ITMEMS 3 WRITTEN PROCEEDINGS - FINAL

Proceedings 2006, cozumel - mexico

Third inTernaTional TroPical marine ecosysTem managemenT symPosium

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The International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN) acted as the organiser and Secretariat for the Third International Tropical Ecosystem Management Symposium (ITMEMS3). We would like to acknowledge the generous support of the following organisations:

coastal ocean research and development in the indian ocean (cordio)www.cordio.org

global environment Facility’s international Waters learning exchange and resource network (geF iW:learn)www.iwlearn.net

global environment Facility’s small grants Programme (geF sgP)www.undp.org/sgp

government of the united states of america www.state.gov

international coral reef action networkwww.icran.org

international coral reef initiativewww.icriforum.org

Japan Wildlife research centerwww.jwrc.or.jp

lighthouse Foundationwww.lighthouse-foundation.org

ministry of the environment government of Japanwww.env.go.jp

national commission for natural Protected areaswww.conanp.gob.mx

national oceanic and atmospheric administrationwww.noaa.gov

oak Foundationwww.oakfnd.org

Office for Environmental Response and coordination, government of Palauwww.palau-oerc.net

ramsarwww.ramsar.org

united nations development Programme global environment Facility (undP geF)www.undp.org/gef

united nations environment Programme caribbean environment Programmewww.cep.unep.org

united nations Foundationwww.unfoundation.org

World Bank’s coral reef Targeted research Programwww.gefcoral.org

In addition to the above acknowledgements, we would like to thank Mayor Gustavo Joaquín Ortega, of the City of Cozumel, for his generous support in hosting ITMEMS3.

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Preface 3

ICRI Foreword 4

Report of the Symposium 5

Action Statement 9

Introduction to the Local Government Leaders Forum 21

Local Government Leaders Statement 22

Coral Reefs and Climate Change Statement 23

Regional Caucus Statements 25

ITMEMS3 DVD with Presentations, Photos and Participant Directory 38

conTenTs

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ForeWordinternational coral reef initiative

There is an increasing urgency in the need to reverse the degradation of the world’s coral reefs and associated ecosystems. Growing populations and developments on the tropical coastal zone continue to threaten the functioning of the habitats on which societies and economies depend. It is widely recognised that action needs to be taken, and now. First convened in 1998, ITMEMS was established as a core activity of ICRI in order to support the implementation of the ICRI Framework for Action. ITMEMS seeks to strengthen the capacities of coastal and marine managers and their partners to conserve and promote the sustainable use of coral reefs and associated ecosystems.

ITMEMS3 was an important milestone in identifying actions to take from local to global level. Maintaining close linkages between ICRI and ITMEMS processes and developing the agendas in tandem enabled the dialogue to traverse the two meetings. This represented an important opportunity to ensure that the hands-on day-to-day concerns of managers reach and inform the

reefs and related ecosystems over the course of the next 5 to 10 years.

The proceedings of ITMEMS3 join those of the previous ITMEMS in providing a major source of information on the practical issues, problems and achievements of tropical marine resource managers. The proceedings highlight the action-orientated recommendations made by participants of the symposium, and the priority issues identified through regional caucuses. An interactive DVD is included, which contains the full range of workshop reports and presentations from the plenary and workshop sessions. It is intended that these, appropriately acknowledged, will provide useful materials for information exchanges, education and capacity building.

Every effort has been made to ensure the inclusion of the wealth of material generated at ITMEMS3. Reports have not been edited for content, or consistency of style. The responsibility of which rests with the authors and does not represent the views of organisations herein. The proceedings can also be accessed online through www.itmems.org

We are confident that this collective body of work, with the previous ITMEMS material, continues to build our understanding and knowledge of these critical and complex ecosystems. We are hopeful that this information will enhance management and conservation efforts and forge new networks and partnerships to more effectively address the challenges we face.

The iTmems secretariat

The Third International Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management Symposium (ITMEMS3) was jointly hosted by the Secretariat of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) and the Governments of Palau and Japan, in partnership with Mexico’s National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) and the Municipality of Cozumel.

Building on the foundations and approaches of previous ITMEMS, the symposium sought to enhance the capacities of coastal and marine managers to implement programs and projects that support the conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs and related ecosystems at the local, national, regional and global levels.

Teams representing a wide range of expertise, institutional affiliation and geographic spread worked together to develop an exciting program of short-format participatory workshops to explore critical issues, draw out experiences and lessons learned, and develop a set of action-oriented recommendations to inform policy, and support the effective management of coral

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global agenda. The recommendations made by managers

of tropical marine ecosystems at ITMEMS3 are the key to the future efforts for coral reef conservation. ICRI adopted a resolution, which will transform these recommendations into prioritized and actionable items to be taken forwards through the Secretariat and by its members. The resolution represents a significant achievement for ICRI, a commitment to take action on issues consistent with ICRI’s Mandate. ICRI, in cooperation with the ITMEMS Secretariat, will make effort to implement this resolution.

Tsunao Watanabe ICRI Co Chair Japan

Youlsau BellsICRI Co Chair Palau

PreFace

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introductionThe Third International Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management Symposium (ITMEMS3) continued the process of sharing and learning the lessons of experience in managing coral reefs and related ecosystems. The proceedings of ITMEMS3 join those of the previous ITMEMS in providing a major source of information on the practical issues, problems and achievements of managers.

This report includes an account of the program development and implementation that may be of assistance in appreciating the context and strength of the symposium conclusions and recommendations. It may also provide some assistance for those considering meetings with similar objectives.

designing the ProgramAs with earlier ITMEMS the core business of ITMEMS3 was conducted through small parallel workshops each of around 25 people designed to facilitate the substantial involvement of all

participants. Also as previously, limited time was allocated for plenary presentations and, as far as possible, sessions were closed at the end of the afternoon to leave evenings free of formal side meetings so that participants were available for informal peer networking and mentoring that had been identified as a highly valuable activity in previous ITMEMS.

The first steps in the work of the Organizing Committee were to identify the lessons learned from the experiences of participants from not only the first two symposia, but from other coral reef management meetings and workshops, to identify the relative importance of a range of themes that might be addressed through case studies and workshop discussion.

An on-line consultation process was conducted with the coral reef management community and partners, hosted on the ICRI Forum. Drawing on the responses, the Program Committee developed initial discussion lists of themes and key management questions relating to each of the themes. A call for ITMEMS3 case studies was made, relevant to the proposed themes, and suggestions sought on other priorities and key management questions.

An organizing group was formed for each one of the thirteen specific themes selected for discussion. Organizing groups were asked to build and manage a program for the theme, identify relevant case studies from those offered in response to the call, and seek additional case studies where the offered range was limited. Where themes overlapped, organizing groups prepared joint workshops to address cross-cutting issues.

The organizing groups were also asked to develop an initial list of management questions to focus their workshops on

rePorT oF The symPosiumiTmems secretariat

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discussion leading to outcomes, conclusions or recommendations. Based on the experiences of ITMEMS3, and to ensure comprehensive outcomes from each workshop, it was recommended that dialogue and experience sharing based on the topic under discussion should result in one action recommendation focused on improving and strengthening management capacity for immediate implementation. The outcomes of theme discussions are presented by organizing groups through a series of reports and recommendations.

lessons learned and innovationsOrganizing a symposium such as ITMEMS presents interesting challenges. For most managers and management programs the preparation of additional reports for a symposium or workshop is a major task, additional to already busy schedules. Attendance at conferences is not commonly incorporated in management programs and budgets so finding the time and, in many cases, obtaining the funding and approval to participate can be a last minute decision.

For the organizers this means program, total attendance and budget uncertainties until late in the process. This has been the case for all three ITMEMS. In the event for ITMEMS3 total registrations were 324 from 45 countries, 280 of these were received in the last month before the Symposium.

The nature of the program with active small group parallel workshops requires multiple workshop rooms as well as a hall suitable for plenary meetings and presentations. The logistics of ITMEMS3 suggest that it would be difficult to manage a total enrolment of more than 400 without losing important aspects of effective peer group contact and networking.

The organization of each ITMEMS has included innovation and the evolution of

a model that addresses the operational contexts of management. For earlier ITMEMS these have included the development of the output focused workshop formats and regional caucuses. The size constraints of the ITMEMS model and the important peer group issues for regional managers suggests that future developments could involve a cycle of regional TMEMS with the quadrennial ITMEMS putting the regional management issues and priorities into a global context for reviewing and updating the ICRI Framework for Action to halt and reverse the decline in the world’s coral reefs and related ecosystems.

For ITMEMS3 regional caucus arrangements were strengthened on the basis of experience from ITMEMS2. There were also 2 major program innovations - a Local Government Leaders Forum to address the roles and needs of local government in coral reef and coastal management and a special session on Peer-to-Peer Networking.

regional caucusesRegional caucuses were an innovation at ITMEMS2, which was partially successful.

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The concept was developed further at ITMEMS3 and most regions had effective caucuses that agreed to follow up on the issues discussed, and to seek to organize and participate in regional meetings based around the ITMEMS concept. This important development supports an earlier decision of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) seeking to develop regional capacity, agendas and cooperative programs to implement the ICRI Call to Action to halt and reverse the decline of the world’s coral reefs.

local government leaders ForumThe Local Government Leaders Forum (LGLF) was a plenary workshop with a key group of participants that is generally not involved in discussions of the management, science and conservation communities. The LGLF, hosted by Mayor Ortega of the City of Cozumel, was designed to address the common situation that while most management of coral reefs and related ecosystems occurs at the local level most of the policy discussion and provision of information does not engage local communities or local government

leadership. The LGLF was held over three days, parallel

to the main ITMEMS event. Local government leaders from a range of countries in tropical marine regions were invited to attend to discuss the role of local government in the management and sustainable use of tropical marine ecosystems. Discussions resulted in the development of an LGLF Statement outlining management priorities and key issues, which it is hoped will prove valuable in taking the issues of local government and marine management further in both communities.

The local government leaders welcomed the opportunity to interact with ITMEMS participants, and requested additional opportunities for participation in regional caucuses and workshops to enhance their own knowledge and learning, sharing lessons and experiences, and identifying new ways to address problems and issues in their home environment.

speed Peer to Peer networking session The second program innovation was a structured networking session designed to encourage the active engagement of all participants during ITMEMS. It was held on day 3 to provide participants with an opportunity to make new and effective contacts for the exchange of lessons and knowledge.

This innovative session received widespread praise. Participants welcomed the opportunity to meet their peers from different regions, and to engage colleagues from different fields, as a means to strengthen their networks of contacts working on like issues and projects, and to identify areas for future collaboration and partnership.

The session was deemed particularly helpful for non- English speaking participants. Conducting the session at the opening of the symposium, as an icebreaker event, was

encouraged for future symposia to facilitate networking.

related eventsIn keeping with the intention that evenings should primarily be available for informal peer-to-peer networking and mentoring a number of side events and meetings were scheduled before or after the main ITMEMS3 program. Specialized workshops on Coral Disease, the Caribbean Bleaching Event (NOAA), Coral Reef Health (GEF IW: LEARN and the WorldFish Center), and Training of Trainers (Reef Check) took place before the formal start of ITMEMS3. An International Coral Reef Crime Scene Investigation workshop was conducted over 4 days following the end of the Symposium. Social Monitoring Group and Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network management meetings also took place during the week.

iTmems3 Field TripA field trip was co-organized by ICRAN and the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Program (the GEF SGP), to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve to provide an opportunity for participants to visit various SGP sponsored projects with a focus on community-led coastal and marine conservation.

Producing an outcomeThe Symposium produced tangible outputs in the form of an updated Action Statement, case studies, workshop reports, which are available online (www.itmems.org).

Less immediately demonstrable, but as important, is the practical demand-led capacity building and review of program activities that arose through the networking and mentoring discussions within workshops and outside of the formal sessions of the symposium. This function and the opportunity to compare notes and ideas

with other program managers and designers facing similar issues is particularly important because of the limited opportunities and time available for capacity building for many people who are involved in management that affects coral reefs and related ecosystems.

The most important dimension of an ITMEMS is that it is not just a one-off Symposium that occurs every four years. It is part of an iterative learning and experience sharing process that continues and evolves between meetings. We look forward to building further on the lessons of ITMEMS3 and to the development of supporting regional workshops so that these symposia become established as core events addressing the ICRI objectives of capacity building and review or evaluation of management of coral reefs and related ecosystems at the global and regional levels.

The ITMEMS3 Secretariat will continue communications with the ITMEMS community to track and provide feedback to participants on activities, and partnerships that have flowed from ITMEMS, to determine the impact and assist in forward planning for ITMEMS4.

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introductionThe 1995 Call to Action by the International Coral Reef Initiative is even more urgent today than when it was first made.

ITMEMS3 was held in Cozumel, Mexico on October 16 to 20, 2006. It brought together over 300 people from 45 countries reflecting a broad range of experience of managers, scientists, private sector, non-governmental organizations, development and funding agencies to review progress since ITMEMS2 in 2003 and to share and discuss lessons learned in implementing the ICRI Framework for Action.

ITMEMS3 consisted of 49 workshops and two special sessions that considered priority issues or problems of management of tropical marine ecosystems that had been identified by managers from all coral reef regions of the world early in the Symposium planning process. The workshops were prepared and managed by organizing groups to address 13 themes:

n Building resilience into coral reef management

n Disaster management and restoration n Enforcement and investigation n Fisheries and aquaculture n Human impacts n Information and knowledge management n Modeling and decision support n Communication, education and awareness n Integrated and participatory strategies n Sustainable tourism n Economic valuation and incentives in

marine natural resources management n Partnerships and strategic alliances n Sustainable financing

A specific objective of the Symposium

was to develop recognition and mutual understanding of the roles of local government, and the technical and scientific management community in management of coral reefs and related ecosystems. This was addressed through a Local Government Leaders Forum Chaired by the Mayor of Cozumel, Hon Gustavo Ortega Joaquin, with participants from Tanzania, Philippines, Cook Islands, Australia and Hawaii, USA. The Forum developed the Cozumel Declaration (Pg. 21).

An additional special session focused on peer to peer networking between the full range of participants from managers to scientist to local community representatives, NGOs and government.

ITMEMS3 participants recognized that, amongst many threats, the emergence of climate change as an over-arching threat to tropical marine ecosystems increases the imperative for action and effective management. As such a separate statement on climate change in relation to tropical marine ecosystems was drafted and adopted by the symposium (Pg. 23).

The proceedings of ITMEMS3 contain the detailed reports and recommendations of each workshop. This statement has been developed from the reports of the workshops of ITMEMS3 to reflect recurring and emerging issues in more than 400 recommendations. It has been designed to focus on overarching priorities for action in the next 5 – 10 years to address the four elements of the ICRI Call to Action, which are:

n Integrated Coastal Management n Capacity Building for Management n Research and Monitoring; andn Performance Evaluation and Review

This Statement builds upon and reflects the principles and processes established in multilateral environment agreements and other relevant international programs. The detail and context of the issues and recommendations in this Statement should be read and interpreted in light of the individual theme and workshop reports, and the Action Statements of previous ITMEMS.

The principles and overarching actions identified in the 1995 Framework for Action continue to provide a valid strategic context for this Statement.

Principles The ICRI recognizes the following principles:n Achieving the ICRI’s purpose requires the

full participation and commitment of governments, local communities, donors, NGOs, the private sector, resource users and scientists; therefore true partnerships, cooperation and collaboration exemplify the ICRI activities

n The overriding priority is to support actions that will have tangible, positive and measurable effects on coral reefs and related ecosystems and on the well-being of the communities which depend upon them

n Human activities are the major cause of coral reef degradation; therefore, managing coral reefs means managing those human activities. Individuals whose decisions and actions affect coral reefs–from boardrooms to beaches–need to become aware of and committed to the conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs and related ecosystems

n The diversity of cultures, traditions and governance within nations and regions should be recognized and built upon in all the ICRI activities

n Integrated coastal management, with special emphasis on community

participation and benefit, provides a framework for effective coral reef and related ecosystem management

n Developing national capacity to conserve and use sustainably coral reefs and related ecosystems requires a long-term (decadal) commitment. Improvement of coral reef management requires a permanent commitment and an adaptive approach

n Strategic research and monitoring programs should be an integral part of the ICRI because management of coral reefs and related ecosystems should be based on the most relevant scientific information

n Actions promoted under this framework should take account of, and fully use, the extensive body of international agreements and organizations that address issues related to coral reefs and related ecosystems. The ICRI will facilitate the leveraging and channeling of existing resources among all sectors for the benefit of coral reefs and related ecosystems

actions All those committed to supporting the ICRI and this Framework for Action are called upon to take account of and to act on the following at the international, regional and national levels. n Support national and regional efforts

to establish and coordinate strategies, priorities and programs to implement the ICRI Framework for Action

n Ensure that sustainable management of coral reefs and related ecosystems is considered at future relevant international meetings

n Develop and/or strengthen national, regional and international mechanisms for gathering and sharing information and expertise on the sustainable management of coral reefs and related ecosystems

n Promote improved access to financial

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acTion sTaTemenT


and technological resources to enable institutions, regional centers and networks to assist and inform governments, industries and communities

Addressing conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs and related ecosystems requires activities in the following areas:n Public awareness, education and trainingn Ratification of, or accession to, relevant

international instrumentsn Stakeholder participation at all levels;

training policymakers and private sector decision-makers in the development and implementation of coral reef management

n Marine science and technology n Environmental law, particularly

environmental impact assessment regulations

n Micro-enterprise development and access to financing on a small to medium scale

recommendaTions

inTegraTed coasTal managemenT(icm) Building resilience into coral reef management Coral reefs are facing increasing stresses from causes including rising sea temperatures, over-exploitation, land based sources of marine pollution and severe events including storms and tsunamis. Climate change is now recognized as one of the most serious long-term threats to the biodiversity and services provided by tropical marine ecosystems. ITMEMS3 recommends that: n Managers should promote action to limit

climate change to ensure that further increases in sea temperature are limited to 2 C above pre-industrial levels and ocean carbonate ion concentrations do not fall below 200 µmol. kg

n Management planning must incorporate

recognition that mass coral bleaching will have the potential for similar social and economic consequences as other environmental impacts such as droughts, oil spills and other disasters, and will require similar responses

n Facilitate and finance actions to increase resilience of coral reef social-ecological systems, particularly through marine management area networks comprising adequate areas of coral reefs and associated habitats in non-extraction zones, protection of water quality and herbivore populations, and adaptive governance

n Facilitate and finance the development and implementation of coral bleaching response programs, including contingency funding

disaster management and restoration The world today is witnessing more frequent and more widespread calamities, due either from natural or anthropogenic causes that damage or destroy coastal ecosystems on unprecedented scales. Nations are often ill prepared to assess and take measures to reduce subsequent damage because of the lack of baseline information.

In order to be better prepared for proper disaster management and restoration ITMEMS3 recommends that: n Contingency plans be developed according

to the nature of coastal areas which will provide for proper coordination at the regional, national and local level before, during and after a disaster

n Land use planning in the coastal zone must consider the wide range of important economic values that coastal ecosystems provide, not least their important coast protection functions

n Integrated coastal management be promoted and implemented to build

resistance and resilience into tropical marine ecosystems

n Economic incentives need to be developed in conjunction with supporting legislation in order to encourage the preservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems

n Maritime nations survey their coasts, particularly coral reefs and associated ecosystems, to establish baseline data to serve as benchmarks in the face of disasters and support management

n Maritime nations ensure that they have appropriate early warning systems in place, as well as communication and disaster preparedness strategies and techniques

n Many countries need to urgently amend the legislation covering damage compensation claims. Guidelines would usefully be produced highlighting the key steps and requirements in legislative change

There are a limited number of methods for restoring areas of coral reefs affected by disasters or human impacts. There are currently no techniques available to restore significant areas of corals; most current techniques are not cost effective. They have limited ecological scale but are applicable to the restoration of sites of high economic value. ITMEMS3 recommends that: n Decisions on whether or not to restore

damage should consider the probability of survival of transplants, a low level of likelihood that the impact will be repeated in the long term, and ensuring that the resources devoted to restoration do not distract effort from more valuable alternative activities

n Assessment of appropriate compensation for damage from the responsible party should be based on the total economic value of benefits foregone as a result of reef

damage as well as the costs of restoration

enforcement and investigation The ITMEMS2 Statement and recommendations on enforcement remain valid today but there has been little progress in implementing those recommendations. ITMEMS3 recommends that: n Resource management agencies involve

enforcement expertise to ensure active and early consideration of enforcement issues during planning processes

n Resource management agencies provide awareness and education for the public on laws, regulations and consequences of violations including publicizing the outcomes of prosecutions to promote deterrence and improve compliance

n Donor organizations, NGOs and governments should not focus only on science and planning but support the development and maintenance of enforcement capacity to ensure that management strategies succeed

n Incorporate Ecological Risk Assessment (ERAs) to focus compliance and impact mitigation planning

n Nations should take actions against illegal activities by their citizens overseas

Fisheries and aquaculture Tropical nearshore and coral reef fisheries are generally not well managed. ITMEMS3 recommends that: n Support reform of fishery governance at

multiple levels to harmonize policies to ensure consistency, sustainability and integration of fisheries management with other elements of tropical marine ecosystem management

n ICRI encourage and support sustainable fisheries management based on a whole

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ecosystem based approachn ICRI support the design, implementation

and performance monitoring of MPAs as one important tool in a suite of tools to protect important and vulnerable life history phases, habitats and ensure sustainability of fisheries

n Identification of fishery management objectives should consider the wide range of economic value provided by healthy fisheries (e.g. actual or potential dive recreation tourism revenues)

n Support the development and adoption of policies that encourage rights and local tenure based management to eliminate open access marine regimes in the ocean. This approach will encourage co-management and sustainable fishing

n Encourage diversified skills for community-based income generating activities to increase community resilience

human impacts Preliminary research findings suggest that marine protected areas have a lower disease prevalence than reefs that are fished and recover more rapidly after stress.

ITMEMS3 recommends that: n Marine protected areas should be promoted

and implemented as a management tool for containing coral disease

Dredging and port development and inappropriate reef restoration around coral reefs can create significant impacts. However, these are often essential activities, and the Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses (PIANC), through Working Group 15, is developing guidelines that are relevant to tropical marine ecosystems.

ITMEMS3 recommends that: n Interested parties review the PIANC

draft Guidelines on “Dredging and port construction around coral reefs” and provide comments for editorial consideration

n When finalized, the Guidelines be considered for endorsement by ICRI as a minimum requirement for marine construction activities around coral reefs

n The Guidelines be extended to include mangroves and seagrass as critical tropical marine ecosystems

integrated and Participatory strategies The participation of stakeholders and cross-sectoral engagement is fundamental to the development of successful management strategies. In particular, it is vital to ensure that those bearing the costs of policies or projects are identified, as well as those benefiting. The integration of traditional management and knowledge systems with modern scientific and economic equivalents presents important challenges in the design and implementation of management. ITMEMS3 recommends that: n The inclusion of traditional management

into a hybrid or integrated strategy should occur in partnership with local government, central government and traditional leaders

n Investing in peer-to-peer learning among communities is the most effective means to develop and support the capacities needed to adapt and adopt best practices globally

sustainable Tourism Sustainable tourism has the potential to create long term economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits although there are many examples of economic and environmental failures.

ITMEMS3 recommends that: n Partnerships with the tourism industry be

developed to generate mutual benefits for the environment, industry and local communities

n Integrated cost benefit analysis be conducted by credible experts to promote policy and development so that tourism creates long-term economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits

n Coordination frameworks, such as the Guidelines on Biodiversity and Tourism Development of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), be implemented to ensure stakeholder participation in the creation of a local vision for sustainable development for its continued execution, implementation and monitoring of compliance

n A vehicle for multi-stakeholder participation from which a mutually beneficial partnership be developed with the cruise ship industry, including cruise industry commitment, to define and adopt a voluntary code of practices and procedures to better manage shore-based excursions

n Mechanisms are created to ensure transparency and accountability in creating appropriate legislation to implement and enforce policies of intra-government and inter-sectoral coordination, strengthening enforcement penalties, and empowering local communities

n Prior to cruise destinations development, there is existing mandatory government criteria for adequate sustainable infrastructure and destination management tools that address cruise tourism impacts

n The tourism industry is engaged and incentives created for the promotion and adoption of sustainable policies, products, and practices

n Community based tourism should be supported as a tool that can achieve

both poverty alleviation and local marine conservation; support should include policy development, capacity building and financing

n Community based tourism projects should be developed using participatory and conflict assessment tools; and should be based on realistic goals and expectations, sound environmental and cultural impact assessments, and good project governance including transparent management of tourism generated benefits

economic Valuation of marine natural resources Understanding of the full range of values in tropical marine ecosystems is important for the development of effective management strategies.

ITMEMS3 recommends: n Integration of the full environmental and

social costs into all resource decision-making with respect to coastal policies and projects using extended cost benefit analysis (e.g. in ICZM and EIAs) to capture the true impacts of different human activities

n Standardization of economic valuation and reporting approaches to ensure better comparability between values measured in different locations

n Future international tropical marine environment conferences highlight the potentially powerful role of coral reef economics

sustainable Financing Long-term financial planning and monitoring for revenue generation, funds management, and expenditure should be fundamental to all ICM activities. Revenue generation must not adversely affect conservation goals.

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ITMEMS3 recommends: n Lobbying for governments to maintain a

minimum budget towards the maintenance of MPAs, regardless of others sources of funding

n Strengthening financial accountability and transparency for MPA and coastal resource management, based upon effective accounting systems, reporting, and stakeholder communication

n Developing appropriate legislation to allow local decision-making, establishment of fee systems, and expenditure of funds generated by the MPA

n Coordinating PA site and system level planning to facilitate allocation of funds and cross-subsidization of management costs between MPAs

n Developing revenue sharing mechanisms with local communities, such as MPA user fees, conservation concessions, and alternative livelihoods

caPaciTy Building For managemenTBuilding resilience into coral reef management Managers can take action to reduce the impacts of climate change in tropical marine ecosystems. ITMEMS 3 recommends: n Creating incentives for development of

partnerships for adaptation n Increasing investments in targeted

messages to accelerate adaptation to climate change

n Investing in village-to-global education and communication for climate adaptation that will integrate traditional and scientific knowledge into implementation of adaptation strategies for coral reefs around the world

enforcement and investigation Enforcement must be viewed and supported as one of several strategies to promote improved compliance with regulations. ITMEMS3 recommends that: n Professional fora and networks be developed

for investigators and enforcement personnel to promote regional and international exchange of expertise

n Where the legal framework allows, community-based initiatives be promoted and supported to strengthen compliance and foster community stewardship

n Formal local, national and international interagency mechanisms be developed to ensure coordinated response capacity for enforcement and investigation

Fisheries and aquacultureFishers are not adequately involved in policy making for fisheries and ocean conservation. ITMEMS3 recommends that: n A fisheries forum within ITMEMS should be

included in future meetings that provides opportunity for fishers to share their experience and network

human impactsThe issue of coral disease is not widely understood. ITMEMS3 recommends:n The identification of methods and

opportunities to inform local leaders of the importance of water quality as an issue to be addressed in relation to ecosystem and human health

n Production of a documentary on coral diseases for broad-based popular consumption, linking the issues of water quality, agriculture and other anthropogenic impacts to coral health and disease

information and knowledge managementITMEMS3 recommends:n Resources should be made available for

capacity building in data collection, analyses, management and effective communication

n Providing countries with data management support, tools and training

n Establishing a network among local communities, NGOs, governments and scientists for the exchange of tools and lessons learned

communication, education and awareness Knowledge does not necessarily change behaviour, but communication, education and awareness programs can be developed to foster change. While there have been significant advances in improving global awareness, these have not resulted in behaviour changes at a pace and scale that stems the decline of tropical marine ecosystems. ITMEMS recommends: n A second International Year of the Reef

(IYOR) be held in 2008, building on the history and lessons of the 1997 IYOR

n IYOR 2008 is a call to action to strengthen commitment at all levels to reverse coral reef decline and sustain the benefits of coral reef ecosystems

n The IYOR should help establish partnerships and initiatives that result in longer-term improvements in management capacity and community engagement at all levels

n Development of communication, education and awareness strategies to engage local communities and increase social, economic and political benefits as part of local solutions for global problems

n IYOR should build synergies with major events already planned for 2008, by seeking active linkages and partnerships with those

events, and work with local partners to broaden the impact of their initiatives to reach new constituencies for conservation

n Special efforts must be made to collaborate with the private sector to engage in and continue best business practices, and support awareness among their customers, as part of their partnership with IYOR

n The urgent start of coordination, fundraising and promotion for IYOR as sufficient planning and resources will be critical for its success

Communication is vital in establishing viable ecologically sustainable tourism ITMEMS3 recommends: n Promotion of communication as a

mechanism for creating a sense of ownership and increasing empowerment for all stakeholders

n Creating a user- friendly, multi-lingual information platform to make resources available for managers and other stakeholders, including but not limited to MPA management plans, community-based initiatives, educational materials, technical expert lists, employment announcements, funding opportunities, links to organizations, press releases, scientific publications, etc.

integrated and Participatory strategiesCommunities have a vital role to play in the stewardship, sustainable use and management of marine natural resources. It is essential that tropical ecosystem managers recognize and build on community knowledge to use resources sustainably. ITMEMS recommends that: n Support be given to facilitate interaction

of community representatives with other stakeholders, especially local government

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n Community representatives be invited as full participants to national, regional and international meeting

n Funding be provided for facilitating the establishment of CBOs and building their capacity to support their initiatives

n Support be given to facilitate community level exchanges and sharing of best practices

n Sustainable livelihoods be promoted for community empowerment linked to conservation management

Partnerships and strategic alliances Recognizing that partnerships are powerful tools that can promote capacity building, leverage financial support, strengthen cultural participation, and facilitate complementary experiences, and actions around common management goals. ITMEMS3 recommends: n At the onset of every partnership for tropical

marine ecosystems, partners should define common goals and objectives, agreed roles and responsibilities, equitability, and should provide transparency and accountability in a process for managing and strengthening that partnership

n Partnerships for tropical marine ecosystems should harness formal and indigenous knowledge and empower community and stakeholder participation in management processes while applying and reinforcing cultural heritage

n Including comprehensive background information (e.g. socio-economic and ecological data for tropical marine ecosystems) to support the partnerships

n Developing appropriate communication tools (use of a common language for tropical marine ecosystems) to facilitate information sharing/exchange within the partnership(s) and to the outside world

economic Valuation Economic valuation is increasingly recognized as being powerful in influencing decision-makers, promoting sustainable resource management and leveraging management funds. However, awareness is lacking at all levels with respect to how economic values can be applied, and their potential power.

ITMEMS3 recommends that: n Training and support, in the basics of

economic valuation and how environmental values can be applied (e.g. case studies, cost benefit analysis and design of economic incentives), is required for ecosystem managers and decision-makers with appropriate guidance materials

sustainable Financing Tools, mechanisms and systems for revenue generation, management of funds and expenditure, need to be institutionalized within MPA authorities at the site and system level. ITMEMS3 Recommends: n Increasing financial and economic expertise

within MPA staffing n Applying best practices for tools and

mechanisms that promote MPA sustainable financing including the establishment and operations of trust funds, business planning, accounting systems, financial modeling, diversification of income sources, system level planning, and reporting

research and moniToring Building resilience into coral reef management Partnerships between scientists and managers are essential to address the challenges posed by climate change.

ITMEMS 3 recommends: n Facilitating and financing assessments

of risk and vulnerability of coral reefs to climate change

disaster management and restoration iTmems3 recommends: n Baseline monitoring of coastal areas

prone to natural disasters to develop and maintain vulnerability mapping

n Undertaking more scientific research on cost-effective methods applicable to large scale restoration of marine tropical ecosystems

n Studying the role of marine tropical ecosystems in coastal protection in different regions of the world

n Review available data and information on damage valuation claims worldwide to understand the potential for seeking compensation

enforcement and investigation ITMEMS3 recommends: n Guidance be provided to resource managers

regarding the entire investigation and enforcement process

n Enhancing the direct application of research and monitoring into assisting enforcement and investigation

human impacts Laboratories with capacity to handle advanced water analysis and ecotoxicology assessments are important for research and monitoring of coral disease. An inventory of such laboratories exists for the Caribbean (The Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean; AMLC). ITMEMS3 recommends: n Preparation of additional inventories of

laboratories that can handle advanced water quality analysis and ecotoxicology

studies for other regions, modeled after the AMLC

n Development of regional scale recommendations for water quality standards, and improvement of monitoring of coral disease levels and their inclusion in existing monitoring programs

Awareness of marine invasive species and the threats that they pose is generally low, but their impacts can be severe. ITMEMS3 recommends: n The continued development of methods for

early detection of marine invasive species n Research into methods of eradication of

marine invasive species n Research into the ways in which climate

change may affect or compound the threat of marine invasive species

information and knowledge management The formats and procedures for data collection, analysis, storage and accessibility of data collected in monitoring and surveys can have a significant impact on data applications and availability. Establishing ecosystem and socioeconomic baselines and trend assessments are essential for ICM and risk reduction. ITMEMS3 recommends: n Implementation and integration of

ecological and socioeconomic monitoring in tropical marine ecosystems management and more effective communication of the results

n In planning for research and monitoring, consider not only the financial requirements for data collection, but also for storage analysis and dissemination costs. Provide countries with data management support, tools and training

n Improving data archiving and metadata

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accessibility, with full acknowledgement of partners and sources

n Investing in peer-to-peer learning networks to accelerate the implementation and increase the effectiveness of marine resources management

n Encouraging all countries and regions to assemble status and trend assessments for raising awareness, including the IYOR in 2008

modeling and decision support Participatory modeling provides the means of integrating socio-economic and biophysical models. ITMEMS3 recommends that: n Participatory modeling should be used

to enhance the legitimacy of models and their use by decision makers

integrated and Participatory strategies The integration of traditional management strategies and knowledge with modern science and conservation practice is important for the achievement of ecological sustainability and the maintenance of local livelihoods and culture. ITMEMS3 recommends: n Recognition that social science is

fundamental for understanding traditional management systems and appropriate forms of management intervention

n Both scientific and local knowledge systems, and mechanisms for detecting and reacting to changes in socio-ecological systems, should be harnessed in the development of hybrid management systems

n Traditional systems should be respected as partners in management and research, and the sharing of scientific knowledge with communities should be done in a respectful manner

n Recognition that traditional knowledge can be strengthened and enhanced by science, and empower communities in management

economic Valuation of marine natural resources

ITMEMS3 recommends: n A global assessment of the availability

of coastal economic value data and information to identify gaps and focus research

n The establishment of centralized and freely available economic valuation database to improve the scope of benefit transfer studies, so that values from one study can be used to evaluate the values for other similar resource or impact situations

n An analysis of global best practice in legal frameworks and associated damage compensation approaches to underpin effective marine ecosystems damage compensation claims

n Investigation into how economic incentive mechanisms can be better applied, in particular the scope for “payments for ecosystem services” (e.g. off-site fishery benefits and coast protection services) and payments for indirect damages (e.g. sedimentation and greenhouse gas emissions)

sustainable Financing There is a recognized absence of financial and economic data, which is critical for MPA planning and management, hence the need for more research. ITMEMS3 recommends: n Investigate establishing payments for

ecosystem services such as fisheries replenishment from no-take zones, and coastal protection by natural resources

(mangroves and coral reefs) n Determine costs of management for MPAs

and ICM as a foundation for financial planning and develop benchmarks for the evaluation of cost-effectiveness

n Monitor improvements in financial performance (revenues and costs) using financial modeling

PerFormance, eValuaTion and reVieWsustainable Finance

There is a wealth of experience in financial procedures and mechanisms that should be shared among MPA practitioners. ITMEMS3 recommends: n Reviewing, collecting and disseminating

case studies on revenue generation mechanisms

n Evaluating cost burdens to ICM practitioners from donor reporting requirements

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local goVernmenT leaders sTaTemenTLocal Governments hold the key to the future of coral reefs and other tropical marine ecosystems. Greenhouse gas emissions, land based sources of marine pollution, unsustainable coastal development, overfishing and destructive fishing are local problems that impact at the global level. Healthy coral reefs are a beautiful indicator of healthy coastal and marine ecosystems and an increasingly valuable natural resource. The economic, social and cultural futures of people of tropical coasts and islands are linked to the health of coral reefs.

Local Government is on the front line of the issues that directly affect the future of coral reefs and associated ecosystems. Many local governments face huge and constantly changing challenges in providing for sustainability – meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future.

We are grateful for the opportunity provided for us to engage with the expertise of the coral reef management and scientific community through participation in the program of the Third International Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management Symposium.

We have identified six major issues that should be addressed to develop the partnership between the global coral reef management community and local government

empowermentWe call upon the management and scientific community to support the empowerment and resourcing of local governments to manage tropical marine ecosystems.

networksWe call upon the management community to work with local government and community networks to develop informed partnerships to

address the management of tropical marine ecosystems.

capacity Building We call upon the management community to work with local government to develop practical technical capacity at the local level to address marine ecosystem issues. knowledge and communication We call upon researchers to communicate current research information in a manner that addresses the needs of local government. Political WillWe call upon the management community to work with local government to build the political will to meet the challenges of managing tropical marine ecosystems. recognition of achievementWe encourage the management community to publicly recognize the achievements of local government in sustainable management of marine resources. This statement was endorsed by:Gustavo Ortega Joaquin - Mayor, Island of Cozumel, Mexico Mahmoud Juma Issa - Mayor, Zanzibar Municipal Council, Tanzania Ann Bunnell - Deputy Mayor, Townsvile, Queensland, Australia Lucilo Bayron - Vice Mayor, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines Teariki Matenga - Mayor, Tukitumea, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Hermani Braganza - Mayor, City of Alaminos, Pangasinan, Philippines Jeremy Harris - Former Mayor, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

BackgroundLocal government can have a decisive leadership role in sustainable management of tropical marine ecosystems but is often the missing partner in discussion of management needs and possibilities. Now there are a growing number of examples where local governments have taken up the challenges.

A new ITMEMS event, the Local Government Leaders Forum, enabled local government leaders to share their experiences and to identify priorities for closer and more effective involvement of local government in management of coral reef and tropical marine ecosystems.

The LGLF provided an opportunity for managers and scientists to learn of the issues, priorities, problems faced and successes achieved by local government in tropical marine environment management. Conversely, it provided an opportunity for local government leaders to learn of projects, management approaches and research that may be relevant to their work.

Importantly the LGLF provided an opportunity to identify future programs of collaboration and technical support so that good management practice is recognized and supported, and is taken up more generally by local government in tropical coastal and island areas. The hope is that the local government leaders will work together to inform and inspire other delegates on the work being done and the opportunities and needs for future programs.

The LGLF was a timely event, as the crucial roles of local government are being

recognized in a growing number of international programs. Valuable support for the representation of local government leaders at ITMEMS3 was provided by the World Bank GEF Coral Reef Targeted Research Program, which is presently investigating and analyzing global good practice in local government management of tropical marine environments.

The outcomes of the LGLF were reported to the International Coral Reef Initiative, feeding into priority setting for the next five years, and reaching broader international policy discussions.

ParticipationSeven local government leaders participated in the forum, each presenting information on their local government and coral reef issues, and interacting directly with ITMEMS participants in a question and answer session.

outcomesThe Leaders identified six priority issues that should be addressed to develop the partnership between the global coral reef management community and local government. These issues were captured in a Local Government Leaders Statement, which forms a key part to these Proceedings, and which provides an opportunity for local government leaders to highlight the key steps that they would like to see taken to support and enhance their work in managing tropical marine environments and natural resources.

local goVernmenT leaders Forum (lglF)


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Over 300 managers, scientists, and representatives from the private sector, development and funding agencies, and local government attended the Third ITMEMS in Mexico in October 2006 to share information of their experiences in tropical marine resource management. This statement was developed and adopted by the participants of ITMEMS 3 to focus attention on the emerging impacts of climate change on coral reef ecosystems, and to highlight actions required to respond to the serious long term threats posed.

There is no longer any doubt that the earth’s climate is changing, causing rapidly warming seas and ocean acidification. Warming seas are causing increased mass coral bleaching and mortality, with little evidence that corals and their symbionts can evolve fast enough to keep pace.

In addition to these impacts, there is now strong evidence that acidifying seas are reducing calcification rates. Other consequences, such as rapid sea level rise and increased frequency and intensity of tropical storms, and impacts on other organisms and ecosystems, further emphasize the urgent

need to limit the rate and extent of global climate change.

Projected changes in temperature and ocean acidity pose significant problems for reef-building corals. As reef-building corals build the habitat and ecosystem in which many tens of thousands of organisms live, these changes in global climate are causing major changes to the biodiversity of the ocean. Because coral reefs directly support at least 100 million people and multi-billion dollar industries, like tourism and fisheries, these impacts will cause significant socio-economic impacts and threaten food security in developing nations around the world. Two strategies must be implemented to mitigate the impacts of climate change to coral reefs. The first is to limit climate change. The second is to build the resilience of tropical marine ecosystems and communities to maximize their ability to resist and recover from impacts such as mass coral bleaching. Within this context our ability to effectively reduce other stressors will determine the future of coral reefs.

actions required to support reef resilience to climate change are:1 Limit climate change to ensure that further

increases in sea temperature are limited to 2 C above pre-industrial levels and ocean carbonate ion concentrations do not fall below 200 μmol. kg

2 Recognise that mass coral bleaching will have similar social and economic consequences as other environmental disasters such as oil spills and droughts and will require similar responses

3 Facilitate and finance actions to increase resilience of coral reef social-ecological systems, particularly through marine management area networks comprising adequate areas of coral reefs and associated habitats in non-extraction zones, protection of water quality and herbivore populations, and adaptive governance

4 Facilitate and finance assessments of risk and vulnerability of coral reefs to climate change

coral reeFs and climaTe changea statement from the Third international Tropical marine ecosystem management symposium

5 Facilitate and finance the development and implementation of coral bleaching response programs, including contingency funding

6 Create incentives for development of partnerships for adaptation.

7 Increase investments in targeted messages to accelerate adaptation to climate change

8 Invest in village-to-global education and communication for climate adaptation that will integrate traditional and scientific knowledge into implementation of adaptation strategies for coral reefs around the world

Further information on Coral Reefs and Climate Change, including pragmatic, science based suggestions for adaptive management and effective response to mass coral bleaching events can be found in A Reef Manager’s Guide to Coral Bleaching, available for download from: www.coris.noaa.gov


The cariBBean caucusWe, the custodians of the Caribbean tropical marine ecosystems, recognize that the dramatic and unprecedented decline in tropical marine and coastal systems under our care is already beginning to undermine the foundation of our culture, economy and the environmental services provided by these ecosystems for sustainable development.

Already 50% of coral reefs and mangroves around the Wider Caribbean have been lost or are seriously threatened as a direct result of human activities resulting in coastal erosion, reduced fisheries and loss of biodiversity.

Critical threats are undermining our future prospects for sustainable development. These include the following priority areas for immediate action: 1 Climate change 2 Coastal development and unsustainable

tourism3 User conflicts4 Inadequate financing for science and

monitoring

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5 Lack of commitment by policy makers6 Over fishing

Urgent action is needed by policy makers, governments, communities and funding agencies to create an enabling environment whereby greater emphasis should be placed upon marine conservation initiatives across the region before it is too late.

Through closer collaboration and better communication regionally and internationally, a greater understanding of our marine ecosystems will develop, benefiting communities, countries and the region. We recognize our responsibilities as stakeholders and commit to:n Promote community engagement through

public awareness and educationn Identify training and capacity requirements

necessary for effective management n Undertake ecosystem monitoring and

communicate results effectively to policy makers and the public

n Create a regional network of scientists and managers to exchange information, conservation solutions and tools

recommendations With respect to the priority areas listed below we urge Local and National Governments of the Wider Caribbean to carry out the following immediate actions:

climate change Recognizing the vulnerability of the Caribbean to climate change, and in view of the major negative impact that it has and will continue to have on marine ecosystems: n Work as a regional body to reduce emissions

by developing and enforcing emission standards

n Reduce stressors to marine ecosystems that make them more vulnerable to climate change

coastal development Inappropriate coastal development threatens ecosystems resulting in a deterioration of environmental, economic and human health: n Implement Integrated Coastal Zone

Management (ICZM) where it does not exist and strengthen existing ICZM centres

n Prepare, adopt and integrate environmental policy into coastal development plans to ensure sustainable development of the countries

n Utilize and enforce EIA findings in the approval of major coastal development

Water Pollution In view of increasing levels of nutrients in the water negatively affecting the coral reefs and associated ecosystems:n Strictly regulate and manage waste water

effluents and point sources of marine pollution

n Ratify and implement the LBS (Land based sources of marine pollution) protocol of the Cartagena Convention

Overfishing In view of the negative effects of over fishing in the tropical marine ecosystems:n Alleviate poverty to reduce the needs of

subsistence fishing n Strictly regulate and manage fisheries in a

sustainable way n Establish No Take Zones to allow recovery

of fish stocks n Provide alternate livelihood training for

displaced fishers n Share good practices in sustainable

fisheries

connectivity In view of the regional connectivity of the tropical marine ecosystem of the Wider Caribbean:n Ratify relevant International Conventions

such as the SPAW (Specially Protected Areas & Wildlife) Protocol and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

n Strengthen regional cooperative bodies such as GCFI, AMLC, CaMPAM and CARICOMP

n Identify connectivity linkages within the large marine ecosystems and collaborate to enhance stewardship of these critical ecosystem elements and processes

sustainable FundingIn view of the need to effectively protect areas of marine ecosystem significance: n Create protected areas trust funds n Create adequate legislation in order to

enable sustainable financing for the existing and proposed MPAs, Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage Sites, Ramsar Sites etc

n Contribute to sustainable development projects

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managementn Provide funding for training n Provide opportunities for inter-island

technology and skills transfer n Develop a regional grant writing group to

foster collaboration between inter island agencies

n Develop internship programs

resources needed n Sustainable financing n Institutional Strengthening n Commitment n Local level n National Level n Regional Level n Legislation and Enforcement n Public Engagement

We do not inherit the earth from our parents; we merely borrow it from our children”

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capacity Building Recognizing that more trained individuals are needed to: n Support effective environmental

The mesoamerican caucus The Mesoamerican Caucus recalls and reiterates the recommendations of ITMEMS2 in 2003 to confront the threats faced by marine ecosystems in general and coral reefs in particular, including: The planning and use of the resources:1 Capacity building for decision making at

all levels: individual, institutional and systemic

2 Participation of communities and indigenous groups in the management and sustainable use of resources, in decision making and in design of management plans, through means of effective means of consultation

3 Public awareness-raising through environmental education programs

4 Enforcement of the law at local, national, and regional levels

5 Support to monitoring and studies in the area, including development of research protocols related to connectivity in marine protected areas and other ecological topics

6 Cross-disciplinary financing to support the proposals presented in this declaration

At the same time the Mesoamerican Caucus has identified the following additional priority areas: 1 Development of mechanisms (periodic

meetings) to transfer information among scientists, site administrators, local population and decision and policy makers

2 Restoration of degraded environments, including a program of first aid for corals which helps alleviate the effects of natural and anthropogenic disasters

3 Strengthening of activities to prevent and respond to unforeseen events

4 To the extent possible, establish the actual and potential economic value of Mesoamerican marine environments with

a view to giving them the priority they deserve

5 Take measures to reduce or eliminate the problem of corruption which constitutes a great obstacle to the implementation of these recommendations

6 Reaffirm the other statements of previous ITMEMS, as well as those of Tulum plus 8

Having reiterated the priorities of ITMEMS2 and added new priorities, the participants of ITMEMS3 urge all involved to implement them by means of:1 Identification, by the organizers of the

event, of a regional executive secretary to follow up these recommendations

2 On the basis of participation of the involved actors, document, at a minimum on an annual basis, the accomplishments in each of these areas over the next 3-4 years

3 Evaluate progress achieved at the next meeting of ITMEMS

A spanish translation of this statement is available from

the ITMEMS website: www.itmems.org

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governments among countries, resource managers, scientists, regional programs (PEMSEA, COBSEA, ASEAN APEC etc.) to inform decision makers initiate and coordinate action from regional to local levels

2 Implement effective enforcement at multi-level and inter-agency level as well as community-based enforcement/involvement in collaboration with local governments by establishing more effective MPAs, no-take or multi-use MPAs and establishing incentives through cross-compliance mechanisms (e.g. certification and recognition)

3 Integrate population management initiatives in coastal marine programs (e.g. co-responsible parenthood)

4 Link Research and Information to adaptive management actions with Research on recommended actions at the local level by utilizing up-to-date information such as satellite imagery for monitoring standardizing databases so as to be more accessible to managers and applying scientific-based restoration efforts

5 Propose alternative Income and Sustainable Financing such as user fees, environmental fees, revenues, taxes with donor funding to help develop locally generated financing

6 Establish a network among East Asian countries for Environmental Education and tools as a campaign to educate consumers on the excesses of unsustainable fishing practices (e.g. live food fish trade)

Proposed actions by the region 1 To establish a regional network for action

plan to conserve the coastal and marine resources in this region (Japan to act as Coordinator for the regional network)

2 To identify a focal point of each country and seek resources for the implementation of the action plan at the national and local

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The souTheasT asian caucusn Recognizing the important role that local

governments play in managing coastal ecosystems

n Taking into consideration the insufficient opportunity to share findings with policy-makers

n Having established various networks & linkages to promote regional & national coordination such as the Asia Pacific Coral Reef Network

n With research having been carried out and information disseminated with no baseline to monitor and evaluate progress of existing networks and research, and with action being not filtered down to the core community level

n The countries of the East Asian region have recognized that the major threats are soil run-off, over-fishing and destructive fishing, tourism, aquaculture and live reef fish trade

recommended actions From countries in The region1 Expand existing network of local

level 3 To convene a regional level Tropical Marine

Ecosystem Management Symposium to be held in sync with the International Year of the Reef (ICRS 2008) for national level focusing on good practices, more interface between scientists, managers, local governors and other stakeholders

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region to discuss salient issues. As this was the first regional caucus for this region, the discussion was mainly dedicated to debating the possible purposes of such caucuses and possible frameworks for future caucuses. In general, regional caucuses were seen as useful tools for dissemination of knowledge, but capacity for effective caucuses has to be built up. recognize that:1 Mainly WIO was represented in the

regional caucus meeting, so the discussion concentrated on the WIO region, however there is scope for WIO to collaborate with the Red Sea and Persian gulf area

2 There are existing structures in the WIO such as the Coral Reef Task Force (CRTF) that could play a role of facilitating coral reef activities

3 Broadly there is a lack of awareness across the region about ICRI and ITMEMS amongst managers, scientists and decision-makers

discussion Points The following points were generated during the discussion 1 It was agreed that a ‘Regional Caucus’ is

potentially a useful concept 2 A wider spectrum of nations, managers

and scientists from the region should be represented at the next ITMEMS. In addition, regional ITMEMS caucuses should be promoted

3 National and regional networks for managers should also be encouraged

4 The caucus could play an important role in raising awareness of international initiatives (e.g. ITMEMS or ICRI and other coral reef-associated ecosystem networks) within nations in the region

5 The caucus could facilitate the dissemination of recommendations made at international symposia (e.g. ITMEMS) to

Coral Reef Task Force and to focus on: 1 Raising awareness about ICRI, ITMEMS and

other coral reef networks and activities in the region

2 Facilitating the organization of regional ITMEMS to be held prior to other key regional meetings such as the WIOMSA scientific symposium or the Nairobi Convention COP or the WIO Consortium meetings

3 Facilitating increased attendance and representation at the next ITMEMS

4 Raising awareness about the potential bleaching of 2007 and encouraging monitoring across the region

5 Facilitating contribution to the GCRMN status report in time for the next ICRS (2008)

6 Exploring ways to form links between coral reef initiatives and other marine ecosystem initiatives e.g. at the International Seagrass symposium (2008) or mangrove meetings

7 Facilitating the coordination of Year of the Reef activities across the region

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WesTern indian ocean, red sea and Persian gulF caucusBackground The Third International Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management Symposium (ITMEMS) was held in Cozumel, Mexico during October 16-20, 2006. It is the core activity of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) and offers a unique forum for coastal and marine managers to ensure that the hands-on, day-to-day concerns of marine and coastal managers reach and inform the global agenda. It brings peers and partners together to share experiences and lessons learned; identify effective local solutions to common management problems; inform future action to manage tropical marine ecosystems; evaluate progress since prior ITMEMS and strengthen and expand the network of tropical marine managers. Some of the activities taking place during this symposium were regional caucuses for the main tropical regions, including for the Western Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Persian Gulf region. These caucuses provide an informal platform for managers in the

managers, scientists and decision makers thus creating a direct link between science and practical application

6 The caucus could play a role in influencing proposals for funding by identifying and prioritizing issues of regional concern

7 The caucus could provide a mechanism for ITMEMS to reach out to managers of ecosystems associated with coral reefs (mangroves and seagrass beds)

8 The caucus could facilitate the process of developing regional action plans to deal with emerging issues (e.g. the upcoming El Niño)

9 The caucus could play a role in identification of gaps in capacity building as well as advising and encouraging governments to allocate resources for marine and coastal management

mechanisms/Future actions A virtual (email) regional caucus should be created to be administrated by the Regional

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to the CRU should be supported and their interaction with the CRU facilitated.

recommendation 2 from iTmems2:Promote the involvement of stakeholders in identifying viable alternative employment options, opportunities and resources in order to reduce pressure on coral reef ecosystems.

What has Been achieved to date: This is an area that needs continuous input and support. Implementation has been sporadic, e.g. various alternative livelihoods projects implemented by NGO and governmental organizations. Such activities have been implemented on a larger scale after the tsunami, mostly through humanitarian agencies. This has also increased the involvement of local stakeholders.

recommendations for the Future: The involvement of stakeholders is key for successful identification of viable, environmentally as well as economically sustainable livelihood options, and should be the basic principle for all livelihoods enhancement or diversification activities. recommendation 3 from iTmems2: Recommend the strengthening of effective enforcement mechanisms and improve capabilities within countries to fulfill requirements under all treaties and conventions.

What has Been achieved to date: Frequently laws are not implemented or enforced. Progress has been made in some areas, including through enforcement capacity building. There are also changes at the policy level, such as the India Biodiversity Act 2002, which includes provisions for the protection of reef resources outside PAs. In the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami

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activities implemented on site, municipality, province and state level. Improvements in data management are still needed. Private sector involvement and support is currently well below potential, e.g. the utilization of dive center based monitoring and connecting this to national monitoring programs. It was noted that private sector engagement can extend beyond reef monitoring to e.g. water quality monitoring. recommendations for the Future: 1 Ensure relevant monitoring and capacity

building activities carried out by ‘non-traditional’ partners are integrated into the ICRI, GCRMN and related coordination processes

2 Continue to build capacity in biophysical and socio-economic monitoring as well as data management and analysis for improved reliability and use of the data

3 Increase commitment to socioeconomic and community based monitoring

4 Strengthen private sector partnerships in monitoring (as well as other aspects of management)

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souTh asian caucusThe recommendations outlined in this document are the

outcomes of the deliberations of the South Asia regional

caucus meetings held during the Third International

Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management Symposium, in

Cozumel, Mexico, October 2006. The South Asian Caucus

was composed of members of national government

institutions, NGOs and civil society organizations, and

represents the views of practitioners, researchers

and decision makers on marine ecosystem issues from

across the region. The group revisited recommendations

emerging from ITMEMS2, 2002, reviewing and updating

these as appropriate. The recommendations are targeted

at governments, NGOs and civil society alike, and

represent priority actions that need to be taken in order

to safeguard the future of important marine ecosystems

and resources.

recommendation 1 from iTmems2:Recommend the establishment of a South Asia Coral Reef Unit to facilitate implementation of various regional and international initiatives in the management of coral reefs.

What has Been achieved to date: Though a Coral Reef Unit (CRU) or similar body has not yet been established, the concept has recently been taken forward under a project in the region. Relevant stakeholders from the governmental, NGO and research sector involved in the project agreed on the principle of a CRU in September 2006. ToR and formal name of the CRU are to be agreed on by early 2007.

recommendations for the Future: Governments as well as other organizations are asked to support the CRU and to ensure its operations are maintained beyond the lifetime of the project. Provisions should be made to ensure that the CRU will be financially and institutionally sustainable. Other initiatives and organizations in the region operating on a national or a regional level and relevant

2004 a Coastal Management Plan has also been taken forward. Communication and networking on a local-national level is insufficient, even within institutions, both vertically and horizontally. recommendations for the Future: 1 Capacity building and awareness raising

targeted at a range of stakeholders, including the judiciary and those involved in policy formulation

2 Ensure more effective use of scientific and monitoring data to inform the development of new laws and policies

3 Improve communication and networking of stakeholders involved in enforcement using mechanisms such as the future CRU and CMP processes

4 Improve enforcement by developing the capacity to enforce regulations through supply of equipment e.g. boats and communications

recommendation 4 from iTmems2:Improve funding for biophysical and socio-economic monitoring, restoration, capacity building, establishment or improvement of databases, networking including sharing of information and experiences.

What has Been achieved to date: There has been some progress made but it is limited and there is a need not only for more funding but also more efficient use of existing funding, including within national monitoring programs. Socioeconomic and community based monitoring appears to be less developed, and less resourced than biophysical monitoring, and socioeconomic monitoring work underway is often not brought to a broader audience (e.g. in GCRMN Status reports). Work done outside the ICRI/GCRMN sphere is not being effectively fed into these processes, including e.g. many


4 Enforcement of MPA regulations should be strengthened, but this should be coupled with suitable consultative processes to address the needs of local communities and other stakeholders

recommendation 6 from iTmems2: Recommend the strengthening of education and awareness programs at all levels to ensure sustainable use of coral reefs.

What has Been achieved to date: Several successful education and awareness activities have been implemented in the region. However, there is a lack of continuity, and initiatives are limited by project lifetimes. Education and awareness needs to be a continuous, ongoing process and built more firmly into conservation and management activities. There is a lot of existing education and awareness material that is not always reaching those that could benefit from it, and much of it is applicable to the region with some adaptation. In some cases existing materials are not sufficient, and there is still the need to develop new materials. recommendations for the Future: 1 Successful programs from other regions

should be replicated and the use of exchange programs supported

2 Strengthen networking regionally and inter-regionally

3 Develop school based conservation programs, including appropriate resource materials

4 Integrate coastal systems, into school curricula, including information on their benefits, conservation and sustainable use

5 Establish resource centers for the general public

6 Ensure that conservation projects always have awareness component, including dissemination mechanisms

PaciFic caucus The Pacific Island region includes some 38 million km of ocean and is host to unique coastal and marine biodiversity. Pacific island countries are highly dependent on their extensive marine resources for their livelihoods and economies, in particular fishing.

In most countries, traditional resource management systems of marine and coastal resources are the dominant unit of management. Changes in lifestyles and population growth though, have put pressure on island coastal and marine environments.

Balancing development and the protection of natural resources and culture is critical in a context of small economies, remoteness and limited capacity. Responding to emerging issues such as unsustainable fishing practices, expanding tourism activity, new technologies, waste management and adapting to climate change are key management issues for the region.

Working with communities and building the capacity of government are the most effective means to ensure the protection of coastal and marine environment and maintain community livelihoods.

Issues identified by the group as particularly important to the Pacific region: n Pacific island communities culture (e.g.

marine tenure) and aspirations as essential to marine resource management

n Persistent and emerging threats and opportunities such as tourism and fishing (Threats include: subsistence overfishing, live fish trade, aquarium trade, foreign offshore fishing and aquaculture offshore)

n The management of remote reefs and related marine ecosystems

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5 Governments are requested to ensure that capacity built for management of marine and coastal areas is not lost through the currently common staff rotation systems, e.g. through the creation of marine units in management authorities

6 Support restoration of degraded ecosystems where necessary, and in accordance with internationally agreed policies and approaches such as the ICRI resolution

recommendation 5 from iTmems2: Recommend the implementation of MPA concept and the application of long-term monitoring results in decision making for effective conservation and management of coral reef ecosystems. What has Been achieved to date: There is still a need for more MPAs in many parts of the region and establishment of a representative network of MPAs, as reflected in IUCN WCPA appraisals and other assessments. The current MPA situation is well below internationally agreed targets. Enforcement remains problematic, with illegal activities still taking place in several MPAs, and management plans are frequently not implemented. There is a need for more private sector involvement and buy-in, e.g. tourism operators benefiting from MPA could be more directly involved in MPA management. recommendations for the Future: 1 A regional network of well managed,

representative MPAs should be established, with the support and input from relevant organizations including e.g. WCPA Marine

2 MPAs should be better integrated into broader coastal and marine management strategies

3 Continue to build management capacity among MPA staff

What iTmems can do Technical support and capacity Building n Support/strengthen existing mechanisms

(e.g. policy, institutions, community based management) for marine resource management and provide support for implementation

n Foster partnerships across sectors, government and community for long term sustainability of community based initiatives and protection of marine resources

n Build capacity at regional, national and local levels to reduce dependency on external expertise

n Increase management driven research and give priority to investment to communities and government management needs

n Increase focus of activities on the effective management of Pacific Islands EEZ (such as seamounts, deep sea corals and remote reefs) from over exploitation and destructive practices

n Increase focus of activities on adaptive management mechanisms to increase resilience to climate change and other global threats (such as disease)

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n Document extent and potential impact of emerging technologies and threats and propose management solutions, and tools for effective management responses

awareness raising of small island developing states (sids) issues n Raise awareness of threats to Pacific

marine ecosystems in international fora and generate support for addressing them

n Use the Year of the Reef 2008 as a vehicle for raising awareness of those issues

n Take active steps to reach out to fisheries and tourism organizations to engage in ITMEMS

Specific ActionsLeverage financial and technical support for: n A regional meeting engaging governments,

community NGOs and private sector to communicate regional priorities and

develop concrete actions for supporting them

n The development of a regional framework for the establishment and management of MPAs

n Strengthening and maintenance of national and regional marine ecosystems manager learning networks

n The development of a user friendly guide to the outcomes and products of ITMEMS for Pacific communities and government officials

resourcing n Initiate a dialogue with donors to review

procedures for funding community related activities to take account of the need for long term engagement with communities and recognize the need for flexibility. Funding for community projects should be long term (at least 10 years) and in line with their absorptive capacity.

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Front Cover Photo Credit: BRT, C J Wantenaar, Steve Turek

Design by Lo-Fi Creativewww.lo-ficreative.co.uk

These proceedings were collated and edited by the ICRAN Coordinating Unit.


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Documents

ITMEMS 3 WRITTEN PROCEEDINGS - FINAL