United Nations
UNEP/GEF South China Sea
Global Environment
Environment Programme
Project
Facility
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends
in the
South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand
REPORT
Eighth Meeting of the Regional Working Group for
the Coral Reefs Sub-component
Phu Quoc Island, Viet Nam, 4th 7th June 2007
__________________________________________________________________________________
UNEP/GEF
Bangkok, June 2007
First published in Thailand in 2007 by the United Nations Environment Programme.
Copyright © 2007, United Nations Environment Programme
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For citation purposes this document may be cited as:
UNEP, 2007. Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South China Sea and Gulf of
Thailand. Report of the Eighth Meeting of the Regional Working Group on Coral Reefs. UNEP/GEF/
SCS/RWG-CR.8/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Table of Contents
1. OPENING OF THE MEETING ......................................................................................................1
1.1 WELCOME ADDRESS ON BEHALF OF UNEP .............................................................................. 1
1.2 OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PHU QUOC DISTRICT GOVERNMENT....... 1
1.3 INTRODUCTION OF PARTICIPANTS ............................................................................................ 1
2. ORGANISATION OF THE MEETING ........................................................................................... 2
2.1 ELECTION OF OFFICERS .......................................................................................................... 2
2.2 DOCUMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS .......................................................... 2
3. ADOPTION OF THE MEETING AGENDA.................................................................................... 2
4. STATUS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS FOR 2006: PROGRESS REPORTS;
EXPENDITURE REPORTS; AND AUDIT REPORTS................................................................... 2
5. STATUS OF THE SUBSTANTIVE OUTPUTS.............................................................................. 4
5.1 PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL REPORTS IN NATIONAL LANGUAGES AND ENGLISH ............................ 4
5.2 STATUS OF FINALISATION, ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ACTION PLANS..... 4
5.3 UPDATE OF THE REGIONAL META-DATABASE AND GIS DATABASE, AND USE OF THE PROJECT
WEBSITE................................................................................................................................ 5
6. REVIEW OF THE TRAINING COURSE ON CORAL REEF AND SEAGRASS MANAGEMENT . 6
6.1 STATUS OF PREPARATION OF AND MATERIALS FOR THE TRAINING COURSE................................. 6
6.2 ORGANISATION OF, AND SUPPORT TO THE NATIONAL ECHO-SEMINARS........................................ 7
7. PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION AND MID-TERM EVALUATION OF THE
DEMONSTRATION SITE ACTIVITIES ......................................................................................... 7
7.1 BELITUNG, INDONESIA DR. SUHARSONO ................................................................................ 7
7.2 MASINLOC, PHILIPPINES DR. PORFIRIO ALIÑO ........................................................................ 8
7.3 KOH CHANG, THAILAND DR. THAMASAK YEEMIN..................................................................... 8
7.4 PHU QUOC, VIET NAM MR. NGUYEN VAN LONG ..................................................................... 9
7.5 NINH HAI MSP, VIET NAM MR. NGUYEN VAN LONG................................................................ 9
8. FINALISATION OF THE REGIONAL STRATEGIC ACTION PROGRAMME (SAP).................. 10
8.1 FINALISATION OF INPUTS FROM THE REGIONAL WORKING GROUP ON CORAL REEFS TO THE
REVISED SAP ...................................................................................................................... 10
8.2 NATIONAL WORKSHOP TO CONSIDER THE REVISED SAP......................................................... 11
9. CONSIDERATION OF THE TOTAL ECONOMIC VALUES FOR CORAL REEFS
DETERMINED BY THE REGIONAL TASK FORCE ON ECONOMIC VALUATION AND THE
OUTCOMES OF THE COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF ACTIONS DETAILED IN THE SAP ..... 11
10. PREPARATION FOR THE THIRD REGIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE AND
MAYORS' ROUNDTABLE.......................................................................................................... 12
11. WORK PLAN AND ACTIVITIES OF THE REGIONAL WORKING GROUP ON
CORAL REEFS .......................................................................................................................... 13
11.1 WORK PLAN FOR 2007 2008 .............................................................................................. 13
11.2 MAINTENANCE OF THE NETWORK AND PROJECT BENEFITS AFTER JUNE 2008 ........................... 13
12. DATE AND PLACE OF THE NINTH MEETING OF THE REGIONAL WORKING GROUP
ON CORAL REEFS .................................................................................................................... 14
13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS............................................................................................................ 14
14. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE MEETING .................................................................... 14
15. CLOSURE OF THE MEETING ................................................................................................... 14
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
List of Annexes
ANNEX 1
List of Participants.
ANNEX 2
List of Documents.
ANNEX 3
Agenda.
ANNEX 4
Revised Parameters for inclusion in the Coral Reef Sub-component of the
Regional GIS Database.
ANNEX 5
Revised Programme for the "UNEP-GEF-SCS Regional Training Course on
Management Models and Strategies for Coral Reefs and Seagrass" and Details
of the Proposed National Echo-seminars.
ANNEX 6
The Revised Coral Reefs Component of the SAP as Amended by the RWG-CR-8.
ANNEX 7
Revised Format for the Collection of Data and Information on Economic Value
of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea.
ANNEX 8
Framework Work Plan and Time Table for Coral Reef Sub-component to
31st December 2008.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Page 1
Report of the Meeting
1.
OPENING OF THE MEETING
1.1
Welcome Address on behalf of UNEP
1.1.1 Dr. Vo Si Tuan, Senior Expert opened the meeting, at 0830 on 4th June 2007, and welcomed
participants on behalf of the UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of UNEP, Dr. Achim
Steiner; the Deputy Executive Director of UNEP, and Officer-in-Charge of the UNEP Division of
Global Environment Facility Co-ordination, Mr. Shafqat Kakakhel; and the Project Director, Dr. John
C. Pernetta.
1.1.2 Dr. Tuan noted that there were a number of important items of business before the group,
including the need to review the Total Economic Values for coral reefs calculated by the Regional
Task Force on Economic Valuation (RTF-E) and to consider the cost benefit analysis that would be
included in the next draft of the regional Strategic Action Programme. In addition the meeting would
need to consider plans at the national level to adopt the National Action Plans and to review the
Strategic Action Programme.
1.1.3 A further important item on the agenda was the consideration of plans for the conduct of the
regional training course and national echo-seminars on coral reefs and seagrass. Dr. Tuan noted that
since it was likely that some costs would be associated with support by the Specialised Executing
Agencies to the conduct of these national echo seminars it would be necessary to revise the budgets
and extend the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the Specialised Executing Agencies
and UNEP.
1.1.4 Dr. Tuan noted that this meeting was original y scheduled as the last during this phase of the
project but the Project Steering Committee had allocated funds for a further meeting during 2008
should the need arise. He noted further that the Working Group would need to decide whether or not
there was sufficient business to warrant convening a ninth meeting in the first half of 2008.
1.1.5 Dr. Tuan noted with pleasure that the Chairman of the Phu Quoc District People's Committee,
Dr. Thai Thanh Luom had taken time from his busy schedule to attend the opening session of the
meeting and to say a few words on behalf of Phu Quoc's People's Committee. He invited Dr. Luom to
address the meeting.
1.2
Opening Statement by the Representative of the Phu Quoc District Government
1.2.1 Dr. Luom, Chairman of the Phu Quoc District People's Committee formally welcomed
participants to Phu Quoc Island and to the meeting. He noted that Phu Quoc District had been
identified by the Government of Viet Nam as an important tourism destination. He expressed thanks
to UNEP, the GEF and the South China Sea Project for their support, both technical and financial, to
the activities of the Phu Quoc Habitat Demonstration Site.
1.2.2 He noted that important outcomes from the implementation of demonstration activities at Phu
Quoc had been: procedures for the monitoring of water quality and the ecological health of the
island's coral reef and seagrass communities; a management framework for the implementation of
activities; and increased community awareness of the importance of coral reefs and seagrass. He
expressed his view that that these outcomes would play an important role in the long-term
sustainability of tourism and fisheries in the area.
1.2.3 In conclusion Dr. Luom wished the meeting all success and on behalf of the Phu Quoc District
Government, and expressed the hope that participants would be able to visit the Phu Quoc
Demonstration Site and would enjoy their stay on Phu Quoc Island.
1.3 Introduction
of
Participants
1.3.1 Members noted that the Regional Expert, Dr. Ridzwan Bin Abdul Rahman and the Focal Point
from Malaysia, Mr. Abdul Rahim Bin Gor Yaman were unable to attend the meeting. Dr. Tuan invited
participants to introduce themselves to the meeting and the List of Participants is attached as Annex 1
to this report.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Page 2
2.
ORGANISATION OF THE MEETING
2.1 Election
of
Officers
2.1.1 Members recalled that during the sixth meeting in Masinloc, Philippines, 22nd 25th August
2005; Dr. Thamasak Yeemin, Dr. Porfirio Aliño and Mr. Rahim were elected as Chairperson,
Vice-Chairperson and Rapporteur respectively. Dr. Suharsono, Mr. Nguyen Van Long, and Mr. Ouk
Vibol were elected as Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Rapporteur respectively at the seventh
meeting in Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia, 10th 13th July 2006.
2.1.2 Dr. Tuan reminded members that the Rules of Procedure state that, the Regional Working
Group shall elect, from amongst the members, a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Rapporteur to
serve for one year, and that the rules state further that, officers shall be eligible for re-election no more
than once.
2.1.3 The Senior Expert called for nominations of individuals as officers of the Regional Working
Group on Coral Reefs. Mr. Vibol proposed and Dr. Suharsono seconded the election of Mr. Long as
Chairperson. Dr. Aliño nominated Dr. Suharsono as Vice-Chairperson and this nomination was
seconded by Mr. Vibol. Dr. Thamasak nominated Mr. Vibol as Rapportuer. There being no further
nominations, the officers were elected by acclamation.
2.2 Documentation
and
Administrative
Arrangements
2.2.1 The Chairperson invited the Secretary, Mr. Christopher Paterson, to introduce the
documentation available to the meeting and listed in document UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/Inf.2.
Mr. Paterson introduced each document in detail and highlighted the main substantive items for
consideration and decision by the working group, including the latest draft of the Strategic Action
Programme, and documents relating to the Total Economic Values of coral reefs as calculated by the
RTF-E. Members were invited to table any additional materials and the list of documents is contained
in Annex 2 of this report.
2.2.2 Mr. Paterson introduced the draft programme for the conduct of business contained in
document UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/Inf.3. Members noted that as usual the meeting would be
conducted in English and in plenary.
3.
ADOPTION OF THE MEETING AGENDA
3.1
Mr. Long, the Chairperson introduced the Provisional Agenda prepared by the Project
Co-ordinating Unit (PCU) as document UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/1, and the Annotated Provisional
Agenda, document UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/2, and invited members to consider the agenda, and
propose any amendments or additional items for consideration.
3.2
There being no proposals for amendment or additions to the agenda it was adopted as it
appears in Annex 3 of this report.
4.
STATUS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS FOR 2006: PROGRESS REPORTS;
EXPENDITURE REPORTS; AND AUDIT REPORTS
4.1
The Chairperson invited the Senior Expert to introduce document UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-
CR.8/4, "Current status of budgets and reports from the Specialised Executing Agencies in the
participating countries" and to draw to the attention of the meeting any outstanding issues or matters
requiring the attention of the working group.
4.2
Dr. Tuan noted that all members are fully aware of the progress and financial reporting
requirements of the project. He reminded members that these reports are critical for the review of
expenditures in relation to project activities and outputs and to evaluate the extent, to which, agreed
government co-financing has been provided in cash and in kind by the SEA concerned. Members
recalled that the Project Director approves cash advances to the Specialised Executing Agencies of
the project on the basis of the receipt of: a six monthly progress report; an expenditure report for the
preceding six month period; a cash advance request for the next period; and the substantive outputs
received from the agency concerned. He reminded members further that the required contents of six
monthly progress and expenditure reports had been discussed at length during the seventh meeting
and that a summary of their deliberations was included in Annex 4 of the report of that meeting.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Page 3
4.3
Dr. Tuan noted that all six-monthly administrative reports for the 2nd half-year of 2006 should
have been sent to the PCU by 31st January 2007. He informed the meeting that only Cambodia had
met this deadline, and that final reports have subsequently been received from Philippines, Thailand,
and Viet Nam. He noted that no reports have been received from Malaysia for the operational phase
of the project and it had now reached the stage where action must be taken for funds to be returned
to UNEP. He advised the member from Indonesia that the PCU had commented on draft progress
reports and that minimal work was required to finalise these.
4.4
In relation to the status of reporting for the demonstration sites it was noted that final reports
had only been received for the Masinloc and Koh Chang Demonstration Sites. Dr. Tuan informed
members that the total cash on hand held by the demonstration sites was 258,134 US dollars and that
there was an urgent need for the members from Indonesia and Viet Nam to finalise their reporting
requirements.
4.5
Mr. Long noted that the demonstration site manager for the Phu Quoc site had sent first drafts
of the reports to him that morning and that it should be possible to finalise these by the end of June
2007. Dr. Tuan suggested that Mr. Long sit with the site manager during the course of the meeting to
finalise the reports by Thursday 7th June 2007. Dr. Suharsono agreed that final reports relating to the
Belitung demonstration site would be sent to the PCU by Friday 15th June 2007.
4.6
Dr. Tuan reminded participants that in addition to the routine six monthly progress and
expenditure reports, UNEP requires an annual audit of expenditures by a recognised firm of public
accountants. He noted that these reports should be dispatched to UNEP by 31st March for the
previous year. He noted that audit reports were required from Cambodia, Malaysia, and the
Philippines.
4.7
Mr. Vibol noted that the auditors had previously expressed reservations regarding the
absence of individual project accounts in the Fisheries Administration of Cambodia making it difficult
to track individual project related income and expenditure. He explained that the establishment of
individual project accounts was a lengthy and difficult process, and to avoid this, the Fisheries
Administration had recently engaged a new auditing firm that could audit their single current account
according to individual sources of income and projects. He stated that an audit report would be sent to
the PCU by the end of June 2007. Dr. Aliño noted that an audit report for the Philippines was sent to
the PCU in the week prior to the meeting. Dr. Tuan reminded Dr. Aliño that an audit report was also
required for the Masinloc habitat demonstration site.
4.8
In relation to the co-financing of project activities, Dr. Tuan reminded members that at the
time of project approval by the Project Steering Committee an estimate of the in-kind co-financing
provided by the Specialised Executing Agencies during the preparatory phase of the project (January
2002 to June 2004) was made based on an agreed cost coefficient (70 US dollars per person per
day). He reminded members further that during the fourth meeting of the Project Steering Committee,
estimates of in-kind co-financing for the operational phase of the project were discussed and agreed
and subsequently presented to and considered by the 6th meeting of the RWG-Coral Reefs.
4.9
Dr. Tuan noted that the in-kind government co-financing of the coral reefs sub-component
had exceeded the estimated total by 55,073 US dollars during the period January 2002 December
2006. He explained however, that government co-financing of activities associated with national
co-ordination had not increased as anticipated and the group should consider this in relation to the
longer-term sustainability of national coral reef committees or working groups.
4.10
In terms of the sustainability of national co-ordination activities, Mr. Vibol noted that following
the adoption of Cambodia's National Action Plan on Coral Reefs and Seagrass he had secured
funding of 70,000 US dollars from DFID/DANIDA for the implementation of activities. He noted that he
hoped to receive some funds from the Royal Government of Cambodia for maintaining co-ordination
structures established under the South China Sea Project. Dr. Thamasak noted that he is working to
convince Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) to provide funds for
regular meetings of the National Committee on Coral Reefs.
4.11
Dr. Suharsono informed the meeting that his Institute has many coral reef projects and
programmes in Indonesia. He noted that funds from these projects could be used to convene regular
meetings of the Indonesian coral reef working group. Mr. Long noted that the situation is similar in
Viet Nam in that funds could be sourced from a variety of donors for the establishment of a national
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Page 4
system of Marine Protected Areas. He explained that these funds could be used to sustain national
co-ordination beyond the life of the project.
4.12
Dr. Aliño noted that the sustainability of the Philippines' national coral reef and seagrass
working groups had been discussed at the national level. He explained that securing funds for
national co-ordination activities was difficult in the Philippines, largely due to the high turn over of
senior officials in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
4.13
Professor Chou Loke Ming noted that each country would likely rely on different sources of
funds to maintain the sustainability of national committees and working groups. He suggested that it is
important to note that, regardless of the availability of funding the networks of experts established
under the South China Sea Project will continue to exist following the completion of the project and
can be revitalised at any stage as soon as funds are available.
4.14 With regard to the Memoranda of Understanding, Dr. Tuan reminded members that the
original MoUs ran until December 2003, and were extended till 30th June 2004 (first amendment), to
allow time to complete the preparatory phase tasks, that had been delayed. He explained that a
second amendment to extend the life of the MoUs to 30th June 2007 was drafted following approval by
the Project Steering Committee of budgets for the remaining period of the project. He noted that all
2nd MoU amendments have been signed by UNEP and the SEAs for the coral reefs component,
except for Malaysia, since the final signed expenditure reports have not been received and
consequently no budget revision can be processed.
4.15
Dr. Tuan explained further that in order that the SEAs may continue to spend funds allocated
to them to date, and in accordance with the decisions of the Project Steering Committee to extend the
project activities to 30th June 2008 it is proposed that a third amendment to the MoUs be executed
with the sole purpose of extending the life of the Memoranda to 31st December 2008. He noted that
the draft amendments had been prepared by the PCU, and that these should be finalised during the
course of the meeting.
5.
STATUS OF THE SUBSTANTIVE OUTPUTS
5.1
Publication of National Reports in National Languages and English
5.1.1 The Chairperson invited Dr. Tuan to present the document UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/5
"Status of the Substantive Outputs from the Specialised Executing Agencies for the Coral Reef
Sub-component of the UNEP/GEF South China Sea Project" and to highlight the situation with
respect to national publications received by the PCU.
5.1.2 Dr. Tuan reminded participants that National reports on coral reefs were supposed to have
been published in National languages by the Focal Points for distribution in each country during 2004.
He noted that a number of national language reports have been published and submitted to the PCU
from all countries, except Malaysia. Dr. Thamasak noted that the Thai national report had been
recently finalised and tabled a published copy of this report for consideration of the meeting.
Dr. Suharsono noted that the National Action Plan for Indonesia had been sent to the PCU during the
week prior to the meeting.
5.1.3 Dr. Tuan informed the meeting that the National reports in English had been compiled into a
single regional publication. He noted that this compilation would hopefully be published by September
2007. Dr. Tuan reminded members that images were required for inclusion in this publication, and it
was agreed that members would send images with captions to the PCU by the end of June 2007.
5.2
Status of Finalisation, Adoption and Implementation of the National Action Plans
5.2.1 Dr. Tuan reminded member that the deadlines for the completion of final draft National Action
Plans (NAPs) for Coral Reefs in each participating country are contained in the work plan approved by
the seventh meeting of the working group. He noted that draft NAPs had been received from all
countries, except Malaysia, and informed the meeting that the National Action Plan for Coral Reef and
Seagrass Management in Cambodia, (2005 2015) was finalised and adopted by the Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on 5th December 2006. Members were invited to present any
further revisions completed to date and to report in detail the situation with regard to the timetable for
the finalisation, publication, and formal approval of these plans.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Page 5
5.2.2 Dr. Suharsono noted that the "National Policy, Strategies, Programmes, Action Plans and
Activities of Coral Reef Management in Indonesia" had been adopted. This plan will be extended from
2009 to 2015. He explained that this plan focuses on 12 districts, 3 of which are in the South China
Sea geographic region. He noted that this plan has 3 phases: implementation; internalisation of costs
of actions into the recurrent budgets of local governments; and ensuring the long-term sustainability of
actions. The plan is now in the second phase of internalisation. The Senior Expert noted that the
document regarding the adoption of the National Action Plan and approval of implementation plan at 3
districts bordering the South China Sea should be submitted to the PCU immediately following the
meeting.
5.2.3 Dr. Aliño noted that he had submitted to the PCU in 2006 an extract from the Philippine
National Coral Reef Strategy (NCRS) that includes the Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives for a
National Action Plan for Coral Reefs in the South China Sea. He noted further that he had also
submitted a matrix of actions under the NAP and their associated costs. He informed the meeting that
the Philippines' National Technical Working Group (NTWG) had discussed the integration of NAPs for
all habitat components into a single NAP for the Philippines. He noted that the NTWG had scheduled
a meeting for October to 2007 to discuss this matter further.
5.2.4 Dr. Thamasak informed the meeting that the adoption of Thailand's NAP for coral reefs had
been delayed due to an unanticipated change of Government in September 2006. He noted that the
NAP had since been submitted the Deputy Director of the Department of Marine and Coastal
Resources and expressed the hope that the plan would be adopted this year. He informed the
meeting that Thailand had also considered the integration of all habitat NAPs into a single plan, but
due to delays with the completion of NAPs for other components it was likely that the coral reef NAP
would adopted by cabinet first. Mr. Long expressed his hope that Viet Nam's coral reef NAP would be
approved by the Minister in combination with NAPs for other components before the end of 2007.
5.2.5 Mr. Vibol expressed his appreciation of the efforts of the group in assisting in the initial design
of Cambodia's coral reef NAP. He noted that the Fisheries Administration of Cambodia had planned a
range of public awareness building activities aimed at increasing community support for coral reef and
seagrass management. These activities include inter alia the installation of permanent billboards,
posters, and new fisheries law dissemination at strategic locations along Cambodia's coast.
5.2.6 There followed a lengthy discussion regarding the problems most members faced in
achieving Ministerial approval of their NAPs. It was noted that the Regional Scientific and Technical
Committee and Project Steering Committee may wish to discuss how the formal adoption of NAPs
can be expedited. Professor Chou suggested that information regarding the economic values of coral
reef goods and services could be used to raise awareness amongst senior government officials of the
importance of effective coral reef management.
5.3
Update of the Regional Meta-database and GIS Database, and Use of the Project
Website
5.3.1 Dr. Tuan reminded members that it is their responsibility to ensure that new coral reef related
GIS and metadata sets are submitted to the Project Co-ordinating Unit as soon as they become
available at the national level. He also reviewed the agreements made during the seventh meeting
regarding the revision and up-dating of national data for inclusion in the regional databases on-line.
5.3.2 Dr. Tuan drew the attention of members to Table 2 of document UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-
CR.8/5, which presented information regarding the submission and uploading of meta-data and GIS
data to the regional databases. He noted that all countries except Malaysia had taken action to revise
and update their respective components of the regional meta-database, and that only Thailand and
Viet Nam had submitted new or additional GIS data following the seventh meeting of the RWG-CR.
Dr. Suharsono tabled a CD containing GIS data for coral reefs in Indonesian waters of the South
China Sea. It was agreed that Mr. Paterson would work with Mr. Vibol to ensure that the coral reef,
seagrass, and fisheries meta-data for Cambodia are split into their respective components of the
regional meta-database.
5.3.3 Dr. Tuan noted that he had reviewed the coral reef component of the South China Sea GIS
and identified that limited data appeared to be available for numerous fields in the database. He
suggested and the meeting agreed that the group should collectively review the database in order to
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Page 6
identify data fields for which data will not likely become available for in the foreseeable future. There
followed a lengthy discussion regarding data availability in the participating countries and the working
group agreed that the parameters shown in Annex 4 of this report should be included in the coral reef
component of the regional GIS database. Each member of the working group agreed to contribute
new or additional data to the regional meta-database and GIS by the end of September 2007.
5.3.4 Regarding the use of the project website to improve intersessional communication between
members of the RWG-CR, Dr. Tuan noted that it was agreed during the seventh meeting that the
group would utilise the South China Sea E-forum to discuss the issue of Napolean wrasse which had
recently been added to the CITES appendix. He informed the meeting that following the
establishment of this e-forum topic in July 2006, no member of the working group provided any
message or response.
5.3.5 There followed a lengthy discussion regarding the non-use of the e-forum by members of the
working group. The Chairperson suggested, and the meeting agreed, that members had simply not
paid sufficient attention to this tool and their commitments made during the seventh meeting. It was
agreed that all members would endeavour to improve their use of the e-forum during 2007. The 2
topics proposed for discussion on the e-forum were "Threats to Coral Reef Species Nominated for
Inclusion in Annex 1 of CITES" and "Availability of Statistics for Use in Managing High Value Coral
Reef Species". It was agreed that Mr. Paterson would establish these topics and ensure that all
members were registered to receive e-mail notifications each time a new message is posted in either
of the above discussions.
5.3.6 Members were reminded that each coral reef demonstration site has its own page on the
project website, and it was noted by Dr. Tuan that a relatively high percentage of the approximate
20,000 visitors to the project website each month visit these pages. Members agreed that the website
is an effective tool for the promotion of activities at the site level. Dr. Tuan noted further that staff of
the Mu Koh Chang Coral Reef Demonstration had recently posted information on the project website
regarding activities to establish a local guide centre and investigation of alternative livelihoods,
including eco-tourism. Members agreed that they would work with the managers of their respective
demonstration sites to update information regarding the implementation of their sites online.
5.3.7 With regard to ensuring the sustainability of the project databases following the conclusion of
the project, Mr. Paterson noted that the project website, meta-database, GIS, and projects database
had been designed to enable the remote updating of content and data by focal points via a secure
online login. He suggested that that the sustainability of these tools would ultimately depend on
contributions from individuals involved in the generation of information and data.
5.3.8 Dr. Aliño and Professor Chou suggested that there will be a need for individuals to
co-ordinate the contributions of new and additional data to the databases at both the national and
regional levels. In this connection, Dr. Tuan informed the meeting that the RSTC had recommended
during their seventh meeting that an IT workshop be convened during 2007 regarding the further
development and sustainability of the project website and associated databases.
5.3.9 In terms of the sustainability of the coral reef databases, Dr. Aliño noted for example that the
"Reefs at Risk" workshop convened in the Philippines was not expensive and suggested a similar
forum could be developed to guide the compilation of information and data regarding coral reefs in the
South China Sea. Dr. Aliño noted that an annual 1 page summary of priority information and data
needs for each of the databases may help focus the efforts of focal points and individuals at the
demonstration site level.
5.3.10 Professor Chou suggested and the meeting agreed that it may be useful to prepare a regular
synthesis of data contained in the coral reefs component of the regional GIS. He noted that this could
be used to evaluate the effectiveness of management interventions, and if possible could be linked to
the regional Strategic Action Programme.
6.
REVIEW OF THE TRAINING COURSE ON CORAL REEF AND SEAGRASS
MANAGEMENT
6.1
Status of Preparation of and Materials for the Training Course
6.1.1 Members were reminded that the RSTC had decided to offer a combined course covering the
management of both coral reef and seagrass habitats and that the Marine Science Institute of the
University of the Philippines (MSI) had agreed to conduct a training course entitled "UNEP-GEF-SCS
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
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Training Course on Management Models and Strategies for Coral Reef and Seagrass Ecosystems". It
was noted that original y this had been planned to be conducted from 9th 21st April 2007, but the
dates have been changed to 29th October 10th November 2007.
6.1.2 The Chairperson invited Dr. Aliño to introduce the syllabus and programme for the regional
training workshop. Dr. Aliño outlined plans for the conduct of the course and informed members that it
was scheduled to last for 12 days and that MSI had attempted to involve a wide range of individuals
from the South China Sea Project network as resource persons, and expressed the hope that some
members of the RWG-CR might be available to contribute to the operation of the course.
Dr. Thamasak was identified as a possible resource person given that Professor Chou will not be
available during the training course. The working group then proceeded to review and comment on
the syllabus and programme and the final programme is included in Annex 5 of this report.
6.2
Organisation of, and support to the National Echo-seminars
6.2.1 Members were reminded that trainees attending the regional training course are expected to
conduct "National Echo-Seminars" over a 1 to 3 days period following the completion of the regional
training course, and that the Specialised Executing Agencies and the Focal Points for the
corresponding sub-component of the project are expected to provide logistic support.
6.2.2 There followed a discussion of the purpose, timing, numbers of participants, and location of
the national echo-seminars. Members proceeded to develop proposals for the national echo-seminars
and the information presented was compiled in tabular form and is included in Annex 5 of this report.
It was agreed that members would work on the preparation of the necessary budgets in order that
these could be included in the amended budget for the third amendment to the Memoranda of
Understanding. It was agreed that members would finalise these amendments for signature prior to
the completion of the meeting.
7.
PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION AND MID-TERM EVALUATION OF THE
DEMONSTRATION SITE ACTIVITIES
7.1
Belitung, Indonesia Dr. Suharsono
7.1.1 The Chairperson invited the Senior Expert to introduce this agenda item. Dr. Tuan reminded
members that, not only do the Focal Points have responsibility for periodically reporting on the status
of coral reef habitat demonstration sites to the RWG-CR, but also, the RWG-CR has a col ective
responsibility to ensure successful implementation of demonstration site activities through the
provision of oversight and guidance. Dr. Tuan noted that the PCU had requested focal points to
prepare written reports of the progress in the implementation and achievements to date of the
demonstration sites in advance of the meeting. It was noted that reports had been received for the
Phu Quoc (UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/6-PQ), Ninh Hai (UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/6-NH), and
Belitung (UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/6-Mas) demonstration sites. Dr. Thamasak tabled the report
for the Mu Koh Chang demonstration site (UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/6-KC).
7.1.2 Dr. Tuan informed the meeting that following the plan for the mid-term evaluation of the
demonstration sites approved by the RSTC, the self-assessment reports, PCU reviews, and site visits
had been completed for the Koh Chang, Phu Quoc, and Belitung demonstration sites. He noted that
in the case of Masinloc, the self-assessment report and PCU review have been finalised and the site
visit will take place in late June 2007.
7.1.3 The Chairperson invited the relevant focal points to make presentations regarding the status
of activities in the coral reef demonstration sites. Dr. Tuan noted that these presentations will be
lodged on the project website, once received by the PCU, and focal points are requested to highlight
any lessons learned to date.
7.1.4 Dr. Suharsono noted that in terms of enhancing community awareness of the need for
improved management of coral reef resources, the Belitung Coral Reef site had recently produced a
range of awareness raising materials including: 4 billboards; 400 calendars; 1000 t-shirts; and 7
series of mulok books (including training of 47 teachers on how to use the books). A meeting to
officially launch the project at the community level was convened on 7th February and was participated
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
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in by approximately 30 persons from Tanjung Pandan and 170 persons from Selat Nasik Sub District.
An important outcome of this meeting was an instruction from the local Bupati to the people of Selat
Nasik Sub District to participate in activities aimed at protecting coral reefs in the area.
7.1.5 In terms of strengthening the legal basis for coral reef management in Belitung,
Dr. Suharsono reported that the demonstration site management board comprised of representatives
of the Education, Tourism, Marine Affairs, and Environment Departments of Belitung Regency had
been established and met on a quarterly basis. He also noted that 20 reef watch personnel had been
trained and 2 vessels had been constructed in order to begin reef watch cruises in June 2007. With
regard to improving information for decision making and planning, as well as management plan
development, Dr. Suharsono noted that a socio-economic survey had been conducted and that
community representatives of Selat Nasik Sub District had participated in a training course from
26th 31st March 2007 on the assessment and calculation of coral cover on reefs.
7.1.6 Dr. Tuan noted that the implementation of project activities at Belitung were extremely
delayed and as a consequence only 18.4 percent of the budget for the demonstration site had been
spent to date. He noted that the mid-term evaluation identified several important outcomes and
examples of good practice, including the effectiveness of the Management Board in improving
coordination and communication between stakeholders, and the use of the traditional wisdom in the
management of coral reef resources. Professor Chou noted that there is an urgent need for the
Belitung site to revise its budget and work plan in order to ensure the timely implementation of
activities.
7.2 Masinloc,
Philippines
Dr. Porfirio Aliño
7.2.1 Dr. Aliño's report on the progress and achievements in the implementation of the Masinloc
Coral Reef Demonstration Site focused on the milestones, and activities under each of the four
project objectives. Highlights included: the establishment of 3 new marine sanctuaries through
Barangay Ordinances adopted through Sangguniang Bayan Resolutions; installation of 49 mooring
buoys to delineate the boundaries of the marine sanctuaries and the buffer zones and reservation
areas; formulation of 3 Marine Protected Area Management Plans and 1 Coastal Resources
Management and Zonation Plan; establishment of 1 livelihood centre to provide incentives to reef
stewards; and stocking of a total of 6,700 sea cucumber (Stichopus horrens and Holothuria scabra) in
three pens.
7.2.2 Dr. Aliño reported that the key process related outcomes at the site include: establishment of
a Coastal Resource Management Board; formulation and adoption of Marine Protected Area
Management Plans by the Protected Area Management Board; management of 199 hectares of
marine sanctuaries; 80 hectares of reserve and buffer zones of Marine Protected Area managed for
regulated and traditional fishing; and an approximate 20 percent reduction of illegal fishing at the site.
In terms of expenditures, Dr. Aliño noted that the site has only been able to spend 62.54 percent of
the total cash advances received. Dr. Tuan noted that his evaluation of activities at the Masinloc
demonstration site suggested that there was a need to consider the effectiveness of the small-scale
sanctuaries.
7.3 Koh
Chang,
Thailand
Dr. Thamasak Yeemin
7.3.1 Dr. Thamasak's presentation focused on the outcomes and impacts of activities at the Mu
Koh Chang Habitat Demonstration Site. In relation to improving public awareness of the need for
improved coral reef management at the site, Dr. Thamasak noted that notice boards, brochures, and
posters were erected and distributed at strategic sites on the island. A training course on the
sustainable use of marine ecosystems was also conducted for local students, tour guides, and tourism
operators. This has led to improved operating practices by tour operators and the dissemination of
information via local radio.
7.3.2 In terms of improving networking between agencies, Dr. Thamasak noted that a network for
the co-ordination of activities between Mu Koh Chang National Park and local communities had been
established. A mooring buoy committee for the management of all mooring buoys in the Mu Koh
Chang area had also been established. Dr. Thamasak noted that this committee is responsible for the
setting and maintenance of mooring buoys at the island, and fosters close cooperation with local
fishers and government agencies. Anecdotal information suggests that illegal fishing in the area has
decreased as a result of this action.
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7.3.3 In relation to the sustainable tourism development at Mu Koh Chang, Dr. Thamasak noted
that a range of studies on the carrying capacity and impacts of tourism activities have been conducted
within the framework of the demonstration site. He noted further that snorkel trails and underwater
notes have been installed in the Koh Yak area and that this has resulted in a reduction of the risk of
damage to coral reefs from tourists. Ten new mooring buoys were installed at popular dive sites within
Mu Koh Chang National Park with an aim of reducing the damage to sensitive coral reef areas from
anchors. Other important outputs include the completion of a study on tourism fees and establishment
of a local guide centre.
7.3.4 A range of capacity building activities at the demonstration site have also been completed,
including the provision of a training course for coral reef protection volunteers. Seven individuals from
local communities were trained as trainers on coral reef ecology and management. With regard to
coral reef rehabilitation at the island, Dr. Thamasak noted that demonstration sites for coral reef
restoration had been established in the Koh Wai and Koh Rang areas.
7.3.5 Dr. Tuan noted that the Mu Koh Chang demonstration site has several examples of good
practices to be documented, including the operation of the mooring buoy committee, the local guide
centre, and operation of the management board. He noted that the management board recently
decided to develop a coral reef management plan for Mu Koh Chang.
7.4
Phu Quoc, Viet Nam Mr. Nguyen Van Long
7.4.1 Mr. Long's presentation focused on the outcomes and impacts associated with the
implementation of activities at the Phu Quoc Island Demonstration Site to date. He noted that a key
outcome was the effective operation of the various management bodies for the site, including the
Steering Committee, Management Board, and Advisory Group in co-ordinating project activities. He
noted that these bodies had played a significant role in the development of provincial policy for marine
ecotourism, the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, and the Phu Quoc Marine Protected Area. He noted
that the project has also driven enhanced co-operation with Cambodian partners in the exchange of
expertise, the sharing of information, and environmental and natural resource management in the
transboundary water areas.
7.4.2 Mr. Long noted that the data collected from the demonstration sites had been used by the
Ministry of Fisheries as a basis for the establishment of the Phu Quoc MPA. He noted that both the
seagrass and coral reef sub-sites of the Phu Quoc Demonstration Site had been included in this MPA
which extends along the eastern coast of the island. He noted that the Phu Quoc MPA is a multiple
use area, and that the demonstration site management team was working with the fisheries
component of the UNEP/GEF Project in Viet Nam, and the Department of Science and Technology of
Kien Giang Province to improve the management of fisheries issues in the site via the establishment
of managed fisheries refugia.
7.4.3 Dr. Tuan noted that progress in the implementation of activities at the site appeared to have
lagged following the PCU evaluation of the site in February 2007. He urged the focal point for Viet
Nam to ensure that activities are implemented in accordance with the work plan agreed with the PCU.
7.5
Ninh Hai MSP, Viet Nam Mr. Nguyen Van Long
7.5.1 Mr. Long informed the meeting that the Ninh Hai site had been selected as the location for a
Medium-Sized Coral Reef Project within the framework of the South China Sea Project. He noted that
to date the proposal for this site had not yet been approved and as such no funds had been made
available to the site from the GEF.
7.5.2 Mr. Long noted that although the project document has not been signed yet, some activities
have been implemented by local government departments, including the Department of Science and
Technology and the Sub-Department of Fishery Protection. These activities have mainly focused on
improving public awareness, building local community capacity for coral reef conservation, use of
community volunteers for coral reef monitoring, and the establishment of a GIS database for
management purposes.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Page 10
7.5.3 Dr. Tuan noted that he was pleased to be able to inform the meeting that following
discussions between UNEP and the GEF Secretariat regarding the stalled pipeline of projects, the
seven MSPs developed under the project have now been re-pipelined for funding in GEF Phase IV
(i.e. after July 1st 2006). He noted that for two sites, namely the East Bintan (seagrass) and Shantou
(wetlands) sites, funds would hopefully be released during 2007.
7.5.4 Mr. Long suggested that the PCU support a study tour for representatives of the Ninh Hai
MSP and Cu Lao Cham self-funded project. Dr. Tuan recommended that Mr. Long prepare a proposal
for consideration by the PCU.
8. FINALISATION
OF
THE
REGIONAL
STRATEGIC ACTION PROGRAMME (SAP)
8.1
Finalisation of Inputs from the Regional Working Group on Coral Reefs to the Revised
SAP
8.1.1 The Chairperson invited Dr. Tuan to introduce this agenda item and the draft revision of the
Strategic Action Programme presented in document UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/7 "Revised Draft
Strategic Action Programme (Draft 2)". Dr. Tuan advised members that this document had been
modified on the basis of inputs from the seventh RSTC and sixth PSC meetings. He suggested that
the working group should review the contents of this draft in the light of the inputs from other working
groups in particular to consider whether or not the proposed actions and associated costs, are in
conformity with those proposed by the remaining habitat working groups.
8.1.2 Professor Chou noted that approximately 30 percent of the target area to be added for
management by 2015 is located in Malaysian waters. He expressed his concern that the non-
participation of the Malaysian focal point in the meetings of the RWG-CR may present a risk to the
achievement of the targets for the coral reef component of the SAP. Dr. Tuan informed the meeting
that Mr. Rahim had advised him that all coral reef Marine Parks in Malaysia had been identified as
priority management areas by the Government of Malaysia, and that several International donors
have provided financial support for the management of these sites.
8.1.3 Dr. Tuan noted that there were several anomalies with the area of coral reef under existing
management and the target area to be added for management in Cambodia by 2015. It was noted
that the two Cambodian sites "Koh Sdach" and "Koh Rong" had been included as currently managed
sites when in fact they were tentative MPAs. It was agreed that these two sites would be included in
the target area to be added for management by 2015. Mr. Vibol suggested that Koh Tang (439ha),
Koh Pouh (53ha), and 50 percent of the Prek Ampil site (476.5ha) should also be added to the total
area to be brought under management by 2015. It was noted that this would result in an increase in
the total area to be added for management by 2015 to 1,965.5ha, and the total area to be brought
under management to 2,258.5ha.
8.1.4 Dr. Aliño suggested that the Balabac coral reef site (2,500ha) be added to the list of sites to
be brought under management. He stated that the Balabac site will be developed as an
Environmental Critical Protection Zone under the Palawan Strategic Environmental Plan. The addition
of this site and changes to the Cambodian plan necessitated revision of Target 1 of the coral reef
component the Strategic Action Programme as follows:
Target 1. By 2015, at least 70% of the existing area of coral reefs in the 83 target coral
reef sites (153,000ha) to be put under an appropriate form of sustainable management.
8.1.5 It was agreed that the text of paragraph 7 of the coral reef sub-component of the Strategic
Action Programme should be revised as fol ows:
Table 2 presents general status of coral reef management in the South China Sea
geographic region of the six countries based on information assembled for 83 individual
coral reef areas. The area of coral reefs in the 83 target coral reef sites is 217,407ha
(29% of the total area in the South China Sea), of which 100,243ha (13% of the total
area) is under management at the present time. In term of management effectiveness
only around 5% of this area is considered as being under successful management. For
29% of the sites management effectiveness is considered low, whilst around 13% is not
under any form of management. The area to be added to the total area managed
sustainably by the year 2015 is 53,577ha, thereby increasing the total area under
sustainable management to 153,820ha which represents 20% of the total reef area of
the South China Sea or 71% of the area of the target sites.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Page 11
8.1.6 The group then proceeded to review regional actions and proposed costs for the coral reef
component of the SAP. The coral reefs component of the SAP as amended by the RWG-CR is
included in Annex 6 of this report.
8.2
National Workshop to Consider the Revised SAP
8.2.1 Members were reminded by the Senior Expert that National Workshops to consider the
regional Strategic Action Programme (SAP) were planned to be convened by the Focal Ministries
during 2007 under the responsibility of the National Technical Focal Points. Dr. Tuan noted that coral
reef focal points should ensure that discussions of the NAPs were completed and the outcome of
these discussions, were incorporated into national discussions of the SAP.
8.2.2 Members were requested to brief the working group on plans for any workshops covering the
Strategic Action Programme of which they were aware. No member was aware of plans to convene
national workshops to consider the Strategic Action Programme. Mr. Vibol noted that he had been
advised that the National Technical Focal Point for Cambodia had sent a proposal to the PCU for the
conduct of a national SAP workshop.
8.2.3 Dr. Thamasak informed the meeting that responsibility for the day-to-day co-ordination of
South China Sea Project activities in Thailand had recently been transferred to the Biodiversity Unit of
the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning and that this may be a cause
of delay in the development of plans for the SAP workshop. In the case of Viet Nam, Mr. Long noted
that he would follow this up with the National Technical Focal Point immediately after the meeting.
9.
CONSIDERATION OF THE TOTAL ECONOMIC VALUES FOR CORAL REEFS
DETERMINED BY THE REGIONAL TASK FORCE ON ECONOMIC VALUATION AND
THE OUTCOMES OF THE COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF ACTIONS DETAILED IN THE
SAP
9.1
The Chairperson invited the Senior Expert, Dr. Tuan, to introduce document
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/8 "Total Economic Values of Coral Reef Habitats and Cost-effectiveness
of the Actions Proposed in the Strategic Action Programme". Dr. Tuan noted that this document
contained the outcome of extensive work by the Regional Task Force on Economic Valuation during
the last two meetings in January and March 2007. It was noted that in the January meeting
considerable time had been spent on cleaning the empirical dataset.
9.2
Dr. Tuan proceeded to outline the procedure for the calculation of national and regional
weighted values. He noted that the RTF-E had faced problems in determining how data sets from
different locations bordering the South China Sea and from different periods in time could be compiled
into a single data set and that the first major challenge was developing a procedure for standardising
national values.
9.3
It was noted that document UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/8 provided a clear explanation of
how the task force addressed the problem of wide variation in prices within one country by weighting
the data from each location and determining a "Weighted Mean National Value" that reflected both the
prices for the same resource at each location and the "stock" of that resource at the same location.
Dr. Tuan advised the group that full details of this method are contained in the various reports of the
regional task force.
9.4
Dr. Tuan informed the meeting that the document highlights that determination of regionally
weighted mean values was undertaken in a similar manner using data and information concerning the
total stock (or area) in each country and the Weighted Mean National Values. Thus the weighted
mean national value was multiplied by the stock for each country and the resultant values summed;
then divided by the total stock (or area) of the habitat bordering the South China Sea.
9.5
Dr. Tuan informed the meeting that following the determination of standard mean national and
regional values for coral reef goods and services, the total economic value of coral reef ecosystems,
had been calculated and a cost benefit analysis of the actions proposed in the regional SAP
conducted. It was noted that in broad terms the total costs over five years were quite modest when
compared with the value of annual production from each habitat:
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Page 12
· Mangroves 2.99 million US dollars compared with 5.1 billion US dollars of annual
production;
· Coral reefs 3.96 million US dollars compared with 1.1 billion US dollars of annual
production;
· Seagrass 1.58 million US dollars compared with 87.2 million US dollars of annual
production;
·
Wetlands 5.99 million US dollars (14 million dollars of national costs excluded) compared
with 1.2 billion dollars of annual production.
9.6
Members were requested to: review the values for the goods and services used by the RTF-E
in determining national and regional standard values and the resultant national and regional Total
Economic Values and advise on any obvious anomalies; and to consider and discuss the outcome of
the cost-benefit analysis and in particular review the estimated costs to ensure that they were both
realistic and reasonable in light of the calculated economic benefits.
9.7
Members noted that values for various coral reef goods and services were lacking for many
countries resulting in low national and regional Total Economic Values. Dr. Tuan reminded members
of their deliberations during the sixth meeting of the RWG-CR regarding the table format for the
collection of economic valuation data, and their commitments during the seventh meeting to provide
data on economic values from the demonstration sites to the PCU by 7th August 2006.
9.8
Dr. Aliño noted that several studies have been conducted in the Philippines and was unsure
why they had not been included in the empirical dataset. It was noted that in cleaning the empirical
dataset the RTF-E had excluded datasets for which incomplete data was available or for which
production or value data could not be related to a specific area. This was followed by a lengthy
discussion of why such limited data had been made available for the coral reef component, and it was
concluded that generally there is a need for improved collaboration between habitat component focal
points and members of the RTF-E.
9.9
In relation to the valuation of capture fisheries production, Dr. Aliño noted that it is often
difficult to link fisheries landings to a known area of coral reef. He noted that this is made more
complex by the fact that fisheries departments often group landings into categories such as "demersal
fish" when collecting production data making it impossible to determine what proportion of the
landings are coral reef dependent species.
9.10 It was noted that one of the potential benefits of collecting information and data at the
demonstration site level was that such problems may be more easily avoided. It was agreed that more
complete economic value data would be collected from the demonstration sites and that the members
would submit this to the PCU by 10th September 2007. The meeting developed a table for the
collection of economic value data which is included in Annex 7 of this report.
9.11
Professor Chou suggested that the RSTC may wish to consider that the value of coral reef
ecosystem services may be much higher than those for direct uses, but due to the fact that there have
been very few studies conducted on the value of coral reef ecosystem services the Total Economic
Values for coral reefs may be gross under-estimates.
10.
PREPARATION FOR THE THIRD REGIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE AND MAYORS'
ROUNDTABLE
10.1
The Chairperson invited Dr. Tuan to introduce this agenda item. Dr. Tuan informed members
that the sixth meeting of the PSC had agreed that the third Regional Scientific Conference (RSC)
should be convened in Bangkok from 14th to 16th November 2007, and that the third Mayors' Round
Table (MRT) should be convened in conjunction with it.
10.2
He noted that the group might wish to consider topics related to the coral reef demonstration
sites that are worthy of presentation during the MRT, and topics related to coral reefs in the South
China Sea representing outcomes of the project that could be presented during the RSC. The
members preceded to discus ideas regarding the relationship between the MRT and RSC. It was
agreed that if possible an opportunity should be made available to the group to meet during the RSC.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Page 13
10.3
There followed an extensive discussion during which the following topics were identified for
possible presentation during the MRT:
· Information for the management of tourism at Mu Koh Chang, Thailand
(Dr. Thamasak/Mr. Nipat Somkleeb);
· Linkages between fisheries and habitats in the development of fisheries refugia in the
Phu Quoc demonstration site (Dr. Tuan); and
·
Traditional wisdom and its integration into management planning at Belitung
(Dr. Suharsono).
10.4
The following coral reef related topics were proposed for presentation during the third RSC:
·
Coral reef based tourism in the Mu Koh Chang Demonstration Site (Dr. Thamasak);
·
Network of Marine Sanctuaries in Masinloc demonstration site (Dr. Aliño/Melen);
· Transboundary ecosystem management in the Kampot and Phu Quoc Demonstration
Sites (Mr. Vibol/Mr. Ponna/Mr. Niem);
· Sound science inputs for coral reef management decision in the South China Sea
(Dr. Aliño);
· Data and information at coral reef sites bordering the South China Sea (Mr. Long); and
· Process for the development of the National Action Plan for Coral Reefs and Seagrass in
the Kingdom of Cambodia (Mr. Vibol).
10.5
Members agreed that additional topics would be sent to the PCU by 15th June 2007.
11.
WORK PLAN AND ACTIVITIES OF THE REGIONAL WORKING GROUP ON CORAL
REEFS
11.1
Work Plan for 2007 2008
11.1.1 Based on the discussion and agreements reached under previous agenda items, the work
plan presented in document UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/9 "Draft Work Plan and Timetable for the
Regional Working Group on Coral Reefs, 2007 to 2008" was discussed, amended and approved as it
appears in Annex 8 of this report.
11.2
Maintenance of the Network and Project Benefits after June 2008
11.2.1 The Chairperson invited members to raise for discussion any plans that might be in hand to
continue the work of the project beyond June 2008 at both national and regional levels in order to
sustain any tangible benefits arising from participation in the project.
11.2.2 Dr. Aliño noted that there were many other existing projects that the work of the RWG-CR
could complement or be built into. He noted that PEMSEA had a range of ongoing initiatives in the
region that the RWG-CR could potentially become involved with in order to maintain the network of
coral reef specialists established through this project. He noted that in his view the transaction costs
associated with maintaining the coral reef network under the project were minimal and the group
could explore ways to fund this during the third Regional Scientific Conference in November 2007.
11.2.3 Dr. Chou noted that as suggested at agenda item 4 that it is important to note that, regardless
of the availability of funding the networks of experts established under the South China Sea Project
will continue to exist following the completion of the project and can be revitalised at any stage as
soon as funds are available. He also noted that the group may wish to consider the development of a
collaborative mechanism in the framework of the Asia-Pacific Coral Reef Society.
11.2.4 It was suggested by Dr. Tuan that in the absence of funding the group may wish to consider
developing a voluntary scheme in which individual members assume responsibility for stimulating
collaboration on an annual basis. He noted that this could be effective in ensuring the continued
development of the regional databases and the sharing of information about site specific management
interventions. Members noted that a voluntary model had been successful in the framework of the
Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. It was agreed that Professor Chou will be the facilitator for the
first year, and representatives from the participating countries will continue this task in alphabetical
order from Cambodia to Viet Nam on an annual basis.
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12.
DATE AND PLACE OF THE NINTH MEETING OF THE REGIONAL WORKING GROUP ON
CORAL REEFS
12.1
The Chairperson invited members to consider whether or not a ninth meeting should be
convened during the first half of 2008, or whether the present meeting should be taken as the final
meeting for this phase of the project. It was noted by Dr. Tuan that in order to justify the convening of
another meeting in 2008 it would be necessary to discuss and agree upon the substantive items to be
considered during such a meeting.
12.2
Members discussed possible items for inclusion on the agenda of a ninth meeting and agreed
that the following topics, inter alia should be included on the agenda:
·
Economic valuation data from the habitat demonstration sites;
·
Progress in relation to the implementation of coral reef demonstration site activities;
·
Implementation of the National Action Plans; and
·
Status of the coral reef components of the regional databases.
12.3
Members recalled that meetings of the RWG-CR have been held successively in: Bangkok,
Thailand and Sihanoukville, Cambodia in 2002; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and Guangzhou, China in
2003; Koh Chang, Thailand in 2004; Masinloc, Philippines in 2005; Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia in 2006,
and Phu Quoc, Viet Nam in 2007. Members noted further that the ninth meeting will likely be the last
of the group under the current project, and that the PSC has directed that meetings of the regional
working groups be convened at the demonstration sites.
12.4
Dr. Suharsono offered to host the next meeting of the group in Indonesia and the working
group accepted this kind offer with appreciation. Due to the difficulties associated with travel to the
Belitung coral reef demonstration site, it was agreed that the PCU would liaise with Dr. Suharsono
regarding the most suitable location in Indonesia for the ninth meeting. There followed a discussion of
potential dates and it was agreed that the meeting would be convened from 22nd 25th April 2008.
13. ANY
OTHER
BUSINESS
13.1
The Chairperson invited members to raise any other matters that required discussion by the
regional working group under this agenda item.
13.2
Professor Chou suggested that the working group give some consideration to the procedures
to set-up the exchange of personnel and the conduct of study tours at the demonstration sites.
Dr. Tuan reviewed previous deliberations of the working group in this regard and indicated that focal
points should work with demonstration site managers to develop proposals for these activities. He
noted that focal points should discuss these proposals with their National Technical Focal Points and
PCU staff.
14.
ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE MEETING
14.1 The Rapporteur, Mr. Vibol presented the draft report of the meeting, which was considered,
amended and adopted as it appears in this document.
15.
CLOSURE OF THE MEETING
15.1
Dr. Tuan noted that the group had worked hard to successively conclude all business and
were able to enjoy a visit to the Phu Quoc demonstration site. Thanked the Chairman of the People's
Committee for his support, as well as representatives of the Department of Natural Resources and
Environment of Kien Giang Province, and other relevant agencies. On behalf of the Project Director
he thanked members for their hard work and continued support to the project. He wished everyone a
safe trip to their home countries and thanked the Programme Assistant, Khun Unchalee for her
support to the meeting.
15.2
Mr. Vibol thanked Mr. Long for his support in organising the meeting. Mr. Long thanked
Mr. Niem and the representatives of Hon Thom Commune for their assistance in organising the field
trip and members for their hard work during the course of the meeting. Expressed a special thank you
to the regional expert, Professor Chou for his guidance and advice. Thanked UNEP, in particular
Khun Unchalee.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 1
Page 1
ANNEX 1
List of Participants
Focal Points
Cambodia
Indonesia
Mr. Ouk Vibol
Dr. Suharsono
Deputy Chief of Fishery Conservation
Puslit OSEANOGRAFILIPI
Fisheries Administration
Head of Research Center for Oceanography - LIPI
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries
Pasir Putih 1 Ancol Timur
186 Norodom Boulevard
Jakarta UTARA, Indonesia
PO Box 582, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel:
(62 21) 64712287; 3143080 ext. 102
Tel: (855 23) 216 244
Mobile: (62) 0811 904806
Mobile: (855) 12 836 376
Fax:
(62 21) 6471 1948; (681 948); 327958
Fax: (855 23) 221 485
E-mail: shar@indo.net.id; director-co@indo.net.id
E-mail: aims1@online.com.kh
yos103@yahoo.com
Philippines
Thailand
Dr. Porfirio M. Aliño
Dr. Thamasak Yeemin
Marine Science Institute
Marine Biodiversity Research Group
University of the Philippines
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science
Diliman, Quezon City 1101
Ramkhamhaeng University
Philippines
Huamark, Bangkapi
Bangkok 10240, Thailand
Tel: (632) 922 3949; 922 3921
Mobile: (63) 917 838 7042
Tel: (66 2) 3108415
Fax: (632) 924 7678
Fax: (66 2) 310 8415; 319 4358
E-mail: pmalino@upmsi.ph;
E-mail: thamsakyeemin@yahoo.com
pmalino2002@yahoo.com
Viet Nam
Mr. Nguyen Van Long
Master of Marine Biology and Deputy Head
Department of Marine Living Resources
Institute of Oceanography
01 Cau Da Street
Nha Trang City, Viet Nam
Tel:
(84 58) 590 205
Fax:
(84 58) 590 034
E-mail: nvanlong@dng.vnn.vn
Expert Members
Prof. Dr. Chou Loke Ming
Department of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore
Faulty of Science
14 Science Drive 4
Singapore 117543
Tel: (65) 6516 2696
Mobile: (65) 9734 9863
Fax: (65) 6779 2486
E-mail: dbsclm@nus.edu.sg
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 1
Page 2
Observers
Ms. Makamas Sutthacheep, Researcher
Marine Biodiversity Research Group
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science
Ramkhamkaeng University
Huamark, Bangkapi
Bangkok 10240, Thailand
Tel: (66 2) 310 8415
Fax: (66 2) 310 8415; 319 4358
E-mail: msutthacheep@yahoo.com
Project Co-ordinating Unit Member
Dr. Vo Si Tuan, Senior Expert
UNEP/GEF Project Co-ordinating Unit
United Nations Environment Programme
United Nations Building, 2nd Floor, Block B
Rajdamnern Nok Avenue
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Tel:
(66 2) 288 2084
Fax:
(66 2) 288 1094
E-mail: vo@un.org
Project Co-ordinating Unit
Mr. Christopher Paterson, Expert-Fisheries
Ms. Unchalee Pernetta, Programme Assistant
UNEP/GEF Project Co-ordinating Unit
UNEP/GEF Project Co-ordinating Unit
United Nations Environment Programme
United Nations Environment Programme
United Nations Building, 2nd Floor, Block B
United Nations Building, 2nd Floor, Block B
Rajdamnern Nok Avenue
Rajdamnern Nok Avenue
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Tel:
(66 2) 288 1116
Tel:
(66 2) 288 1670
Fax:
(66 2) 288 1094
Fax:
(66 2) 288 1094
E-mail: patersonc@un.org
E-mail: kattachan.unescap@un.org
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 2
Page 1
ANNEX 2
List of Documents
Discussion documents
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/1 Agenda.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/2 Annotated
Agenda.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Report of the Meeting.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/4
Current Status of Budgets and Administration Reports from
the Specialised Executing Agencies in the Participating
Countries.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/5
Status of the Substantive Outputs from the Specialised
Executing Agencies for the Coral Reef Sub-component of
the UNEP/GEF South China Sea Project.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/6-Bel
Report of the Progress in the Implementation and
Achievements to Date of the Belitung Demonstration Site.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/6-Mas
Report of the Progress in the Implementation and
Achievements to Date of the Masinloc Demonstration Site.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/6-KC
Report of the Progress in the Implementation and
Achievements to Date of the Koh Chang Demonstration Site.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/6-PQ
Report of the Progress in the Implementation and
Achievements to Date of the Phu Quoc Demonstration Site.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/6-NH
Report of the Progress in the Approval and Implementation
of the Ninh Hai Demonstration Site.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/7
Revised Draft Strategic Action Programme (draft 1).
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/8
Total Economic Values of Coral Reef Habitats and Cost-
effectiveness of the Actions Proposed in the Strategic Action
Programme.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/9
Draft Work Plan and Timetable for the Regional Working
Group on Coral Reefs, 2007 to 2008.
Information documents
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-M.8/Inf.1 List
of
Participants.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-M.8/Inf.2
List of Documents.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-M.8/Inf.3 Programme.
The following documents are supplied in published form.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RTF-E.7/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Seventh
Meeting of the Regional Task Force on Economic Valuation.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RTF-E.7/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RTF-E.6/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Sixth Meeting
of the Regional Task Force on Economic Valuation.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RTF-E.6/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/PSC.6/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Sixth Meeting
of the Project Steering Committee. UNEP/GEF/SCS/
PSC.6/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 2
Page 2
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RSTC.7/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Seventh
Meeting of the Regional Scientific and Technical Committee.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RSTC.7/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-F.8/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Eighth
Meeting of the Regional Working Group on the Fisheries
Component. UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-F.8/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RTF-L.5/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Fifth Meeting
of the Regional Task Force on Legal Matters. UNEP/GEF/
SCS/RTF-L.5/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-M.7/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Seventh
Meeting of the Regional Working Group on the Mangroves
Sub-component. UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-M.7/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RTF-E.5/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Fifth Meeting
of the Regional Task Force on Economic Valuation.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RTF-E.5/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-LbP.7/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Seventh
Meeting of the Regional Working Group on the Land-based
Pollution Component. UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-LbP.7/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-SG.7/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Seventh
Meeting of the Regional Working Group on the Seagrass
Sub-component. UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-SG.7/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.7/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Seventh
Meeting of the Regional Working Group on the Coral Reefs
Sub-component. UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.7/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-W.7/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Seventh
Meeting of the Regional Working Group on the Wetland Sub-
component. UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-W.7/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-F.7/3
Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South
China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Report of the Seventh
Meeting of the Regional Working Group on the Fisheries
Component. UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-F.7/3.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 3
Page 1
ANNEX 3
Agenda
1.
OPENING OF THE MEETING
1.1
Welcome Address on behalf of UNEP
1.2
Opening Statement by the Representative of the Phu Quoc District Government
1.3 Introduction
of
Participants
2.
ORGANISATION OF THE MEETING
2.1 Election
of
Officers
2.2 Documentation
and Administrative Arrangements
3.
ADOPTION OF THE MEETING AGENDA
4.
STATUS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS FOR 2006: PROGRESS REPORTS;
EXPENDITURE REPORTS; AND AUDIT REPORTS
5.
STATUS OF THE SUBSTANTIVE OUTPUTS
5.1
Publication of National Reports in National Languages and English
5.2
Status of Finalisation, Adoption and Implementation of the National Action Plans
5.3
Update of the Regional Meta-database and GIS Database, and Use of the Project
Website
6.
REVIEW OF THE TRAINING COURSE ON CORAL REEF AND SEAGRASS MANAGEMENT
6.1
Status of Preparation of and Materials for the Training Course
6.2
Organisation of, and support to the National Echo-seminars
7. PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION AND MID-TERM EVALUATION OF THE
DEMONSTRATION SITE ACTIVITIES
7.1 Belitung,
Indonesia
7.2 Masinloc,
Philippines
7.3 Koh
Chang,
Thailand
7.4 Phu
Quoc,
Viet
Nam
7.5
Ninh Hai MSP, Viet Nam
8. FINALISATION
OF
THE
REGIONAL
STRATEGIC ACTION PROGRAMME (SAP)
8.1
Finalisation of Inputs from the Regional Working Group on Coral Reefs to the
Revised SAP
8.2
National Workshop to Consider the Revised SAP
9. CONSIDERATION OF THE TOTAL ECONOMIC VALUES FOR CORAL REEFS
DETERMINED BY THE REGIONAL TASK FORCE ON ECONOMIC VALUATION AND THE
OUTCOMES OF THE COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF ACTIONS DETAILED IN THE SAP
10. PREPARATION FOR THE THIRD REGIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE AND MAYOR'S
ROUND TABLE
11. WORK PLAN AND ACTIVITIES OF THE REGIONAL WORKING GROUP ON CORAL REEFS
11.1 Work Plan for 2007 - 2008
11.2 Maintenance of the Network and Project Benefits after June 2008
12. DATE AND PLACE OF THE NINTH MEETING OF THE REGIONAL WORKING GROUP ON
CORAL REEFS
13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
14. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE MEETING
15. CLOSURE OF THE MEETING
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 4
Page 1
ANNEX 4
Revised Parameters for inclusion in the Coral Reef Sub-component
of the Regional GIS Database
BACKGROUND
Based on provision of GIS data from the participating countries during the preparatory phase of the
South China Sea Project the regional GIS database was developed. Review of the coral reef
component of the GIS database indicated that limited data appeared to be available for numerous
fields in the database. It was agreed that the group should collectively review the database in order to
identify data fields for which data will not likely become available for in the foreseeable future. There
followed a lengthy discussion regarding data availability in the participating countries the Regional
Working Group on Coral Reefs agreed that the parameters should be revised and Focal Points would
contribute new or/and update GIS data for improvement of quality of the regional GIS database
following revised parameters.
REVISED PARAMETERS OF THE CORAL REEF COMPONENT OF THE GIS DATABASE
No. Parameter No.
Parameter
1
Reef Type
26 Number of rare species
Number of critically Endangered species
2 Mean
Depth
27 (CR)
3
Maximum Depth
28 Number of endangered species (EN)
4
Average cross sectional slope
29 Number of vulnerable species
5
Present (Year 2000) Area
30 Existing international recognition
Number of coral zone (by dominant
6
31 Long-term
management
plans
species)/ or coral communities
7
Number of hard coral genera
32 Medium-term management plans
8
Number of hard coral species
33 Short-term management plans
9
Number of soft coral genera
34 Existing MPA status (National Category)
10 Hard coral diversity index
35 Existing MPA status (IUCN Category)
Management or preservation activities on
11 Live coral cover (all species)
36 site
Change in live coral cover over last
Existing level and quality of site
12
37
decade (all species)
management
13 Percent algae cover
38 Existing support to institutional management
Long-term sustainability including prospects
14 Change in algae cover area over time
39 for revenue generation
Potential aspects that can be developed
15 Benthic molluscs density (RC indicators)
40 wisely in the site
Average level of direct stakeholder
16 Crustacean density (RC indicators)
41 involvement in management
17 Echinoderm density / Sea Cucumber
42 Destructive harvesting -- Bombing
18 Echinoderm density / Sea Urchin
43 Destructive harvesting -- Poisoning
19 Number of coral reef fish genera
44 Destructive harvesting -- Bottom trawl
20 Number of coral reef fish species
45 Destructive harvesting -- Other
21 Coral reef fish density
46 Pollution -- Sedimentation
22 Number of sea turtle species
47 Pollution -- Organic pollutants
Major exploited species group & level of
23
48 Pollution -- Eutrophication
exploitation
Number of other ecosystems interact with
24
49 Pollution -- Salinity range change
this coral reef
25 Number of endemic species
50 Pollution -- Thermal range change
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 4
Page 2
No. Parameter No.
Parameter
51 Pollution -- Other
71 Current use -- Commercial Fisheries
52 Coastal development - Dredging
72 Current use -- Subsistence
53 Coastal development - Tourism
73 Current use -- Fishing ground
54 Natural disaster -- Storm
74 Current use -- Tourism
55 Natural disaster -- Volcano
75 Current use -- MPA
56 Natural disaster -- Bleaching of coral
76 Current use -- Other
57 Starfish Crown of Thorn
77 Traditional use
58 Bleaching event
78 Potential use -- Tourism
59 Development Plan
79 Potential use -- MPA
Social and economic drivers of change in
60
80 Potential use -- Other
environmental state - Population growth
Social and economic drivers of change in
Extractive use -- Reef related fish landing
61 environmental state - Resident human
81 value
population
61 Ownership
82 Extractive use -- Subsistence fishery value
Non-extractive use - Tourism -- Number of
63 Management regime -- Land-use planning
83 visitors
Non-extractive use - Tourism -- Number of
64 Management regime -- Coastal zoning
84 people involved in Tourism industry
Management regime -- Institutional
Non-extractive use - Tourism -- Number of
65
85
framework
chalets/hotels operators
Management regime -- Stakeholder co-
Non-extractive use - Tourism -- Number of
66
86
ordination
ferry/boats operators
Non-extractive use - Tourism -- Number of
67 Management regime -- Restoration
87 guide/agents
Management regime -- Stakeholder
68
88 Non-extractive use - Tourism -- Other
investment
Environmental services -- Coastal protection
69 Management regime -- Fishery practices
89 value
Environmental services -- Reduction of
70 Management regime -- Other
90 wave energy & erosion value
91 Environmental services -- Other
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 5
Page 1
ANNEX 5
Revised Programme for the "UNEP-GEF-SCS Regional Training Course on
Management Models and Strategies for Coral Reefs and Seagrass" and Details of the
Proposed National Echo-seminars
BACKGROUND
The Regional Scientific and Technical Committee recommended and the Project Steering Committee
agreed to offer a combined course covering the management of both coral reef and seagrass
habitats. The Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines (MSI) proposal has been
accepted by the RSTC with the suggestion that a greater number of regional experts be involved as
resource persons for the delivery of the course.
The training course is entitled "UNEP-GEF-SCS Training Course on Management Models and
Strategies for Coral Reef and Seagrass Ecosystems". Originally this had been planned to be
conducted from 9th 21st April 2007, but the dates have been changed to 29th October 10th
November 2007.
Trainees attending the regional training courses are expected to conduct "National Echo-seminars"
over a 1 to 3 days period following the completion of the regional training course, and the Specialised
Executing Agencies and the Focal Points for the corresponding sub-component of the project are
expected to provide logistic support to those seminars.
REVISED PROGRAMME FOR THE REGIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOP
Table 1
Revised Programme for the Regional Training Workshop on Management Models and Strategies for
Coral Reefs and Seagrass.
LOGISTICS,
ACTIVITY/
PERSON(S)
TASK/RESPON-
DAY & MODULE NO.
MATERIALS
SUBTOPIC
RESPONSIBLE
SIBILITY
NEEDED
DAY 1
1. Biology, ecology and distribution M.D. Fortes,
Lectures,
LCD projector
Module 1: Overview of
2. Coastal profiling
P.M. Alio,
workshop
Coral Reef & Seagrass
3. Regional scenarios and issues
Dr. Vo Si Tuan
Ecosystems
4. Overview of the South China
(tentative)
Sea Project and Coral Reef/
(4.5 hrs)
Seagrass Demonstration Sites
DAY 2
1. Community ecology
P.M. Alio,
Lecture,
LCD projector,
Module 2: Habitat &
2. Techniques for coral reefs and
E.G. Fortes,
practicum,
specimen collection
Resource Assessment &
seagrass assessment &
M.D. Fortes,
workshop
and herbarium
Monitoring
monitoring
H. Nacorda,
materials, assessment
3. Remote sensing
P.R. Rigby
tools
(8 hrs)
DAY 3
4. Analysis and interpretation for
P.M. Alio
Lecture,
LCD projector
Module 2 (con't)
management
E.G. Fortes
practicum
5. Herbarium preparation
E.C. Paringit
Lecture
LCD projector
(AM, 4 hrs)
6. Data management (conceptual C. Patterson
diagrams)
(PM, 5 hrs)
(Field Trip)
Res Persons, Staff
Boat, vehicle
boat travel, snorkeling
arrangements
gear
DAY 4
1. Concept & practice of PCRA;
P.M. Alio,
Lecture, Case
LCD projector, basic
Module3: Participatory
2. Case presentations on PCRA
R.N. Rollon
Study
office equipment and
Coastal Resources
Presentation
materials
Assessment
(6 hrs)
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 5
Page 2
Table 1cont.
Revised Programme for the Regional Training Workshop on Management Models and Strategies for
Coral Reefs and Seagrass.
LOGISTICS,
ACTIVITY/
PERSON(S)
TASK/RESPON-
DAY & MODULE NO.
MATERIALS
SUBTOPIC
RESPONSIBLE
SIBILITY
NEEDED
DAY 5
1. The CBCRM: 2.CRM Planning: A.J.Menez Lecture,
case
LCD projector, basic
Module 4: Coastal
Goals & objectives
study
office equipment and
Resources Management 3. Regional issues CBCRM aims
presentation
materials
Plan
to address
Preparation and Adoption 4. Regional & national CBCRM
models: case studies
(8 hrs)
5. Coastal zoning and
harmonization of resource uses
6. Special requirements of
developing countries
DAY 6
1. Coral transplantation
M.D. Fortes,
Lecture, case
LCD projector, basic
Module 5: Corals &
2. Seagrass transplantation
A.J. Menez,
study
office equipment &
Seagrass Restoration
3. Restoration in Marine Protected R.N. Rollon,
presentation,
materials
Tools
Areas
Dr. Thamasak
workshop
(8 hrs)
Yeemin
DAY 7
1. Institutional & policy analyses;
G. Mayo-Anda
Lectures, case
LCD projector, basic
Module 6: Legal &
2. Co-management arrangements
study
office equipment &
Institutional Arrangements
& relations;
presentation,
materials
3. Alternative dispute resolution
workshop, RTF-L
(8 hrs)
4. Transparency, accountability &
materials
participatory decision-making
DAY 8
1. Definition of management units G. Mayo-Anda
Lectures, case
LCD projector, basic
Module 7: Enforcement, 2. Registry of municipal fishers &
study
office equipment &
Compliance &
boats; licensing of gears
presentation
materials
Performance Monitoring
3. Patrolling system including
arrest, filing of cases, etc
(8 hrs)
4. Status & progress of coastal law
enforcement activities
5. Inter-LGU & Municipal
Monitoring, Control &
Surveillance Committee
DAY 9
Actual site visit & sharing
S.G. Salmo III
Field visit,
Bus hire, LCD
Module 8: Exposure Trip
sessions (visit to Batangas and
sharing and
projector, basic office
Masinloc Demo Sites)
interaction
equipment & materials
(1-1.5 days)
sessions with
host LGUs
DAY 10
1. Developing criteria for
A.J. Menez,
Lecture
LCD projector, basic
Module 9: Livelihood
identifying viable livelihood
E.G. Fortes
office equipment &
Scanning and Support
options
materials
2. Resource-linked livelihood
(4.5 hrs)
3. Sea ranching and seaweed
farming
DAY 11
1. Cost-benefit analysis
D. McGlone,
Lecture,
LCD projector, basic
Module 10: Sustainable
2. Cost-revenue analysis
Noel Padila
workshop
office equipment &
Financing: Cost Revenue 3. Sustainable financing
materials
Analyses
(9 hrs)
DAY 12
1. Monitoring & evaluation
P.M. Alio,
Lecture, case
LCD projector, basic
Module 11: Monitoring &
methodologies,
M.D. Fortes,
study
office equipment &
Evaluation
2. Performance monitoring
Dr. Vo Si Tuan
presentation,
materials
(8 hrs)
(tentative)
workshop
DAY 13
1. Dynamics of participation
S. Vergara,
Lecture, case
LCD projector, basic
Module 12: Social
2. Social marketing;
M.D. Fortes
study
office equipment &
Marketing, IEC & Capacity 3. IEC;
presentation,
materials
Building
4. Capability building
workshop
(4.5 hrs)
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 5
Page 3
PLANS FOR THE DELIVERY OF NATIONAL ECHO-SEMINARS
The regional working group discussed the timing, numbers of participants and location of the national
echo seminars and the information is presented below as Table 1. The necessary budgets will be
included in the amended budget for the third amendment to the Memoranda of Understanding.
Table 2
Details of planned national echo-seminars in each participating country.
NO
No.
Proposed
Country Date
Venue
Focus
DAYS
Participants
budget(US$)
Assessment, Monitoring & Community
Kampot (SG)
3 days
15
2,543+2,543 =
Cambodia End
Nov
Based Management, Remote sensing,
Sihanoukville (CR)
3 days
15
5,086
sustainable financing
Sustainable use and development of
coral reefs. Focus on modules 4, 6, 7,
Indonesia
Jan 2008
Belitung (CR)
2 days
25
7.500
10, and 12 of regional training
programme
Coral reef management, tourism and
Philippines End
Nov Masinloc
3
days
54
4,108
governance
Overview of coral reef ecosystem
Techniques for coral reef assessment
and monitoring
Analysis and interpretation of data for
management
Coastal resources management plan
Mu Koh Chang,
Thailand End
Nov
2 days
38
Coral reef restoration
5,000
Trat Province
Law enforcement, compliance and
monitoring
Sustainable financing: cost-revenue
analyses
Capacity building, education and public
awareness
Sustainable use and development of
coral reefs. Summary of regional
Viet Nam
End Dec
Nha Trang City
3 days
29
4,850
training workshop to suit local
conditions
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 6
Page 1
ANNEX 6
The Revised Coral Reefs Component of the SAP as Amended by the RWG-CR-8
OVERVEW OF CORAL REEFS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Southeast Asia is recognised as the global centre of coral reefs, both in terms of extent and species
diversity. An estimated 1/3 of the earth's coral reefs (91,700 per 284,300sq. km) are located in the
seas of Southeast Asia (Burke et al., in UNEP, 2004). Fringing reefs are well developed away from the
major river estuaries, particularly in the Philippines and the central - southern areas of the South China
Sea. Al major reef types fringing, patch or platform reefs, and atolls occur in the South China Sea,
with a total estimated reef area of the order of 10,000 km2 (based on aggregation of national statistics
- Spalding et al. 2001). Offshore, a series of large platform reefs and atolls are developed; the most
famous being the Spratly Islands, the Tung-Sha Reefs and the Paracel Islands. These oceanic reefs
are highly diverse and are thought to play a key role in the maintenance and replenishment of regional
biodiversity, and may be particularly important in the replenishment of populations of some harvested
species, such as the giant groupers.
If coral reefs are the most diverse tropical marine ecosystem on earth, then the Indo-Pacific in general
and the South China Sea in particular are home to the most diverse coral reef ecosystems. The South
China Sea is considered as the area with the highest diversity of hermatypic corals in the world
(Veron, 1995). More than 70 hermatypic coral genera are recorded from the reefs of the South China
Sea and hotspots of coral species diversity occur at Nha Trang (Viet Nam) with 351 species and El
Nido (Palawan, Philippines) with 305 species. Records of more than 200 species occur in a number of
sites in Viet Nam, Indonesia, and the Philippines (UNEP, 2004).
Coral reefs are an important marine ecosystem and habitat that provide nurseries and breeding
grounds for coral reef associated species and some pelagic and migratory species. Like an oasis in
the ocean, coral reefs serve as aggregation points for schools of migratory pelagic fish and as much
as a quarter of the diet of pelagic and migratory species such as the yellow fin tuna (Thunnus
albacares) is from reef-associated organism (Grandperin, 1978). The high species richness of corals
and reef-associated fauna and flora in the South China Sea makes this area a valuable source of
genetic and biochemical materials.
THREATS TO CORAL REEFS BORDERING THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Not only are the coral reefs in South East Asia the most biologically diverse and productive reef
ecosystems in the world but, they are also the most threatened and damaged reefs, with
unprecedented rates of coral reef destruction from anthropogenic pressures that have accelerated
over recent decades (Tun et al., 2004). The Regional Working Group on Coral Reefs, identified
regionally significant threats to coral reefs in the South China Sea, as being overfishing, use of
destructive fishing techniques, pollution (mainly eutrophication) and sedimentation. Indirect causes of
these threats are unsustainable practices in the fisheries sector, coastal development, deforestation
and unsustainable tourism. Coral bleaching is considered as a serious natural threat to coral reefs in
the region.
Table 1 presents the threats ranked for each country from 1 to 9, with 1 the most, and 9 the least
serious. The ratio of the coral reef area in each country compared to the total area was used to weight
the individual country ranks resulting in a regional weighted score suggesting that on a regional scale
the most serious is overfishing; followed by destructive fishing; sedimentation; pollution; unsustainable
fisheries practices; coastal development; coral bleaching; unsustainable tourism; and finally
deforestation on upland areas.
THE MANAGEMENT STATUS OF CORAL REEFS BORDERING THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Based on the provision of data by the Focal Points of the participating countries a total area of
749,505ha of coral reefs were identified in six countries as follows: Cambodia, 2,807ha; Indonesia,
39,287ha; Malaysia, 43.411ha; Philippines, 464,000ha; Thailand, 90,000ha; and Viet Nam,
110,000ha.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 6
Page 2
Table 1
Prioritisation of the threats to coral reefs bordering the South China Sea. [Weighted
score based on country ranking and the ratio between coral reef area of the country and
the total coral reef area of the South China Sea]
Cambodia Indonesia Malaysia Philippines
Thailand
Viet
Nam Region
Weighted
Rank Score Rank Score Rank Score Rank
Score Rank
Score Rank Score
Score
Direct threats
Overfishing 1
0.4
1
5.2 5
29.0
1
61.9
7
84.07
1
14.69
195.2
Destructive fishing
2
0.7
2
10.5 2
11.6
2
123.8
5
60.05 2
29.38
236.1
Sedimentation 5
1.9
4
21.0 1
5.8
3
185.7
4
48.04
3
44.04
306.4
Pollution (Eutrophication)
4
1.5
5
26.2 4
23.2
5
309.6
6
72.06 4
58.72
491.2
Coral bleaching
8
3.0
3
15.7 7
40.5
9
557.2
1
12.01 5
73.4
701.8
Indirect threats
Unsustainable fisheries and
aquaculture 3
1.1
8
41.9 9
52.1
4
247.6
8
96.08
8
117.4
556.3
Coastal development
6
2.2
7
36.7 6
34.7
6
371.5
3
36.03 6
88.08
569.2
Unsustainable tourism
9
3.3
9
47.2 3
17.4
8
495.3
2
24.02 9
132.1
719.3
Deforestation on upland areas
7
2.6
6
31.4 8
46.3
7
433.4
9
108.09 7
102.8
724.6
Total area of coral reefs in the
SCS geographic region
2,807 39,287 43,411 464,000 90,000 110,000
749,505
Ratio in comparison with total
coral reef area of the SCS
0.37
5.24
5.79
61.91
12.01
14.68
Table 2 provides in details management status of target sites of coral reefs bordering the South China
Sea, including inter alia management legal status and effectiveness. Table 3 presents general status
of coral reef management in the South China Sea geographic region of the six countries based on
information assembled for 83 individual coral reef areas. In the case of Cambodia, Indonesia,
Malaysia and Thailand, the total coral reef area is estimated as being the same as these areas of
targeted sites.
The area of coral reefs in the 83 target coral reef sites is 217,407ha (29% of the total area in the
South China Sea), of which 100,243ha (13% of the total area) is under management at the present
time. In term of management effectiveness only around 5% of this area is considered as being under
successful management. For 29% of the sites management effectiveness is considered low, whilst
around 13% is not under any form of management. The area to be added to the total area managed
sustainably by the year 2015 is 53,577ha, thereby increasing the total area under sustainable
management to 153,820ha which represents 20% of the total reef area of the South China Sea or
71% of the area of the target sites.
Coral reef monitoring has expanded over more than last ten years in most countries bordering the
South China Sea and provided technical baselines for long-term coral reef management (Tun et al.,
2004). The data obtained in the framework of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN)
indicated that the percentage of reefs in Southeast Asia countries had declined in state from one
quartile category to a lower one, equivalent around 16%, during the period of 1994 2004.
It was noted that setting a target for the total area under management did not represent a target for
the state of the reef although it could be assumed that those under management would, depending on
the management regime, be more likely to sustain their biological diversity than those that were not
under management. Therefore, the Regional Working Group on Coral Reefs considered an additional
target related to the reduction of degradation rate. The focal points of participating countries agreed
that improvement of coral reef management in next ten year could support to reduce decadal
degradation rate of coral reefs in their countries, resulting in a regional estimation as around 5%. The
regional assessment of coral reef status for the next period to 2014 fol owing the GCRMN plan will
enable to follow up this expectation and evaluate management effectiveness during implementing the
revised SAP.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 6
Page 3
Table 2
Management Status of Coral Reef Sites in the South China Sea.
Country & Site
Live Coral
Area under
Management
Area (ha)
Management legal status
Name
Cover (%)
Management (ha)
Effectiveness1
Cambodia 2,807
293
Fisheries Management
Koh Kong
73
47
Low
Area (FMA)
Koh Sdach
529
29
Proposed MPA
Low
Koh Rong
468
23
Proposed MPA
Low
Koh Takiev
293
58
National Park
293
Medium
Koh Tang
439
38
FMA
Low
Prek Ampil
953
53
FMA
Low
Koh Pouh
53
41
FMA
Low
Indonesia
39,287
12,511
Marine Management Area
Anambas 6,255
52
6,255 Low
(MMA)
Bangka 2,934
37
MMA
2,934
Medium
Belitung 2,271
52
MMA
2,271
Low
Karimata 1,041
53
Marine
Reserve
1,041
Medium
Senayang Lingga
4,735
37
Barelang dan Bintan
6,145
44
Natuna 15,905
31
Malaysia
44,276
28,779
Pulau Redang
2,550
Marine Park
1,658
High
Pulau Lima
878
Marine Park
571
High
Pulau Ekor Tebu
812
Marine Park
528
High
Pulau Pinang
978
Marine Park
636
High
Pulau Perhentian
1,621 Marine
Park
1,054 Medium
Kecil
Pulau Perhentian
1,824 Marine
Park
1,186 Medium
Besar
Pulau Lang Tengah
1,230
Marine Park
800
Medium
Pulau
Susu
Dara
286 Marine
Park
186 Medium
Palau
Tenggol
480 Marine
Park
312 Low
Palau
Nyireh
288 Marine
Park
187 Low
Pulau
Kapas
427 Marine
Park
277 Medium
Pulau
Tioman
5,023 Marine
Park
3,265 Medium
Pulau
Labas
896 Marine
Park
582 Medium
Pulau
Sepoi
891 Marine
Park
579 Medium
Pulau
Gut
904 Marine
Park
588 Medium
Pulau Tokong
903 Marine
Park
587 Medium
Bahara
Pulau
Chebeh
898 Marine
Park
584 Medium
Pulau
Tulai
1,272 Marine
Park
827 Medium
Pulau
Sembilang
1,212 Marine
Park
788 Medium
Pulau
Seri
Buat
1,544 Marine
Park
1,004 Medium
Pulau
Rawa
1,016 Marine
Park
660 Medium
1 Categories of Management Effectiveness: Low: Area declared or proposed to be declared for management; Management
Plan developed and approved. Medium: Existing Management Framework is implemented with inadequacy of manpower,
finance and/or equipment: High: Existing Management Framework is implemented with enough trained manpower,
equipment, facilities and sustainable finance.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 6
Page 4
Table 2 cont.
Management Status of Coral Reef Sites in the South China Sea.
Country & Site
Live Coral
Area under
Management
Area (ha)
Management type
Name
Cover (%)
Management (ha)
Effectiveness
Pulau Hujung
1,047
Marine Park
681
Medium
Pulau Tengah
1,030
Marine Park
669
Medium
Pulau Besar
1,683
Marine Park
1,094
Medium
Pulau Tinggi
2,036
Marine Park
1,323
Medium
Pulau Aur
1,949
Marine Park
1,267
Low
Pulau Pemanggil
1,758
Marine Park
1,143
Low
Pulau Harimau
980
Marine Park
637
Medium
Pulau Gual
914
Marine Park
594
Medium
Pulau Mensirip
932
Marine Park
606
Medium
Pulau Sibu
852
Marine Park
554
Medium
Pulau Sibu Hujung
237
Marine Park
154
Medium
Pulau Mentinggi
880
Marine Park
572
Medium
Pulau Segantang
884
Marine Park
574
Medium
Pulau Kuraman
1,339
Marine Park
870
Low
Pulau Rusukan
894 Marine
Park
581 Low
Besar
Pulau Rusukan Kecil
930
Marine Park
605
Low
Philippines 464,000
2,390
Batanes 2,050
55
Protected
Land/Seascape
40
Medium
Municipal Coastal
Bolinao/Lingayen
9,560 40 Development Plans &
750 Medium
Gulf
National Park
Protected Land/Seascape
Masinloc, Zambales
2,000
31
120 Medium
& Fish Sanctuary
Batangas Bay,
100 52 Marine
Tourism
Reserve
80 Medium
Maricaban Strait
Puerto Galera,
48
22
Man & Biosphere Reserve
20
Medium
Mindoro
Calamianes Group
18,200 29
300
of Islands
El Nido, Palawan
4,250
21
Marine Park
1,000
Medium
Port
Barton
454 38.2
80
Environmental Critical
Balabac
2,500
low
Protection Zone
Thailand
90,000
54,000
Mu Koh Chumporn
7,790
55 National
Park
7,360
Medium
Mu Koh Chang
18,670
40.0
Marine National Park
11,780
Medium
Mu Koh Ang Thong
5,110
55.0
Marine National Park
5,110
Medium
Mu Koh Samui
38,990
40.0
Marine National Park
22,770
Low
Mu Koh Samet
4,200
35.0
Marine National Park
3,240
Medium
Sichang Group
760
20.0 None
0
Sattaheep Group
1,670
33.0 Navy
Control
Area
1,320
Low
Lan and Phai Group
3,910
18.0 Navy
Control
Area
1,200
Low
Chao Lao
860
30.0 None
0
Prachuab
2,450
40.0
Marine National Park
270
Low
Koh Tao Group
2,300
45.0 None
0
Song Khla
1,200
20.0 None
0
Koh Kra
670
40.0 None
0
Losin
950
40.0 Navy
Control
Area
950
Low
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 6
Page 5
Table 2 cont.
Management Status of Coral Reef Sites in the South China Sea.
Country & Site
Live Coral
Area under
Management
Area (ha)
Management type
Name
Cover (%)
Management (ha)
Effectiveness
Viet Nam
110,000
2,270
Cu Lao Cham
200.0
34
MPA
100
Medium
Nha Trang bay
570.0
26
MPA
100
Medium
Con Dao
1,000.0
23
National Park
1,000
Medium
Phu Quoc
600.0
42
Proposed MPA
0
Low
Proposed MPA &
Ninh Hai
1,070.0
37
Community -based
1,070 Medium
Management
Ca Na bay
2,270.0
41
Proposed MPA
0
Low
World Heritage & National
Ha Long - Cat Ba
N/A
43
No Available
Medium
Park
Hai Van - Son Tra
N/A
51 Proposed
MPA
0
Low
Bach Long Vi
N/A
22 Proposed
MPA
0
Low
Table 3 Status of Coral Reef Management in the South China Sea biographic region of the
participating countries.
Cambodia Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Thailand Viet
Nam Total
Total coral reef area in the South
China Sea (ha)
2,807 39,287 43,411 464,000
90,000
110,000 749,505
Total coral reef area of the 83 target
sites
2,807
39,287
43,411
36,662
89,530
5,710
217,407
Coral reef area under existing
management at the 83 sites
293
12,511
28,779
2,390
54,000
2,270
100,243
Number of target sites with
management
information
7 7 37 9 14 9 83
No. of sites with low management
effectiveness
6 2 7 1 4 4
24
No. of sites with medium
management effectiveness
1
2
26
6
4
5
44
No. of sites with high management
effectiveness
0 0 4 0 0 0 4
PLS, MCDP,
Existing management types2 FMA,
MPA,
MTS, MBR, NP, MNP, MPA, NP,
NP MMA,
MR MP ECPZ
NCA,
CBM, WH
Target area to be added for
management by 2015 (ha)
1965 5,580 14,632
10,100
18,000
3,300 53,577
Total area to be under
management by 2015 (ha)
2,258 18,091 43,411 12,490 72,000 5,570 153,820
TARGETS
The specific targets for Coral Reef management are:
· By 2015, at least 70% of the existing area of coral reefs in the 83 target coral reef sites
(153,000ha) to be put under an appropriate form of sustainable management
· By 2015, reduce the regional decadal rate of degradation in live coral cover from the
present rate of 16% to 5%.
2 Cambodia - FMA: Fisheries Management Area, MPA; Marine Protected Area, NP: National Park; Indonesia - MMA: Marine
Management Area, MR: Marine Reserve; Malaysia - MP: Marine Park; Philippines - PLS: Protected Land/Seascape, MCDP:
Municipal Coastal Development Plan, MTS: Marine Tourism Reserve, MBR: Man & Biosphere Reserve, ECPZ: Environmental
Critical Protection Zone, Thailand - NP: National Park, MNP: Marine National Park, NCA: Navy Control Area; Viet Nam - MPA:
Marine Protected Area, NP: National Park, CBM: Community-based Management, WH: World Heritage)
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 6
Page 6
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS3
During the sixth meeting of the Regional Working Group on Coral Reefs (RWG-CR), a comparative
analysis of the content of the National Action Plans was undertaken to identify common threats to the
habitats and actions needed at the regional level. The seventh meeting of the RWG-CR reviewed and
expanded the text, which is presented in Annex 6 of the meeting report (UNEP/GEF/SCS/
RWG-CR.7/3). The RSTC, reviewed the proposed regional actions and suggested a re-arrangement
of the order of components and actions, to ensure that the regional actions address the identified
threats to coral reefs and improve the effectiveness of management. The eight meeting of the RWG-
CR in Phu Quoc, Viet Nam, 4th 7th June 2007 considered and revised proposed regional actions and
estimated costs required for these actions as presented in Table 4.
A total of 37 regional actions are proposed under the coral reef sub-component of the revised SAP.
The actions are allocated in four components as below.
1.
Enhancement of Resource and Habitat Management
This component is divided into two sub-components. The first aims to promote good environmental
governance and sustainable management of coral reef ecosystems. Regional actions focus on the
review, synthesis, assessment and dissemination of good experiences and lesson learnt in the
management of coral reefs. The second sub-component is to maintain a regional management
framework to ensure the use of sound science in the sustainable management of coral reefs in the
South China Sea. Regional actions include: maintenance of the regional expert group and
coordinating mechanism, involvement and empowerment of stakeholders and communities and
sharing experiences between countries on coral reef research and management.
2.
Public Awareness, Communication and Education
The objective is to increase awareness of stakeholders regarding the ecological roles, economic
values, and need for sustainable management of coral reefs. This component will facilitate the
mainstreaming of information into educational programmes, develop information campaigns and
sharing of training materials through the regional website.
3.
Research and Monitoring
The component aims to provide relevant scientific data and information for sustainable management
of coral reefs. A number regional actions are proposed to support the scientific community in:
assessing status of coral reefs; monitoring biological and socio-economic factors; maintaining,
updating GIS and meta-databases and disseminating information for management purpose; and
developing mechanism in environment impact assessment in transboundary areas.
4.
Sustainability and Capacity Building
The component is developed with the aim to improve regional capacity in management of
transboundary issues regarding coral reefs. Some proposed actions are related to human resource
development by exchanging experts, training trainers, sharing experiences in enforcement and
developing capacity in fund raising and financial sustainability. Other actions focus on maintenance
and improvement of the networks of demonstration sites, research centres and reef management
agencies; and provision guideline for sustainable use of coral reefs and information on value added
benefit derived from transboundary management of reefs.
3 The activities proposed in the coral reef sub-component focus on non-oceanic reef systems outside disputed areas in the
coastal waters of the countries bordering the South China Sea.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 6
Page 7
Table 4
Regional actions and proposed cost of the coral reef sub-component in the revised SAP.
Unit cost
Regional Actions
Description
No.
Total (USD)
(USD)
Component 1. Enhancement of Resource and Habitat Management
Objective 1. To promote good environmental governance and sustainable management of coral reef ecosystem
Workshop, 5 days * 2
20 parts.
310
62,000
times
1.1.1 Review, synthesis and formulation of good
practices in coral reef sustainable management
Consultancy 3pers/months
8,000
24,000
Printing and distribution
200 copies
15
3,000
Workshop, 3 days
20 parts.
310
18,600
1.1.2 Assessment and advice of technique on
Consultancy 2pers/months
8,000
16,000
enhancement and rehabilitation of coral reefs.
Printing and distribution
200 copies
15
3,000
1.1.3 Review and formulation of good practices in
Workshop, 3 days
20 parts.
18,600
community - based management activities at the Consultancy 2
pers/month
8,000
16,000
region
Printing and distribution
200 copies
15
3,000
1.1.4 Introduction of cost effective waste management Workshop, 3 days
20 parts.
310
18,600
and environment friendly systems
Consultancy 2
pers/month
8,000
16,000
Workshop, 3 days * 2
20 parts.
310
37,200
1.1.5 Synthesis of successes on alternative livelihood times
programmes, including funding mobilisation,
Consultancy 2
pers/month
8,000
32,000
technical supports
Printing and distribution
200 copies
15
6,000
Workshop, 3 days
20 parts.
310
18,600
1.1.6 Review of existing transboundary management
practices and identification of priorities in
Consultancy 2
pers./month
8,000
16,000
transboundary management zones
Printing and distribution
200 copies
15
3,000
Objective 2. To Maintain of regional management framework to ensure the sue of sound science in the sustainable
management of coral reefs in the South China Sea
1.2.1 Regional coral reef expert group maintained to
integrate research programmes and data and
Workshop, 3 days, 6 times
15 parts.
310
83700
information used for coral reef management.
1.2.2 Monitor achievement of SAP targets and NAP
Consultancy 2
pers/month
9,000
36,000
objectives every 5 year period.
1.2.3 Synthesis of laws that contribute effectively to
Workshop, 3 days
15 parts.
310
13,950
sustainable coral reef management, emphasizing
on rule and regulation for good management
Consultancy 3pers/months
8,000
24,000
practices
1.2.4 Regional coordinating mechanism to facilitate
Workshop, 3 days, 2 times
15 parts.
310
27,900
convergence of national and regional action
plans.
Consultancy, 2 times
3pers/months
8,000
48,000
1.2.5 Information exchange for promotion of
Printing and distribution
400 copies
15
6,000
stakeholder involvement in sustaining
management.
Consultancy 1
per/month
8,000
8,000
1.2.6 Review of traditional value and knowledge, and
Consultancy 3pers/months
8,000
24,000
application in coral reef management in the
region
Printing and distribution
200 copies
15
3,000
1.2.7 Establishment of recognition and award system
Workshop, 2 days
15 parts.
310
9,300
for good management of coral reefs.
Awards 6
units
6,000
36,000
1.2.8 Review of level of compliance to various int'l
Consultancy 1per/month
8,000
8,000
obligations and conventions pertaining coral reefs
1.2.9 Exchange and sharing experience between
Workshop, 3 days, 2 times
15 parts.
310
27,900
nations on coral reef research and management.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 6
Page 8
Table 4cont. Regional actions and proposed cost of the coral reef sub-component in the revised SAP.
Unit cost
Regional Actions
Description
No.
Total (USD)
(USD)
Component 2. Public Awareness, Communication and Education
Objective: Increase awareness of stakeholders on the ecological roles, economic values of coral reefs, and need for
sustainable management
Development of materials 2 pers./month
7,000
28,000
2.1 Facilitation of mainstreaming of regional coral reef Printing and distribution
400 copies
15
12,000
information and education programme
National workshop, 2 times
6 countries
2,000
24,000
Consultancy for material
preparation for media
1 per/month
8,000
16,000
launching, 2 times
2.2 Development and launching of regional information Printing and dissemination
campaigns for sustainable use of coral reefs.
lump
sum 10,000
of booklet, video
18 media
Seminar, 2days*2 times
310 22,320
practitioners
2.3 Sharing training materials among the countries by No cost
dissemination through regional website.
Component 3. Research and Monitoring
Objective: To provide relevant scientific data and information for sustainable management of coral reefs
Data collection, 2 times
6 countries
10,000
120,000
3.1 Facilitation of and support to assess baseline
Workshop, 3 days, 3 times
15
310
27,900
information and status of coral reefs
Printing and distribution, 3
400 copies
15
18,000
times
Workshop, 3 times
15 parts.
310
41,850
3.2 Facilitation of and support to regular biological and
socio-economic monitoring
Financial support for target
6 sites
5,000
60,000
sites: 2 times
3.3 Analysis of regional socio-economic status and
culture significance of coral reefs, to provide vital
Workshop, 3days, 2 times
15 parts.
310
27900
information for sustainable management and use
of coral reefs
3.4 Management and update of coral reef GIS and
Technical staff one
10 years
1,000
10,000
other databases by SEA START RC.
month/year
3.5 Prepare a base map of coral reefs in SCS and
overlays to reflect indicators of sustainable
Consultancy, 2 times
2 pers/month
7,000
28,000
management
3.6 Regular analysis, synthesis and update of
Workshop, 3 days, 2 times
15 parts.
310
27,900
databases, and dissemination of information to
general public, decision makers, governments,
Printing and distribution,
15
6,000
potential partners
200copies
3.7 Develop mechanism for analysis of impacts of
different development scenarios on coral reef
Consultancy, 2 times
2 pers/month
8,000
32,000
environment.
Regional workshop, 2
14 parts.
310
17,360
3.8 Develop a research project regarding economic
times, 2 days
valuation of coral reefs in the South China Sea,
focusing on indirect values
In-country field works, 6
30 sites
2,000
60,000
countries, 5 sites
Component 4. Sustainability and Capacity Building
Objective: To improve regional capacity in management of transboundary issues regarding coral reefs
Experts, 10 days, 6
20pers/days 300
36,000
countries
4.1 Exchange of experts for human resource
Training course, 7 days,
70 pers/day * 6
70 29,400
development in coral reef management.
10 pers.
countries
Travel of experts
2 experts
600
7,200
Administrative cost
4,410
Training, 6 days* 2 times
26 parts
310
96,720
4.2 Conduct of training of trainers for coral reef
Payment for trainers, 3
30 pers/days
300
18,000
management at regional level
pers. 10 day
Administrative cost
14,508
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 6
Page 9
Table 4cont. Regional actions and proposed cost of the coral reef sub-component in the revised SAP.
Unit cost
Regional Actions
Description
No.
Total (USD)
(USD)
4.3 Exchange of experiences regarding skill of law
enforcement and exchange of information,
Workshop, 2 days
30 parts.
310
18,600
compliance and effectiveness of enforcement
Workshop, 2 days
30
310
18,600
4.4 Review and formulation of mechanism for financial
sustainability for application in the region.
Consultancy 2pers/month
16,000
Workshop, 3 days
30 parts.
310
27,900
4.5 Development of capacity in fund raising and
implementation of financial scheme for
Payment for trainers, 1
coordination of coral reef management
1 per/days
300
1,200
pers. 4day
4.6 Strengthening network of marine research stations.
Provision of directory of marine research station to No cost
the website
4.7 Maintenance and enhancement of SCS facility for (To be added)
coordinating unit.
4.8 Maintenance of demonstration site network through
forum of local government officials, project
2 fora, 3 days
30 parts.
310
55,800
management personnel from demonstration sites
4.9 Strengthening of network of research centres and
reef management agencies in the region.;
5 utilities * 6
Provision of directory of research centres and reef 2 fora, 3 days
310 55,800
countries
management agencies to the website; Forum of
research centres and reef management agencies
Consultancy 2
pers/month
8,000
16,000
4.10 Development of guideline for sustainable use of
coral reefs
Printing & distribution
300 copies
15
4,500
4.11 Provision of information on value added benefit of Workshop, 3 days
20 parts.
310
18,600
enhancement of sustainable use derived from
transboundary management of reefs
Consultancy 2
pers/month
8,000
16,000
Total
1,711,818
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 7
Page 1
ANNEX 7
Revised Format for the Collection of Data and Information on Economic Value of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea
Date of
Total CR
Volume
Unit Net
Value
Valuation
Location
Currency5
Remarks
Valuation
Area (ha)
(per ha)
Price4
(per ha)
Method6
Coral (building materials,
curio trade)
Reference A
Reference B
Reference C
Echinoderm
Reference A
Reference B
EXTRACTIVE USE
Corals, building materials
Echinoderm, sea urchin
Echinoderm, sea cucumber
Crustacean, lobster
Algae
Mollusks, pearl oyster
Mollusks, cutterfish
Mollusks, for food
Aquarium invertebrate
Curio trade (specify)
Fish, for food
Fish, for aquarium
Sponge
Bioactive substance
Others (specify)
Non-extractive Use
Tourism/ recreation
4 . Unit net price is the market price minus harvesting and production cost.
5 . Currency used in original studies, references or publications.
6 . The valuation methods should include details of prices used.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 7
Page 2
Date of
Total CR
Volume
Unit Net
Value
Valuation
Location
Currency8
Remarks
Valuation
Area (ha)
(per ha)
Price7
(per ha)
Method9
Research & Education
Mariculture (only on coral
reefs, specify)
Environmental Services
Nursery ground
Beach protection
Carbon sequestration
Climate change record
Biological Diversity Services
Biodiversity Storage
Coral reef ecosystem
Food storage for other biota
Secondary producers
Social/Cultural Significance
Aesthetic
Other uses (specify)
7 . Unit net price is the market price minus harvesting and production cost.
8 . Currency used in original studies, references or publications.
9 . The valuation methods should include details of prices used.
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 8
Page 1
ANNEX 8
Framework Work Plan and Time Table for Coral Reef Sub-component
to 31st December 2008
BACKGROUND
A review of the Project Document and the second MoU amendment indicates the main activities to be
undertaken in the operational phase of the project including:
1. Completing any outstanding activities included in the original MoU;
2. Development, adoption, and implementation of national action plans for coral reefs;
3. Elaboration of Regional Strategic Action Programme;
4. Implementation of approved demonstration sites;
5. Implementation of the regional training programme.
Given that the project Steering Committee has decided to extend the project activities till June 2008, a
third Amendment to the MOU will be prepared for extension of activities under the sub-component in
each participating country.
The eighth meeting of the Regional Working Group on Coral Reefs developed a schedule for updating
the regional GIS and Meta databases, the adoption of the NAPs, the elaboration of the SAP, the
implementation of the approved demonstration sites, the implementation of the training programme,
including the timing of the national echo-seminars, and publication of outstanding national reports of
coral reefs for national dissemination,
The Tables 1 below represents the work plan and timetable indicating task required for 2007 2008.
Table 2 represents the schedule of meeting for 2008.
Table 1
Work plan and timetable of the coral reef sub-component for 2007 2008.
2007 2008
1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q
National Coral Reef Committee meetings
National Technical Working Group meetings
Meetings of RWG-CR
X
Complete outstanding tasks of the original MoU
Publication of report on coral reef monitoring of Viet X
Nam
Maintain and update GIS data and information with
X
revised format
Maintain and update national and regional meta-
X
databases
Publication and dissemination of national report in
X
English by UNEP
Finalisation and implementation of demonstration site
proposals
Implementation of coral reef demonstration site
activities
Focal Point (Site Manager and Focal Points of Phu
Quoc) to provide written report of outputs of
X
demonstration sites
Upload reports/outputs of demo site to the website
X
X
Adoption and implementation of national action plans
Public and stakeholder meetings for the publicity of
Vie,
Cam Phi
the national action plans
Tha
FPs to urge NTFP to arrange adoption as required
Adoption of national action plans, except Cam.
by MoU
Implementation of national action plans
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 8
Page 2
Table 1cont.
Work plan and timetable of the coral reef sub-component for 2007 2008.
2007 2008
1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q
Finalise Strategic Action Programme
Provision of data and information on economic value
X
Sept.,10
of coastal coral reefs
Additional Input from members to the PCU for the 2nd
X
draft SAP
The PCU edit and format the final draft for the
X
consideration of the RSTC-8
Implementation of the regional training programme
Signing MoU with MSI - UP
X
Finalisation of the syllabus and training materials by
X
the training institution
Conduct the regional training course
X
Conduct the national echo seminars
X X
Presentations in 3rd Mayor's Round Table and RSC-3
PCU to inform the topics and time to Focal Points and
X
Site Managers
Presenters send the PowerPoint presentations to the
X
PCU for Mayor's Round Table & RSC-3
UNEP/GEF/SCS/RWG-CR.8/3
Annex 8
Page 3
Table 2
Schedule of Meetings for 2008. (RWG = Regional Working Group; -M = Mangroves; -CR = Coral Reefs; -SG = Seagrass; -W = Wetlands; -F = Fisheries;
LbP = Land-based Pollution; RTF-E = Regional Task Force on Economic Valuation; RTF-L = Regional Task Force on Legal Matters; PSC = Project Steering Committee;
RSTC = Regional Scientific and Technical Committee) (H = United Nations Holidays)
S
S M T W T F S
S M T W T F S
S M T W T F S
S M T W T F S
S M T W T F S
S
January
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10
11
12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
February
1
2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29
March
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
RWG-SG
RTF-E-8
April
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10
11
12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30
RWG-M-9
H
H
May
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
RWG-CR-9
June
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
July
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10
11
12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
August
1
2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
H
September
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10
11
12
13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
October
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10
11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
November
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
December
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10
11
12
13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
H
H