There are about 35 million people who live in the coastal areas of the seven focus countries targeted by ReCoMaP. The concerned populations 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.

 

With economic activities (e.g. fishing, tourism, agriculture, transport, etc.) centred in coastal areas, the resource base continues to decline. And practices, such as destructive fishing methods, mangrove removal, pollution, uncontrolled extraction of construction materials, deforestation of watersheds and inappropriate tourism related activities, have a negative impact. Over time these activities will have an irreversible impact on the coastal resources, and economy of the countries of the region. As well as endangering the livelihood and survival of the communities that are dependent on them. Hence, having an adverse effect on the whole of the country.

 

ReCoMaP sought to help reverse this situation through the promotion of the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. Particularly by giving the opportunity to local communities to be directly involved in the conservation and efficient use of their marine and coastal resources. This is achieved through the funding for viable projects.

 

The final result of the programme is the positive steps that have been taken to reduce the toll on coastal and marine resources. As well as the adoption and implementation of national plans for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).