Demonstrating the Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Island Resource Management Mechanism in a Small Island Developing State (SIRMM)
Developed for Antigua and Barbuda, this full-sized project intends to realise the evolution and implementation of a SIRM approach to stabilise and maintain ecosystem functions, thereby providing a basis for continued sustainable development. This contributes to the overall goal of ensuring the sustainability and maintenance of the islands’ ecosystem integrity, health and function through integrated planning and management of resources.
At the end of 4 years, the project should have resulted in:
- Creation of easy and reliable access to information for environmental management for all stakeholders, including an Environmental Information Management Advisory System (EIMAS) for use in planning, decision making and improved target awareness
- Development of a strategic SIRM Plan
- Realignment of policy, legislation and institutional capacity to support the SIRM Plan, thus providing a framework for implementation through policy and institutional reform
- Putting in place the requirements for implementation of the SIRM Plan, including 4 demonstration projects; and mechanisms to capture lessons learnt and best practices
These activities will be accomplished through funding provided by GEF and the national government of approximately US$3million each, as well as cooperation from other donors in the region of US$1.5million.
Updates
Demonstration sites
May 2009
Currently there is a call for proposals from suitably qualified firms and consultants to conduct a review of the policy, legislation and regulations relating to SIRM across the various sectors, identify gaps and develop recommendations to address these gaps. Deadline for submissions is 15 June 2009.
Oct-Dec 2008
Indicators of ecosystem status and function have been developed as part of the long term monitoring programme for the islands, with information and monitoring requirements being identified. Targeted sensitisation and awareness activities have been completed in regard to sustainable island resource management (SIRM) issues.
Terms of Reference (ToRs) have been prepared for design of the SIRM Zoning Plan. Preliminary meetings have been held with the DCA Board for assessing the costs and benefits of the SIRM Plan, and discussing livelihood options and resource use practices.
Meetings with the Survey and IT Divisions have been convened for preparing baseline data for the Environmental Information Management and Advisory System (EIMAS), including assessment and mapping of ecosystem resources, function and usage patterns; and modelling of ecosystem resources.
Demonstration 1: Body Ponds rehabilitation
There has been extensive public education related to the collection of baseline data and the management plan. Feedback from initial consultations is being used to facilitate community co-management. Land management plans are being development and equipment acquired. Some plants died from Omar, hence more are being collected. Co-financing is being sought to adequately conduct the rehabilitation works; meanwhile the allocated funds are being used to design the plans. For the sustainability mechanism, discussions are being held with tour guides, resource users, and community members regarding implementation of user fees.
Demonstration 3: Integrated management of Codrington Lagoon
The financial sustainability plan is complete. Rangers have been recruited and the Park Management Plan is in place. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with the National Parks Authority to manage the area at the end of the project. Public education activities have commenced.
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