REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Development of the South China Sea Demonstration Site Network: 2002-2008
Nha Trang, Viet NamDr. Vo Si Tuan
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
GEF Funding for Habitat Demonstration SitesGEF allocation for demonstration sites stated in the Project Brief as being:
Mangroves: 3 sites (US$1.2 million over 3 years)Coral Reefs: 3 sites (US$1.2 million over 3 years)Seagrass: 3 sites (US$1.1 million over 3 years)
Anticipated Role of the Demonstration Sites1. To implement and experiment with new management
models and methods2. To produce knowledge, experiences, and good practices3. To serve as a node with the regional learning network for
the South China Sea
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Consequences of 9 Sites in 3 Habitats in 7 Countries
Many sites in need of intervention, although limited fundsNo country could ““expectexpect”” a demonstration site in each habitat typeIf the principle of equity were applied, each country could only ““expectexpect”” 1.3 demonstration sitesWetlands would have no sites unless additional funds were raised
High Potential for Site Selection Process to
Cause Conflict(=Division & Acrimony)
Potential for Selection of Sites that Didn’t
Align with Regional or Global Needs
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Need for an ““ObjectiveObjective”” Approach to Site Selection
This required:This required:
Acceptance that funds were limited
and that equal division of
resources would compromise the success of sites
The process to be clear and easily understood by scientists and
managers, and to be based on good data and science
Use of criteria to assess importance of sites in terms of
biodiversity, transboundaryrelevance, and
global significance
Preparatory activities during the first two years (2002-2004) of project implementation were used to develop the
process of site selection
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Steps in the Process of Selecting Demonstration Sites
Defining Data & Info Needs
Defining the Process
Evaluating the Data
Cluster Analysis
Determining Priority Sites
Agreeing the Outcome
2002 2004/5
26 mangrove sites 43 coral reef sites 26 seagrass sites 40 wetland sites
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Outcomes of the Demonstration Site Selection Process
Innovative Scientific Solution to a Potential Political Problem
Regionally prioritised listing of 135 habitat sitesProposals for intervention at 23 sites across all habitat typesRegional GIS database of site dataIntergovernmentally agreed procedure for determining regional priority sitesDecisions taken in an amicable manner through consensus
Procedure Suitable for Replication in other Projects
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Implementation of Demonstration Site Activities
Network of 23 Demonstration Projects Operated from 2005-2008
11 habitat demonstration sites funded via GEF SCS project grant1 pollution pilot activity funded via GEF SCS project grant3 demonstration sites operating as GEF Medium-Sized Projects4 sites being developed as GEF Medium-Sized Projects4 self-funded habitat projects and demonstration sites
Promotion of the Use of Regional Science for Local Management
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Common Actions at the Habitat Demonstration Sites
Operation of Multi-Sectorial
Management Boards
Management Plan Preparation and
Adoption
Stakeholder Participation in
Planning/Enforcement
Habitat and Living Marine Resource
Monitoring
Capacity Building for Habitat and Resource
Management
Rehabilitation of Degraded Coastal
Habitats
Enhancement of Public and Private Sector Awareness
Developing New and Additional
Livelihoods
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
A Diverse Variety of Information and Data Generated
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Three Mayors’ Round-tables with more than 40 participants each, as fora for senior government officials and site managers
Information exchange through the project website (visits to demonstration site page; e-forum by Koh Chang & CHARM)
Site visits from one to another (Kampot, Koh Chang, Phu Quoc)
All meetings of the RWGs convened at the demonstration sites enable exchanges between local people and regional experts
ACHIEVEMENTS 1Established and operational regional network to ensure
information and experience exchange in the region
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Coordination among local government organisations at high level Management Boards chaired by Governor/Vice Governors orMayors (Kampot, Phu Quoc, Fangchengang, Hepu, Batu Ampar,Bolinao, Masinloc, Trat, Peam Krashop).
Use of the established management body in Phu Quoc for long -term management and planning at the site level
Adoption of Management Board process by Beihai municipality for other projects
Integration of demonstration site objectives with planning for sustainable development of provinces/district/municipality.
Eg. Tourist development in Phu Quoc, Koh Chang;Mangrove Multiple use in Fangchengang; Small scale MPAs managed by local government Masinloc.
ACHIEVEMENTS 2Established effective mechanisms for local coordination of planning and managing environment and resources
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Training on: project management (Peam Krashop); mangrove management, silvo-fisheries techniques (BatuAmpar), survey techniques & ecological monitoring (Hepu; Kampot)…..
Improved facilities and equipment for enforcement by “Bantay Dagat” (Masinloc, Bolinao...), coral restoration (Koh Chang, Phu Quoc)
Mobilisation of additional funds for management (Koh Chang, Fangchengang, Phu Quoc)
ACHIEVEMENTS – 3Capacity building for long term management of coastal
resources and environment
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
• Biodiversity, resources and resource use in Phu Quoc, PeamKrashop, Batu Ampar, Kampot ...
• Carrying capacity for tourism in KohChang
• Economic valuation(Fangchengang, Trat, East Bintan)
• GIS database for management(Batu Ampar, Trat, Phu Quoc, ...
• Application of remote sensing for habitat assessment at Ninh Hai, PhuQuoc, Kampot
ACHIEVEMENTS – 4Provision of sound scientific information and data as
baselines for habitat and resource management
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Developed management plans for sustainable use of habitats and resources (most of sites)
Consultation among related governmental agencies in planning and implementation of development projects (Tourist management in Koh Chang, Phu Quoc; Mangrove use in Batu Ampar, Fangchengang)
Involvement of stakeholders in planning and implementation of management plans (mooring buoy setting in Koh Chang; volunteer groups for conservation of coral reefs & sea turtles in Ninh Hai; Mangrove park with involvement of private sector in Fangchengang)
ACHIEVEMENTS – 5Planning for long term, multi-sectorial coordination
and management for multiple use of resources
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Production and dissemination of a huge volume of materials;posters, leaflets, notice boards, CD-room; newsletters (most of sites)
Awareness programmes for children in schools (Trat, Belitung)
Education campaign (Bolinao)
Information center (Fangchengang, Batu Ampar, and Hepu)
ACHIEVEMENTS – 6Promotion of knowledge and awareness for consensus
and support to sustainable management practices
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Non-timber products from mangrove Coconut shell charcoal and soft-shelled crab (Batu Ampar)
“Danggit” fermented fish (Bolinao)
Fish Crackers (Belitung) Livelihood centre & sea cucumber culture (Masinloc)
Eco-farming trials in the urban mangrove area – First Urban Mangrove Park globally (Fangchangang)
Home stay for 2,000 – 3,000 visitors per annum (Trat)
Local Guide Centre (Koh Chang)
ACHIEVEMENTS – 7Support for supplementary or alternative livelihoods of
local communities
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
• Development of joint policy for management of habitats & resources in transboundarywaters
• Establishment of joint GIS database
• Capacity building through training & exchange
• Institutional arrangements for cooperation - Periodic jointmeetings of management teams
ACHIEVEMENTS – 8Encouraged transboundary management of resource
and environment between:Kampot – Phu Quoc and Trat – Peam Krashop
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Re-stock of giant clams, sea cucumber (Masinloc)
Mangrove rehabilitation (Trat, PeamKrashop, Batu Ampar)
Nursery garden and rehabilitation of endangered mangroves species Heritieralitoralis in Fangchengang
Coral restoration (Koh Chang, Phu Quoc)
ACHIEVEMENTS – 9Rehabilitation and initial improvement of habitat state
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Inputs from demonstration sites for development of the regional fisheries refugiasystem
Establishment of pilot fisheries refugia at PhuQuoc
ACHIEVEMENTS – 10Promotion of linkages between fisheries and habitat
management
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Domestic waste management (Batam)
Management of heavy metal discharge (Batam)
Generation of income from compost production
Use of mangroves for the treatment of effluent from intensive aquaculture (Shantou)
ACHIEVEMENTS – 11Contributions to reduced waste discharge to the
marine environment
REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Lessons Learned in Habitat and Pollution Management
Mangrove Management Based on Government
Policy
Use of Traditional Wisdom in
Management Planning
Integrating Fisheries and Habitat
Management
Transboundary Waters Management –
Cambodia and Viet Nam
Use of Small-Scale MPAs Rehabilitation of Habitats Tourism Carrying Capacity Education and Awareness
Industry and Community Involvement in Pollution Management
High Potential for Replication High Potential for Replication at other Sites in the South at other Sites in the South China Sea and Gulf of ThailandChina Sea and Gulf of Thailand