, developing and implementing
training programmes specific to the country.
· Serve as a link with the Government implementing agency for the
theme/component and ensure mainstreaming of SAP activities into the work
programme of that agency.
Reporting
The National Specialist will report on parallel track to the National Programme Co-
ordinator and the Lead Specialist of the respective Working Group, in the following
manner:
· On a bi-monthly basis: A brief narrative report (maximum 2 pages) outlining the
work accomplished in the preceding period, an outline of the work expected to be
completed during the next progress reporting period and, if appropriate, comments
or recommendations relating to any unforeseen conditions which may affect the
progress or the quality of work. Distribution: NPC, PERSGA Focal Point, and
Lead Specialist for internal use only.
· On an annual basis: A consolidated report on work accomplished during the year,
to be included into the overall Annual Project Report and other Project reports.
Distribution: NPC, Lead Specialist and Focal Point.
110 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Ad hoc reporting: In his/her capacity as a specialist in the respective field, and in
addition to the above, the National Specialist may also be requested to prepare
technical papers/reports to be used for regional seminars and other meetings.
Qualifications Required
· Relevant B.S., M. Sc. or Ph.D. from an internationally recognised university in
marine sciences, coastal zone management and/or environmental sciences. In the
case of individuals participating in the Navigation WG, professional training and
experience in maritime affairs, navigation and/or marine pollution control is
required.
· Good communication and reporting skills.
· Ability to network with others and be an active member of a team of specialists.
· Ability to write reports and project management plans in English or in the case of
Djibouti in French.
· Willingness to participate in field activities/surveys and travel to remote areas
within the country.
· Fluency in English, Arabic and/or French.
Consideration
The National Specialist will work from his/her home base and preferably be located in
the Government implementing agency for that particular theme/component. The nature of
the work will not require recruitment on a full-time basis and contracts will be established
on an as-need basis for specific outputs, reports and documents to be produced. More
importantly, the Specialist will be offered unique training and networking opportunities
that will definitely increase self-capacities and experience arising from the association with
this Project.
National Specialists will be requested to join the following working groups (WG):
· Navigation WG.
· Sustainable Use of Living Marine Resources WG.
· Habitat/Wildlife WG.
· Marine Protected Areas WG.
· Coastal Zone Management WG.
· Public Awareness and Participation WG.
Project Implementation Plan 111
Annex A.
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Red
Sea and Gulf of Aden - Terms of Reference
A.13 NAVIGATION WORKING GROUP
The Navigation WG will be established to promote the safety of navigation and protection
of the marine environment, in a broad sense, within the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. It will
have a number of specific tasks to perform, as follows:
· Re-examine and, following discussion with national organisations and the relevant
IMO Committee, assist in implementing additional Traffic Separation Schemes
and routing measures proposed for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
· Review Port Regulations at each port in the Region to ensure the inclusion in these
rules of essential safety clauses, such as the requirement for anchors to be ready for
dropping from the time a vessel reaches the port approaches, to berthing, to final
departure from the port. Formulate `model' rules on safety for use by regional
ports.
· Review the need for and measures required to establish Vessel Traffic
Management Systems in the Region, in particular at the southern end of the Red
Sea, and for monitoring traffic in the central section of the Red Sea (following the
introduction of marine transponders on ships) in the Jeddah area.
· Verify the proposed Terms of Reference for the re-survey of waters and coastlines
in the Region and the areas to be surveyed, evaluate the results of the proposed
initial surveys and prepare recommendations on the need for new navigational
charts.
· Verify requirements for new navigational aids in the Region.
· Collate all relevant information on the current status of Maritime Conventions in
each country in the Region and determine what constraints each country faces in
ratifying these conventions, drawing on the experience of other regions of the
world to promote ratification of the main conventions relating to Port State Control
in the Region.
· Reconsider the need to establish a separate Memorandum of Understanding on
Port State Control within the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden; consider the advantages,
or otherwise, and the implications of, all states in the Region joining the Indian
Ocean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control; and reach agreement
on future actions. Review proposals for training Port State Control Officers to
international standards and establish reporting procedures in the Region. Arrange
for training and reporting to be implemented.
· Receive reports on serious maritime accidents within the Region, review the
circumstances leading to these and formulate methods of avoiding the repetition of
such accidents in future.
· Formulate regional Contingency Plans for Oil Spill Response, including
consideration of available expertise and equipment, identify shortfalls and define
methods of addressing the problems discovered.
112 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Formulate regional Search and Rescue plans, taking into account other initiatives
in the Indian Ocean region and drawing upon assistance from other concerned
organisations.
· Define the current situation relating to the requirements of the Global Maritime
Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) within the Region and implement these
requirements in terms of equipment and availability of skilled personnel.
ANNEX B. WORK PLAN
Insert work plan page 1
Insert work plan page 2
Insert Work plan page 3
Project Implementation Plan 117
ANNEX C. LIST OF CONTACT PERSONS
PERSGA SECRETARIAT
Dr. Nizar I. Tawfiq
Secretary General
PERSGA
P. O. Box 1358
Jeddah 21431, Saudi Arabia
Tel.: +966-2-651.9868
Fax: +966-2-657.0945
Dr. Friedhelm Krupp
Chief Technical Advisor
P. O. Box 1358
Jeddah 21431, Saudi Arabia
Tel./Fax: +966-2-651.4472
Dr. Dirar Nasr
Assistant Co-ordinator
PERSGA
P. O. Box 1358
Jeddah 21431, Saudi Arabia
Tel./Fax: +966-2-651.4472
DJIBOUTI
Mr. Mohammed Ali Mumen
Directeur
Département de l'Environnement
Ministère de l'Environnement
P.O. Box 2344
Djibouti
Tel.: +253-35.1559, 2801
Fax: +253-35.4837
EGYPT
Dr. Mohamed A. Fawzi
Head, Environmental Management Sector (EMS)
Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA)
30 Misr-Helwan Rd.
Maadi (nr. Maadi Sovotel)
Cairo 11728
Tel.: +20-2-3753441, 3750874, 3510970, 3757306
Fax: +20-2-3784285
118 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
JORDAN
Dr. Salih A. Al-Shara
Director General
General Corporation for the Protection of the Environment
P.O. Box 35206
Amman Jordan
Tel.: +962-6-673.149
Fax: +962-6-695.627
SAUDI ARABIA
Mr. Abdulwahab Dakkak
Director General of Natural Resources
Meteorology and Environmental Protection Administration (MEPA)
P. O. Box 1358
Jeddah 21431, Saudi Arabia
Tel./Fax: +966-2-651.7832
SUDAN
Prof. Dr. Yousif B. Abu Gideiri
Director, Institute of Environmental Studies
University of Khartoum,
P. O. Box 321
Khartoum, Sudan
Tel.: +249-11-780.993
Fax: +249-11-773.807
YEMEN
Dr. Hussein A. Al-Geneid
Secretary General
Environmental Protection Council
P. O. Box 19719
Sana'a, Yemen
Tel.: +967-1-264072
Fax: +967-1-264062
UNDP
Ms. Inger Andersen
Regional GEF Co-ordinator
Regional Bureau for Arab States
Room DC1-2238
UNDP, One UN Plaza
New York, N.Y. 10017, U.S.A.
Tel.: +1-212-906.6199
Fax: +1-212-906.5487
E-mail: ingera@undp.org
Project Implementation Plan 119
Dr. Abdul Majeid Haddad
Programme Co-ordinator
UNDP CO
P. O. Box 588
Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia
Tel.: +966-1-465.3022, 3157
Fax: +966-1-4652087
E-mail: a.majeid.haddad@undp.org
UNEP
Mr. Halifa O. Drammeh
Senior Environmental Affairs Officer Water Branch, UNEP
P. O. Box 47074
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel.: +254-2-624.278
Fax: +254-2-622.788
E-mail: ocapac@unep.org
WORLD BANK
Dr. Stephen F. Lintner
Environmental Advisor
Environment Department
The World Bank
1818 H Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20433, U.S.A.
Tel.: +1-202-473.2508
Fax: +1-202-522.0367
E-mail: slintner@worldbank.org
Project Implementation Plan 121
ANNEX D. STRATEGIC ACTION PROGRAMME FOR THE RED SEA AND GULF OF
ADEN
Executive Summary
Background
The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden contain some of the world's most important coastal and
marine environments and resources. There is a great variety of reef types in the Red Sea
with a structural complexity unmatched on Earth. The diversity of corals is greater than
anywhere else in the Indian Ocean, and the number of species that are confined to the Red
Sea and found nowhere else is extremely high. The Red Sea is one of the most important
repositories of marine biodiversity on a global scale and features a range of important
coastal habitats. The Gulf of Aden, one of the biologically least known branches of the
Indian Ocean, holds fishery resources of international importance. The Socotra
Archipelago contains unique aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and species, with limited
impact from human activities. The rich cultural heritage of the Region, especially in the
narrow coastal zone, includes large numbers of significant archaeological, historical and
sacred sites which are increasingly at risk from development pressure.
Although the Red Sea is still one of the least ecologically disturbed seas relative to other
enclosed water bodies, it is in increasing jeopardy. There is a growing risk of marine
pollution, and environmental degradation from rapidly expanding maritime activities.
Coastal habitat is being converted for urban and industrial development. Tourism and
recreation usage are rapidly expanding. In the Gulf of Aden the fisheries are under great
pressure from over-exploitation and illegal fishing, and there are reports of toxic waste
dumping by foreign vessels.
Goals and Objectives
In view of the environmental uniqueness of the coasts and waters of the Region, the threats
it is facing, and the necessity for actions, the preparation of the Strategic Action
Programme (SAP) for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden was initiated in October 1995. The
SAP process, co-ordinated by the Regional Organisation for the Conservation of the
Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA) is underway with support from
the countries of the Region, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) selected international
development institutions and donor organisations.
The SAP supports and facilitates the primary goal of PERSGA, which is the conservation
of the environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The aims of the SAP are to develop a
regional framework for the protection of the environment and the sustainable development
of coastal and marine resources. These aims are achieved by preventive and curative
actions.
The SAP is a significant process for reaching agreement concerning the environmental
trends, threats and priorities at a regional level. It is also a product in the form of an Action
Programme which provides a framework for continued co-operation in reaching short,
medium and long-term goals through a series of complementary actions at all levels. The
Programme outlined in the SAP focuses on both preventive and curative measures required
to maintain the rich and diverse coastal and marine resources of the Red Sea and Gulf of
122 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Aden. The SAP document will be implemented through a continuous, consultative and co-
operative process among the littoral countries.
The SAP Task Force
The development of the SAP has been overseen by an ongoing Task Force which includes
representatives of the PERSGA Secretariat and Member States, the Islamic Development
Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Bank. The Government of Eritrea has
also been invited to join the Task Force and to work as a partner in the SAP process. Under
the chairmanship of the Secretary General of PERSGA, the Task Force has developed and
supervised the work programme, reviewed the results of the programme, and provided
technical and administrative input. Four meetings of the Task Force have been held: in
Jeddah (October 1995), Amman (April 1996), Sana'a (January 1997), and Jeddah (May
1997). During the first meeting, the Task Force's Terms of Reference were compiled and
the work plan developed. The second meeting reviewed the technical progress and agreed
on the follow-up activities for the remaining stages of the SAP. The third and fourth
meetings focused on technical discussion of recent findings, the preparation of the final
report including recommendations, and associated projects.
Preparation of the SAP has been supported by regional studies on navigation and fisheries.
A Navigation Risk Assessment and Management Plan has been prepared to examine
regional, national and local issues. The Plan has been prepared with the support of a
Working Group of regional experts on maritime and port management, which has held
meetings in Egypt and Yemen. The regional study on living and marine resources has
assessed their current status and has been prepared with the support of a meeting of
regional experts held in Saudi Arabia.
Country Participation
The development of the SAP has been a collaborative process whereby national experts
have co-operated to produce reports which analyse environmental issues of regional,
national and local significance. National reports were prepared by all co-operating
countries and field surveys were conducted in countries where baseline data are limited. To
widen participation further and to facilitate consensus building, a pilot national workshop
was held in Jordan in August 1996 to review the country report. This was followed by a
series of national workshops in other countries to finalise the country reports and to
develop priority actions required by each country to address the environmental threats
identified.
The coastline of Eritrea occupies a considerable portion of the western Red Sea, and its
diverse range of marine habitats contains species unlike those found in the central and
northern Red Sea. For these reasons, Eritrea holds a significant place in the overall marine
biodiversity of the Red Sea and its participation in the SAP, as an active partner working
alongside the other states, is critically important. This will be facilitated through the
development of a strong and equal working partnership between the Government of Eritrea
and PERSGA. The Secretary General of PERSGA, through the assistance of UNDP, is
actively discussing the modalities for such a partnership with representatives of the
Government of Eritrea, so that the Programme will be a truly regional process which
reflects the needs of each country.
Project Implementation Plan 123
Regional Threats
The environment and resources of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are threatened by a
variety of human activities. The rate of population and economic growth in the coastal
zones of the Region has resulted in increased pressure on the environment, from dredging
and filling operations, from the disposal of domestic and industrial effluent, and from the
unsustainable use of freshwater resources. A major contributor to growth in the coastal
zone, and the consequent impacts, is the rapidly expanding tourism industry. Marine
resources are being exploited in a non-sustainable way and also illegally.
The global importance of petroleum and the resulting maritime traffic in the Red Sea and
Gulf of Aden pose a serious threat to the fragile coastal and marine environments. Routine
operational leaks and spills from production in the Gulf of Suez and the transport of oil
constitute the major source of marine pollution in the Region. At the same time, the
growing risk of oil traffic-related accidents creates a major demand for emergency
response combined with management skills to minimise risks and control major spills.
Emerging issues will need to be addressed in a preventive fashion.
These threats highlight the need for effective use of environmental management practices.
Most of the threats and impacts which have been identified can be prevented by proper
environmental planning and management, use of environmental assessments, and also
through the enforcement of appropriate regulations, most of which are already in place.
The SAP process has identified a number of major threats to the environment, and to the
coastal and marine resources of the Region:
WIDESPREAD HABITAT DESTRUCTION:
· Unplanned coastal development.
· Extensive dredging and filling.
· Destruction of coral reefs.
· Destruction of mangroves.
· Destruction of seagrass beds.
NON-SUSTAINABLE USE OF LIVING MARINE RESOURCES:
· Overfishing for local and export markets.
· Illegal shark fisheries for the East Asian shark fin market.
· Turtle exploitation and egg collection.
· Incidental capture of marine mammals in fishing nets.
NAVIGATION RISKS, PETROLEUM TRANSPORT AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTION:
· Extensive risk of ship collision and grounding in major traffic lanes
· Discharge of sewage from vessels.
· Ship discharge of solid waste.
124 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Oil spills from exploration, production, and transport.
IMPACTS OF URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT:
· Excessive use of surface and groundwater resources.
· Destruction of coastal and marine habitats during construction.
· Discharge of partially treated and untreated municipal wastewater.
· Industrial pollution.
· Hazardous wastes.
· Cooling water discharge.
· Waste oil disposal.
RAPID EXPANSION OF COASTAL TOURISM:
· Surface and groundwater extraction.
· Destruction of coastal and marine habitats during construction.
· Inadequate sewage and solid waste disposal.
· Disturbance to wildlife and habitats by tourists.
· Illegal collection of corals and molluscs for souvenir trade.
OTHER CONCERNS:
· Illegal disposal of toxic substances by foreign vessels in the Gulf of Aden.
· Sedimentation from agriculture and grazing in some locations.
· Risks from pesticides and fertilisers in some locations.
EMERGING ISSUES:
· Development of free zones.
· Improperly managed expansion of small and medium industries.
· Exploitation of offshore mineral deposits.
· Shrimp and fish farming.
· Ornamental fish collecting.
Actions to Address Regional Threats
Many of the threats which have been identified are related to a lack of planning and
management of development in the coastal zone, limited use of environmental assessment
procedures in making investment decisions, and the inadequate enforcement of existing
laws. Living marine resources need to be managed effectively so that their long-term
sustainable use is assured. Reducing the risks of navigation accidents will eliminate an
additional threat to the marine environment. The management of coastal tourism and
increased public awareness about the value of the marine environment will promote habitat
and resource conservation. Areas in which management is hampered by a lack of
Project Implementation Plan 125
information can be addressed by appropriate applied research. The SAP process has
identified the following actions to address these threats:
ENHANCING GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT AND PUBLIC AWARENESS:
· Long-term high level commitment to protection of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
· Ratification of MARPOL Convention.
· Development and implementation of regional programme for environmental
awareness.
IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, MANAGEMENT, AND ENFORCEMENT:
· Strengthening the capacity for planning and management.
· Strengthening the capacity for coastal zone management.
· Strengthening the capacity for environmental assessment.
· Strengthening the capacity for enforcement of existing regulations.
· Strengthening regional environmental information systems through the
standardisation and updating of databases, including those maintained on
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to facilitate data exchange.
PROMOTING HABITAT CONSERVATION:
· Effectively implementing coastal zone management programmes.
· Development of a regional network of marine protected areas.
· Development of conservation and management programmes for coral reefs.
· Development of conservation and management programmes for mangroves.
· Development of conservation and management programmes for seagrass beds.
· Development of conservation and management programmes for coastal wetlands.
· Rehabilitation of mangrove stands.
MANAGING LIVING MARINE RESOURCES:
· Stock assessment programme for the development of a fisheries management
strategy.
· Development and implementation of a management programme for shark fishery.
· Development of a regional research and management programme on coral reefs.
· Development and implementation of a programme for marine turtle conservation.
· Development and implementation of a programme for marine mammal
conservation.
· Development and implementation of a programme for seabird conservation.
· Strengthening the enforcement capacity for existing fisheries regulations.
126 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
· Development and implementation of environmental guidelines for fish and shrimp
farming.
· Development of mechanisms for controlling the collection of corals and molluscs.
REDUCING NAVIGATION RISKS AND OIL SPILLS:
· Adoption and implementation of Port State Control.
· Development and implementation of regional and sub-regional vessel traffic
system.
· Upgrading existing marine navigation aids in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
· Upgrading existing navigation aids in narrow passage areas and high risk areas.
· Development and implementation of a regional oil spill contingency plan.
· Preparation or upgrading of national oil spill contingency plans.
· Upgrading of existing Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centres and the
establishment of similar facilities in other sub-regions.
REDUCING IMPACTS FROM URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT:
· Improving urban and industrial planning.
· Improving coastal zone management.
· Routine use of environmental assessment.
· Development of control mechanisms for construction work, dredging and
reclamation.
· Increased priority for management of surface and groundwater resources.
· Strengthening the capacity to manage municipal wastewater and industrial
effluents.
· Strengthening the capacity to manage solid and hazardous waste.
· Conservation of the cultural heritage of the coastal zone.
· Environmentally sound development of free zones.
· Environmentally sound development of small and medium industries.
· Development of regional environmental guidelines for the development of non-
petroleum offshore mineral deposits.
IMPROVING MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL TOURISM:
· Development of control mechanisms for construction work, dredging and
reclamation.
· Strengthening the capacity to manage wastewater discharge from coastal resorts.
· Development of mechanisms to prevent the over-exploitation of fish and shellfish
for tourist consumption.
Project Implementation Plan 127
· Enforcement of existing regulations prohibiting the collection of corals, molluscs,
and other marine life.
· Development of awareness programmes to reduce disturbance to wildlife and
habitats by tourists.
· Proper site selection and planning for tourism developments.
· Establishing reasonable capacity limits for tourism developments.
PROMOTING APPLIED RESEARCH:
· Preparation and dissemination of a species identification guide for fishery purposes
and environmental management.
· Strengthening the capacity for applied research and monitoring.
· Strengthening of environmental laboratory capacity.
· Biodiversity studies and species inventories.
The SAP: A Framework for Action
The Strategic Action Programme process provides a framework and a mechanism to
enhance regional environmental management through a series of complementary policy,
institutional strengthening and investment actions. The product will be the Strategic Action
Programme, which will be supported by projects designed to address the identified issues.
These projects will be implemented on a short, medium and long-term basis according to
the nature of the issue being addressed. The SAP may be periodically updated to reflect
progress in implementation and to identify new measures to address emerging issues or
unanticipated events. It is envisaged that the process will not end with the completion of
the initial SAP document, but will continue through further co-operation between the Task
Force and PERSGA, with the Task Force acting as an advisory body to PERSGA. The
process will also continue through the establishment of Working Groups at the Regional
and Sub-Regional level, whose function will be to address transboundary issues. National
Working Groups will also be established to deal with the implementation of projects and
activities at the national and local levels.
Project Implementation Plan 129
ANNEX E. TRANSBOUNDARY ANALYSIS
Table 1. Transboundary Analysis Thematic Issues on a SubRegional Basis
THEMATIC ISSUES
Gulf of Gulf of North and South Red Gulf of Socotra
Suez
Aqaba Central
Sea & Bab- Aden
Archipelago
Red Sea
al-Mandab
A. Management of Marine
** *** ***
**
*** ***
Protected Areas (MPAs)
1. Establish a system of MPAs
2. Strengthen understanding and experience in principles of MPAs
3. Support stakeholder involvement in planning and implementation
4. Facilitate the mobilization of resources from international and domestic sources
B. Sustainable Use of Living
*** ** **
***
*** **
Marine Resources
1. Avoid and mitigate coastal impacts from current and proposed shrimp and fish farming
2. Improve regional data on transboundary stocks
3. Address regulation of exploitation of high profile species (including sharks & lobster)
3. Reduce threats to marine turtles, seabirds and marine mammals
4. Strengthen surveillance and enforcement mechanisms for existing fisheries
5. Support regional cooperation in management of shared stocks
C. Reduction of Navigation
*** *** **
***
** *
Risks and Marine Pollution
1. Continuation of PERSGA Navigation Working Group
2. Implementation of International Conventions and adoption of Port State control measures
3. Development of improved traffic separation schemes and other routing systems in coordination
with IMO
4. Development and implementation of SubRegional Vessel Traffic Systems for Gulf of Suez, Gulf
of Aqaba and Bab-al-Mandab
5. Establishment of a radio communications network to support Global Maritime Distress and Safety
Systems (GMDSS)
6. Upgrading of existing maritime navigation aids in Main Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba and Bab-al-
Mandab
=not applicable
* =important
=requires action
** =very important
=requires priority action
*** =extremely important
130 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Table 1. Transboundary Analysis Thematic Issues on a SubRegional Basis
THEMATIC ISSUES
Gulf of Gulf of North and South Red Gulf of Socotra
Suez
Aqaba Central
Sea & Bab- Aden
Archipelago
Red Sea
al-Mandab
D. Emergency Management
*** ** **
***
** *
1. Development and implementation of a Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan
2. Development of a SubRegional System for Emergency Mutual Aid Centers
3. Expand system of SubRegional Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centers by establishing the
planned center at Hurghada, in Egypt
4. Strengthen existing SubRegional Marine Emergency Aid Center in Djibouti
E. Environmental Education ** ** ***
***
*** ***
Public Awareness and
Participation
1. Support for training and public awareness in resource use
2. Increase awareness and priority within existing government structure
3. Increase expertise within countries for environmental education
4. Increase participation of community groups
5. Increase emphasis on environmental education and awareness in school curriculum
6. Increase financial resources for community groups concerned with the environment
=not applicable
* =important
=requires action
** =very important
=requires priority action
*** =extremely important
Project Implementation Plan 131
Table 2. Transboundary Analysis Common Concerns on a SubRegional Basis
COMMON CONCERNS
Gulf of Gulf of North and South Red
Gulf
Socotra
Suez
Aqaba
Central
Sea & Bab-
of
Archipelago
Red Sea
al-Mandab
Aden
A. Habitat Destruction *** *** ***
***
* *
1. Coastal development
2. Beach mining and quarrying
3. Mangrove destruction
4. Destruction of seagrass beds and other subtidal habitats
5. Physical damage to coral reefs
6. Damage to coral reefs by visitors
B. Living Marine Resources ***
***
**
***
***
**
1. Current and potential overfishing of finfish for local and export markets
2. Capture of sharks for shark fin market, frequently in areas beyond territorial waters
3. Current and potential overfishing of shrimp and lobster for export markets
4. Current and potential overfishing of sea cucumber for export markets
5. Turtle capture and egg collection by local fishermen and communities; sale of shells to tourists
and for export
6. Collection of corals and mollusks for souvenir trade
7. Ornamental fish collection for export
8. Conservation of marine mammals (especially dugong)
9. Spearfishing
10. Shrimp and fish farming
C. Navigation Risks ***
***
**
***
*
*
1. Review current navigation charts, conduct hydrographic resurveys and prepare updated charts
in vicinity of major ports
2. Expanded use of emergency anchors
3. Expanded use of harbor tugs
=not applicable
* =important
=requires action
** =very important
=requires priority action
*** =extremely important
132 Strategic Action Programme for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Table 2. Transboundary Analysis Common Concerns on a SubRegional Basis
COMMON CONCERNS
Gulf of Gulf of North and South Red
Gulf
Socotra
Suez
Aqaba
Central
Sea & Bab-
of
Archipelago
Red Sea
al-Mandab
Aden
D. Emergency
** ** **
**
* *
Management
1. Update or prepare National and Local Oil Spill Contingency Plans
E. Oil and Gas
*** *** **
***
** n.a.
Development
1. Use of environmental management practices in oil and gas development, including major
pipelines and marine terminals
F. Industrial Activities ***
*** **
**
* n.a.
1. Surface and groundwater use
2. Industrial Pollution
G. Urban and Tourism
*** *** *
*
* *
Development
1. Surface and groundwater use
2. Disposal of solid waste
3. Tourism Development
H. Special Concerns * * **
**
***
*
1. Illegal disposal of harmful substances
2. Sedimentation from agriculture and grazing
3. Discharge of pesticides and fertilizers
=not applicable
* =important
=requires action
** =very important
=requires priority action
*** =extremely important