|
| About ReCoMaP |
| What
is ReCoMaP? |
 |
ReCoMaP is a regional programme for the sustainable
management of the coastal zones of the countries
of the Indian Ocean. It is an initiative of the Indian
Ocean Commission, funded by the European Union, and
it deals with seven countries of the region, namely
Mauritius, the Seychelles, Madagascar, the Comoros
Islands, Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia.
The programme has started in August 2006 and will end in 2011.
|
|
 |
Why do we need such a project?
The coastal population of
the countries implied in
the project
- Comoros Islands, Mauritius,
Madagascar, Kenya, Seychelles,
Tanzania and Somalia – is
about 35 million people. They depend primarily on the natural productivity
of marine and coastal resources for their basic needs. However, these
resources are subject to growing demographic pressures caused by a
net population flow from inland areas to the coast, driven primarily
by economic factors.
Although many economic activities (fishing, tourism, agriculture, transport,
etc.) are located in the coastal areas, the resource base continues to
decline as a result of highly damaging activities such as destructive
fishing practices, mangrove cutting, pollution, uncontrolled extraction
of construction materials, deforestation of watersheds and inappropriate
tourist activities. These practices hinder the long-term economic development
of these countries and endanger the very survival of those populations
whose livelihoods depend on the continued availability of natural resources.
To reverse this situation, the Indian Ocean Commission has set up the
Regional Programme for the Sustainable Management of the Coastal Zones
of the Indian Ocean (ReCoMaP) which is aimed at promoting better use
of marine and coastal resources in the countries of the region and thus
contributing to poverty reduction and socio-economic development.
|
| Objectives
of ReCoMaP |
|
The Programme aims at the improved valorisation
and sustainable management of coastal resources of
the seven countries of the region.
The specific objective of ReCoMaP is to strengthen
the capacity of all stakeholders in order to
promote sustainable management of marine and
coastal resources in
the countries of the Indian Ocean.
The Programme aims at the reduction of
poverty through improved conservation and sustainable management
of natural resources. |
|
|
The final result will be
improved living conditions for coastal people through
enhancement of the value of these resources and
the adoption and implementation of national plans
for integrated coastal zone management.
Expected
Results :
- Increased knowledge, valorisation of biodiversity
and of marine and coastal resources
Support will be provided to strengthen data collection and analysis
in order to improve knowledge of both resources and the carrying
capacity of coastal ecosystems, so that existing or enhanced economic
activities can be supported. ReCoMaP will help national institutions
develop effective GIS databases and products that will result in
maps that identify sensitive sites, areas of ecological and economic
importance, and other information that can be disseminated through
a range of outlets.
In collaboration with other projects in the region, the Programme
will also support activities to improve management and expand coverage
of systems of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) particularly through
the promotion of revenue-generating activities such as eco-tourism.
- Strengthening of capacity building and training
opportunities in the region
Marine and coastal scientists, planners and managers will be supported
to improve their skills and knowledge and both national and regional
training centres will be strengthened in order to become ‘centres
of excellence’.
- Public information and awareness
Information and public awareness campaigns will target the full range
of stakeholders: government officials, political decision makers,
the private sector and the civil society. Activities will be implemented
according to strategies and action plans based on a good understanding
of marine and coastal resources issues. ReCoMaP will help to build
the capacity of national and regional organisations responsible
for public awareness.
- Development and adoption of national integrated
coastal zone management plans (ICZM)
The Programme will help each country to develop the necessary tools,
including land use planning and other skills, for the preparation
and implementation of its own national integrated coastal zone management
plan.
- Improved capacity of countries to take an
active part in multi-lateral environment agreements
(MEAs)
This includes preparing countries in the region to better defend
their positions during international negotiations on questions related
to environment and sustainable development. This component will focus
on training and providing information to authorities and institutions
responsible for both reporting to MEAs and negotiating such agreements.
- Effective involvement of non-state actors
in developing and implementing integrated coastal
zone management plans
Non-state actors need to be involved throughout the process of developing
and implementing ICZM plans. A ‘call for proposals’ scheme
will therefore be established to provide an opportunity for these
stakeholders to prepare their own proposals (in relation to coastal
resource management) for submission to the Programme for funding.
The projects selected will receive a grant and also training in project
management, monitoring and evaluation of the proposed activity.
- Promotion of regional consensus on a common
approach to the sustainable management of coastal
resources
Consideration will be given to the need for a common strategy and
regional platform to promote management of marine and coastal resources.
The Programme will help to create a framework that will encourage
information exchange and the sharing of experience in coastal management.
|
ReCoMaP– A
Different Approach
|
|
The sectoral approach to development and land-use
planning has traditionally led to a separation
between planning and environmental management.
In coastal areas, however, economic activities
are strongly dependent on the availability and
regeneration of natural resources. Furthermore,
the success of any development initiative in these
areas involves sustainable management that strikes
a balance between economic development and resource
protection and the requirements are as follows: |
|
 |
- Improved knowledge and understanding
of coastal systems and interactions between human
activities and natural resources;
- Optimisation of the multiple uses of
coastal resources, through integration of ecological
and socio-economic information;
- Effective cooperation between all stakeholders,
as well as good inter-disciplinary coordination
and diversification of economic activities.
This approach of ReCoMaP is an
integrated management one which seeks to reconcile
development activities with the maintenance of optimal
ecological conditions, whilst involving all those
involved, whether directly or indirectly, in coastal
resource management.
The Regional Dimension – A
Key Concern for ReCoMaP
The need for integrated management of coastal and marine resources is
a common concern for all the south west islands of the Indian Ocean and
the coastal countries of East Africa.
The marine ecosystems of these countries share common characteristics.
Their respective coastal environments are under similar human pressures
and are experiencing the effects of similar natural phenomena in the
region, such as the influence of marine currents at the south of the
Equator and the impacts of monsoon winds or cyclones which particularly
affect the island countries.
The South West Indian Ocean region has a very high biodiversity and supports
a variety of habitats and a number of endemic marine species, some of
which are of global ecological importance, such as the coelacanth. For
this reason and for greater efficiency, the protection and management
of coastal resources must be addressed at the regional level. Collaboration
between institutions, information exchange and the sharing of experience
and resource management tools through the Programme will enhance regional
cooperation and economic integration.
|
| Who
drives ReCoMaP? |
|
The
Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is the executing agency
and oversight body for the Programme and is responsible
for the supervision of activities. The IOC is also the
Regional Director of the 9th European Development Fund
(EDF) for this Programme, in collaboration with COMESA,
EAC and IGAD.
The Regional Coordination Unit (RCU), based in Mauritius, at the IOC headquarters,
is responsible for the technical and administrative implementation of the
ReCoMaP’s activities.
A Regional Steering Committee, which will meet at least twice a year, is
responsible for regulation and overall guidance of the Programme’s
interventions.
In each country, the Programme is overseen by the appropriate technical
ministry. A National Focal Point coordinates the implementation of activities.
The Programme is fully funded by the European Union through the 9th EDF,
with a total of €18 million. The implementation time frame is five
years: from 2006 to 2011. The Delegation of the European Commission in
Mauritius, which is also competent for the Seychelles and the Comoros,
is responsible for monitoring the implementation. |
|
|
|
