UNDP/GEF CLME+ Project launches consultancy to identify options for a Permanent Policy Coordination Mechanism and a Sustainable Financing Plan for ocean governance in the CLME+ Region
In November 2017, the UNDP/GEF Project “Catalysing the Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Sustainable Management of Shared Living Marine Resources in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems” (http://www.clmeproject.org) awarded a consultancy to identify Options for a regional Permanent Policy Coordination Mechanism and a strengthened Regional Governance Framework for shared living marine resources and ocean governance in the CLME+ Region, with a Sustainable Financing Plan. The mandate for this consultancy arises from the CLME+ Strategic Action Programme, which was politically endorsed by over 30 government ministers representing 25 countries and 6 overseas territories in the CLME+ region. Leading the consultancy is the Centre of Partnerships for Development, based in Barcelona, Spain (https://globalcad.org/en), with the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies as the advisory group. The consultants will work closely with the countries that have endorsed the CLME+ Strategic Action Programme (CLME+ Countries), multiple Inter-Governmental Organisations, and other stakeholders in the region.
Why this consultancy?
The marine resources of the CLME+ Region underpin the socio-economic development of the bordering states and territories, yet these shared resources are seriously threatened by pressures such as overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change. Effectively addressing these issues is constrained by weaknesses in transboundary and cross sectoral governance arrangements, among other challenges. Under the current UNDP/GEF CLME+ Project, Governments and Inter-Governmental Organisations have come together to address degradation of the marine environment and to secure the region’s natural marine living resource base through implementation of a 10-year Strategic Action Programme, which was collaboratively developed in 2013. This Programme calls for the establishment of a sustainable, region-wide Permanent Policy Coordination Mechanism for ocean governance, with an initial focus on shared living marine resources.
Objective of the consultancy
The consultancy will progressively develop and present proposals, for selection and adoption by the CLME+ Countries and Partners, for the following:
1). A Permanent Policy Coordination Mechanism, which will include clear specifications of the mandate of the mechanisms and of their constituents;
2). A Strengthened Regional Governance Framework; and
3). A Sustainable Financing Plan to enable and strengthen the operations of the existing and proposed ocean governance arrangements in the CLME+ region.
Another key output is a proposed roadmap for the formal establishment and full operationalization of the selected option.
Who are the team players?
The Centre of Partnerships for Development is managing this consultancy, and has assembled a team of experts with extensive experience in the CLME+ region as well as globally. Playing a major advisory role is the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies of the University of the West Indies.
Who else is involved?
Among the key partners and stakeholders to be actively engaged are the CLME+ Countries, the CLME+ Project Management Team, the CLME+ Technical Task Team, the CLME+ Project Steering Committee, and the CLME+ Interim Coordination Mechanism, which consists of the following Inter-Governmental Organisations with a formal mandate for shared living marine resources/ocean governance in the CLME+ region: UN Environment–Caribbean Environment Programme (UN Environment CEP); Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO-WECAFC); Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/IOCARIBE) of UNESCO; Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat; Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM); Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD); Organisation of the Central American Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector (OSPESCA); and the Commission of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Other stakeholders include potential future members of the CLME+ Partnership.