APEC Project Database

Project Title

Fish and Biodiversity Cross Boundaries: Enabling Collaborative Capacity Building to Improve the Protection of Marine Resources & Strengthen Future Economic Security and Ocean Wealth in the Asia-Pacific Region

Project Year

2009

Project Number

MRC 01 2009A

Project Session

Session 3

Project Type

Standard

Project Status

Completed Project

Project No.

MRC 01 2009A

Project Title

Project Status

Completed Project

Fund Account

APEC Support Fund

Sub-fund

ASF: General Fund

Project Year

2009

Project Session

Session 3

APEC Funding

94,400

Co-funding Amount

165,300

Total Project Value

259,700

Sponsoring Forum

Marine Resource Conservation Working Group (MRCWG)

Topics

Marine Conservation

Committee

SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE)

Other Fora Involved

Not Applicable / Other

Other Non-APEC Stakeholders Involved

Not Applicable

Proposing Economy(ies)

Australia

Co-Sponsoring Economies

Canada; Indonesia; Mexico; Philippines; United States

Expected Start Date

26/10/2009

Expected Completion Date

31/12/2010

Project Proponent Name 1

Mr Travis Bover

Job Title 1

Not Applicable

Organization 1

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

Telephone 1

+61 (0)3 6208 2905

Email 1

travis.bover@environment.gov.au

Project Proponent Name 2

Not Applicable

Job Title 2

Not Applicable

Organization 2

Not Applicable

Telephone 2

Not Applicable

Email 2

Not Applicable

Declaration

Not Applicable

Project Summary

In response to repeated calls from APEC Leaders’ for strengthened regional integration and enhanced cooperation among APEC economies, the MRCWG has endorsed the development of a ‘framework for the effective design and implementation of collaborative marine management strategies. This framework,,underpinned by a,centralised data-hub, and supported by the establishment of an e-learning network, will promote economic resilience, protect food resources through environmentally sound growth and develop knowledge-based economies, responding directly to core APEC objectives and aligning with the strategic ECOTECH priorities.

Global best practice in collaborative marine management will provide a foundation for the three project outputs with APEC economies contributing regional specificity through iterative consultation opportunities, ensuring targeted products that respond to the needs of members. Governments, community groups, NGOs, regionally-focused businesses and private sector groups will be invited to actively participate in both the framework development and ongoing interactive e-learning network, a comprehensive cross section that will foster new partnerships between key stakeholders. Facilitating these linkages will also significantly enhance marine management efforts, promoting the integration of economic, ecological and social goals and delivering interdisciplinary mechanisms that will strengthen business and community resilience and build capacity to respond to disruptive threats such as climate change and unsustainable resource use. Synergies between groups will also become more easily identifiable bring operational efficiencies and increased opportunities for both private and public sectors. Widespread support from member economies of MRCWG and FWG suggest that high participation levels would be expected.

Longer term, the framework, data hub and e-learning network will foster a culture of preparedness in a time of transitional change within the marine environment and guide economies to build meaningful collaborative partnerships capable of affecting concrete outcomes.

Active participation in this project will be open to government and business sector participants from all APEC Member Economies. Australia will be self funding the majority of the project costs, including a dedicated amount for ongoing support of the data hub and e-learning network, ensuring that the outputs will sustain their validity beyond projects’ end.

Given its basin scale reach, APEC is the most suitable forum to fund this project, as a multitude of factors from threats (e.g. marine biosecurity, overfishing straddling and migratory stock, marine debris), ecosystem processes (e.g. currents) and resources (e.g tuna stocks) operate on these large scales. Project outputs would add value to APECs existing social agenda, providing critical insights into cultural and gender differences that can create a disconnect between the Asian and Pacific (Melanesian) economies, information that would enhance APECs work across all activities.

Relevance

APEC Ministers and Leaders have repeatedly drawn attention to the business, economic, and community benefits brought about through enhancing connectivity within the Asia Pacific region, through collaborative partnerships, cooperative exchanges and wide-reaching, inclusive dialogue networks. Improving these linkages has been a core objective for APEC and reiterated. In responding to this call, this project will deliver mechanisms to facilitate and foster stronger working linkages across a broad spectrum of marine related issues including tourism, transport and food security.

The proposed project also reflects the increasing awareness of the need for an ecosystem approach to managing natural systems, and for strengthened cooperation on marine management issues which is articulated in the Seoul Oceans Declaration 2002 and Bali Plan of Action 2005. Here APEC Ministers stated that they ‘Understand the value of an ecosystem-based approach to coastal and marine management and the importance of implementing such an approach in an integrated and cross-sectoral manner’ and call for action through the ‘Development and promotion, in an integrated manner, of better coastal and oceans management using an ecosystem-based approach, including for sub-regional seas, river basins and watersheds’. This call for action is reaffirmed in subsequent APEC action plans.

There is no existing guidance for member economies to address these issues in a regional, cooperative approach despite its identified need (by economies). Given that member economies account for more than 70% of global fish consumption, over 75% of global capture fisheries, and contribute 47% of world trade through these activities, as this gap poses a significant risk to achieving core APEC objectives including economic growth, reduced disparities between developed and developing economies, future food security and poverty alleviation.

The interactive participation opportunities, centralized data hub, supported e-learning network and ‘how to’ framework will bring together public and private sector organizations from as many economies as possible and contribute directly to improving connectivity between groups and economies, forging new linkages and strengthening the region’s preparedness and capacity to respond to marine related issues.

The project outcomes will be RELEVANT to APEC’s work because they:

Respond to the most recent instructions of APEC Leaders and Ministers, including the Bogor Goals, Bali Plan of Action, and most recently the Lima Leaders’ Declaration.
Align with the focus of the SCE’s core strategic elements for future direction – delivering a regional framework for collaborative marine management that responds to the capacity building needs of the member economies and outlines a sustained, long term direction for future actions.
Contribute directly to a number of the SCE’s 2006 ECOTECH, including ‘development of human capital’, ‘safeguarding the quality of life through environmentally sound growth’, ‘development and strengthening the dynamism of small and medium enterprises’ and’ addressing the social dimensions of globalization’ – an integrated ‘how-to’ framework and its underpinning mechanisms will guide economies to deliver economic growth and efficiencies built on an awareness of environmental stewardship. This will be of particular importance for developing economies whose business and community health are intrinsically linked to sustainable marine resource use.

The 2005 APEC Ministers Statement commended the APEC Bali Plan of Action Towards Healthy Oceans and Coasts for the Sustainable Growth and Prosperity of the Asia-Pacific Community (BPA) which seeks to progress the 2002 Seoul Oceans Declaration by taking substantial and concrete steps to balance sustainable management of marine resources and the marine environment with economic growth. In their Statement, Ministers also instructed all relevant APEC fora to take due note of the BPA.

In addition, the project outputs will contribute to core objectives articulated by key working groups including:

Marine Resources Conservation and Fisheries: Together these groups strive to promote sustainable use of marine resources, maintenance of healthy functioning marine ecosystems and delivery of sustainable, ongoing economic benefits and community development opportunities. In delivering the ‘how-to’ framework, centralized data hub and e-learning network, this project will assist member economies to deliver on these objectives, and address an identified gap in current management options. In addition, in this era of growing reliance on the goods and services provided by the regions’ marine environment through its critical contributions to food security, poverty alleviation and sustainable and equitable economic growth and prosperity, the project outputs will foster economies’ preparedness to tackle issues effectively. Project outcomes will be especially beneficial for developing economies, many of whom are heavily dependent on natural marine resources for ongoing fiscal viability. Working towards ensuring marine ecosystems can continue to deliver these goods and services on reliable basis is vital to ensuring these developing countries are not further disadvantaged into the future.
Transport - the 2009 host economies theme of ‘Sustaining Growth, Connecting the Region’ and outcomes from the recent Meetings of Ministers Responsible for Trade (July 2009) that call for economic growth to be consistent with environmental sustainability – project outcomes will facilitate targeted capacity building and technical transfer, maximizing the marine economy whilst maintaining and enhancing the marine and coastal systems and resources.
Tourism – the APEC Tourism Charter articulates the fundamental policy goals for the region including the need for sustainable tourism and removal of impediments to tourism development, In the 5^th Tourism Ministerial, ‘Towards Responsible Tourism in the Asia Pacific Region’, Leaders recognize the importance of preserving ecosystems in relation to sustaining strong tourism industries and call for the protection of tourism resources and better inclusion of local communities – the framework will provide strategic guidance to achieve enhanced environmental stewardship and the e-learning network will facilitate enhanced linkages between all communities levels from local villages through to national governments.
Climate Change - The project responds to the 2007 Sydney APEC Leaders’ Declaration on Climate Change, Energy Security and Clean Development where the APEC Leaders stated that “sustainable marine and coastal resources are an integral part of the carbon cycle and welcome initiatives that aim to enhance the conservation of marine biological resources” and called for activities that will support numerous capacity building activities within the international community including policy exchange and knowledge transfer. This project follows these directives by producing mechanisms which foster a culture of preparedness and place member economies in a strong position to be able to effectively implement regional-level mitigation measures to climate change related impacts.

The project outputs will also support global efforts including:

Member economies attainment of the 2015 UN Millennium Development Goals
Promote and assist member economies in meeting the targets set out by the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development
Address adaptation directives set out by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

In summation, there is a clear demand for, and the project outputs will deliver:

An integrated approach to developing and implementing collaborative marine management initiatives
Strengthen existing linkages and forge new partnerships between public and private organizations within member economies at all levels from local community to national governments.
Promote operational efficiencies and strengthened knowledge transference and technical cooperation between member economies through the establishment and ongoing support of centralized data sources and open, easily accessible dialogue networks.

Objectives

1. Increase uptake of collaborative marine management initiatives among member economies through the provision of a ‘how to’ framework that sets out guiding principles. 2. Improved connectivity and exchange between member economies on marine related issues including key economic drivers such as transport, tourism and sustainable resource use, by providing ongoing, SUSTAINABLE opportunities to forge new partnerships and cement existing linkages between member economies at all levels.

3. Deliver SUSTAINABLE operational efficiencies and cost benefits to APEC members, particularly relevant for developing economies, through provision of supported centralized data sources and easily accessible communication networks.

Alignment

Beneficiaries and Outputs

An ecosystem approach to marine management facilitated by the implementation of collaborative agreements will lead to enhanced protection of key habitats, preservation of species biodiversity and improved supervision of exploited marine resources, ultimately leading to more robust and resilient marine ecosystems. These outcomes will positively impact on ecological, economic and social issues, benefiting both men and women of the APEC region, by:

·   Addressing food security - through the improved management of marine resources.

·    Poverty Alleviation – especially for some of APECs most vulnerable developing members whose economies are nearly completely dependent on marine resources.

·    Enhanced management of highly migratory species – from management of threats at appropriate scales. Flow on benefits from this would be improved sustainability of highly profitable exploited tuna stocks and arising tourism opportunities from charismatic mega fauna (e.g. whales), both contributing significant economic benefits for APEC members and impart wider ecological benefit to global populations of these species.

·    Promoting alternative livelihoods - supporting healthy marine systems will give rise to greater opportunities for diversified marine based business enterprises including ecotourism and mariculture, giving rise to alternative income-generating activities that will contribute to economic growth in the region, particularly for developing economies. They will also support the creation of more women-friendly employment opportunities.

Other benefits, such as, the protection of certain globally threatened species, and improving the resilience of ecosystems to climate change, will benefit not only the APEC region but also the global society.

Apart from the APEC region as a whole, the sectoral beneficiaries of this project are:

·   Communities – the project outcomes will build capacity within communities, enhancing their ability to protect local marine ecosystems, and improving the viability of marine resources such as healthy reef systems and sustainable fish populations that are critical to boosting local economies and securing food supplies for current and future populations.

· Government agencies - APEC economies and Asia Pacific neighbors with responsibilities for coastal and ocean management, including community councils and agencies with sector-specific responsibilities (for example environment, fisheries management, marine transportation and alternative-livelihood initiatives such as ecotourism). Providing a centralized information source (e-library) and a ‘how-to’ guide to support the process of developing collaborative multi-jurisdictional marine spatial management measures will benefit government agencies through enhanced technical cooperation, especially developing APEC economies where financial resources to support such initiatives may be limited.

·   Non-government organizations – the project outcomes will inform these stakeholders on transboundary issues and assist them in developing targeted projects focusing on capacity building and technical cooperation in the areas of coastal and marine conservation and resource management.

·   Business/industry – the project outcomes will improve the viability of marine resources such as healthy reef systems and sustainable fish populations, which will both support existing businesses and provide opportunities for investment in alternative livelihoods such as tourism.

For these reasons this project warrants ASF funding.

Outputs

These outputs will be:

A ‘how-to’ framework that will set out guiding principles for collaborative marine management initiatives. This will empower private and public sector officials with the knowledge, technical skills and best practice guidelines to enter collaborative partnerships, strengthening member economies capacity to promote economic growth, invest in business diversity and support community resilience on a sound environmental foundation.
A centralized data hub and e-learning network (supported and embedded within the APEC Information Management Portal) that will forge new partnerships, strengthen existing linkages and provide an open, easily accessible e-learning network that will facilitate knowledge transfer, technical cooperation, identification of opportunities and synergies among private and public organizations at all levels within member economies. In response to the 14^th APEC Womens’ Leaders Network recommendations on capacity building, project organizers will actively encourage female participation at every event.

These outputs are intended to be a living resources whose ongoing SUSTAINABILITY will be supported by funds and dedication of an ongoing maintenance officer from the project overseer.

In addition to web based access, these outputs will be packaged in a folder for dissemination at the project launch and for use through the outreach phase.

The project launch within the margins of the 3^rd Ocean-Related Ministerial to be held in Peru, September 2010, and subsequent outreach program will promote to project outputs to a wide audience and serve to highlight the benefits of adopting collaborative approaches, encouraging uptake of these measures and strong outcomes.

Development and implementation of collaborative management measures, as facilitated by this projects’ outcomes, will contribute to securing healthily functioning marine ecosystems that bring wide ranging benefits to both the region and broader global community. Examples of these benefits are demonstrated by the study Natures investment bank: how marine protected areas contribute to poverty reduction (for more detail on this study see response to Q. 9). A failure to fund this project will prolong the current gaps identified in current marine management approaches and hamper APEC’s ability to meet its core objectives.

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The APEC MRCWG focal points from Australia, the USA, Mexico, Canada, Indonesia and the Philippines have been instrumental in the design of this project. All APEC MRCWG and FWG focal points will also be involved in the implementation process. From their indicated support, it is expected that TPTWG and TWG representatives will also participate in the project.

During Phase 1 of the project, all 21 APEC MRCWG focal points and other relevant stakeholders and interested parties will be encouraged to contribute to the database, offering a key opportunity for grey literature or personal accounts to be recognized. This approach will broaden participation in the project, enabling the recognition of sources sometimes overlooked. Active participation from the private sector, including financial institutions and NGOs is anticipated, given their ongoing commitment and support of marine management initiatives in the Asia Pacific region, and their expressed interest (see for example the Letter in Annex B).

The workshops to be held during Phase 2 of the project will facilitate interactive dialogue sessions between relevant stakeholders and provide critical opportunities for project beneficiaries to articulate their needs, aspirations and concerns, ensuring a targeted frameword that responds directly to member economies’ needs is delivered. In addition, these sessions will offer networking opportunities for stakeholders that will offer project beneficiaries ongoing support through the life of this project and beyond. This networking outcome will be supported through the project by the delivery of contact lists and email groups, as well as regular web based discussions forums.

In addition to these forums, an end-of-phase evaluation questionnaire will be circulated to workshop participants, enabling beneficiaries to contribute further comments that will enable proponents to evaluate the usefulness of Phase 2.

During Phase 3, a formal web based discussion held one year post-project completion will provide a further evaluation opportunity for stakeholder and beneficiaries, with the focus being to assess in-economy progress on uptake of spatial management measures and evaluate general usefulness of project outputs. This evaluation information will serve a dual purpose, informing on potential improvements for subsequent projects and in addition, ensuring the ‘how-to’ framework can be fine tuned to ensure its ongoing relevance in light of lessons learnt.

The centralized data hub and e-learning network will be hosted through the APEC Information Management Portal and their ongoing SUSTAINABILITY beyond the end of the project will be supported by the Project Overseer, initially through specifically allocated seed funds of $25,000 with a view to embedding those processes in ongoing work plans. To ensure the ‘how-to’ framework is also sustained beyond the projects’ end, remaining targeted and timely, the Project Overseer will also take responsibility for reviewing and amending the framework in light of information sought from the informal e-learning discussions and formal evaluation review discussion, In line with the 1year post-completion evaluation date, the Project Overseer will undertake an initial review after this event, with further reviews undertaken when the need is identified.

Dissemination

Target audience The principal target audience is Government officials in APEC economies and Asia Pacific neighbors responsible for the management of marine resources in the region.

Secondary targets are communities, other regional and bilateral fora and non-government conservation organizations that have an impact on or have management responsibilities for marine resources and biodiversity.

Form and content

A project folder will be produced for dissemination on completion of the project that will feature the following key project outputs:

§   A professionally developed DVD containing:

o    An e-library database with
§   library records
§   case study inventory
§   Data Source list

o    A ’how-to’ guide on collaborative approaches to marine spatial management measures
§   Hard copies of the workshop outcomes and ‘how-to’ guide
§   A contact list

In addition to these outputs, a generic project presentation capturing the key messages from the project outputs will be done for outreach activities.

Format The project outcomes will be collated on DVD. The ‘how-to’ guide will also be available from relevant websites. The DVD and any associated materials will comply with the APEC publications and Logo Guidelines and Copyrights.

Number of copies for the publication 60 full project folders will be produced for dissemination at the project launch in addition to 220 DVDs for wider circulation

A publicity plan for:

i) briefing the general or specialist media about key components of the project Press releases will be issued in pre and post the project launch. Project details will be posted on appropriate websites and published in relevant newsletters/publications. Specialist media fora and opportunities will be identified for briefing.

ii) the promotion of sales or other dissemination of the final product The project folder will be distributed to all APEC member economies, with DVDs going to other project participants and representatives of other target audience groups. Electronic copies of the outcomes can also be distributed to any interested party, and the ‘how-to’ guide’s availability will be publicized through relevant websites.

Budget for publication and dissemination Up to $5,000 (self-funded) will be spent on publication of the DVD and dissemination of results.

Gender

To date, women have been actively involved with every aspect of this project’s planning and development. Women will continue to be integrally involved in the project’s development, implementation and evaluation phases at all levels. Non-peer reviewed publications e.g. local newsletters and personal accounts will be collected and included in the database. In a traditionally male dominated sector, where peer-reviewed publications can be the domain of men, this active inclusion of less formal communication types will actively recognize and encourage the valuable contributions of women in the area. Every step will be taken to ensure equitable access to the project outcomes is achieved, with project folders to be distributed to every APEC member, as well as the ‘how-to’ guide being made available on the Internet. The project team will actively apply the recommendations from the 14^th APEC Womens Leaders Network meeting.

During Phase One of the project, the consultant will be directed to collect sex-disaggregated data on all contributions to the database which will allow the project committee to highlight in which aspects of marine management women are currently under-represented, and to identify any barriers to engagement, and suggested remedies. This information will then be acted upon in Phase Two, where these findings will be articulated to workshop audiences. In addition, efforts will be made to identify and invite key women in the areas of marine management and industry to the workshops, especially those working in deficit areas identified through the gender analysis. This activity will actively assist to identify and address gaps in the current participation of women in this sector. A Strategy ensuring that project outreach is made accessible to women will be developed.

As part of the Phase Three evaluation, the proposing Economy will revisit the data and suggested remedies raised in Phase One and reported in Phase Two, and will report on any changes in women’s participation in the sector. This evaluation step will provide an opportunity to further reinforce remedies for inclusiveness.

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The longer term objectives of this project will benefit all people of the Asia-Pacific region through key capacity building activities that will contribute to securing healthier marine environments which will in turn, support stronger economies and ultimately give rise to better living conditions. This project will specifically benefit women in its support of alternative livelihoods, for example, eco-tourism, aquaculture and mariculture ventures. Such ventures will give rise to a greater variety of new employment options for women, including opportunities to launch small and medium enterprises, empowering them to enter the field of marine industries.

Associated work (the study Natures Investment Bank: How marine protected areas contribute to poverty reduction) found that the marine protected areas it examined helped empower women economically and in some cases socially. This project looks to build upon the outcomes of this work in a broader APEC context.

The current paucity of effective marine management often leads to an increased prevalence of illegal fishing. This activity often results in the detention of fishers (predominantly men), whose consequent detention and absence from the community has correspondingly deleterious economic and social effects on both women and children. Improved marine management would thus provide direct social and economic benefits for both women and children.

Work Plan

This proposed project will be conducted in three phases.

Phase 1

1.1   Proposing economy (Australia) will initiate this project with immediate action; fund and direct an internal government team to undertake database development and information gathering tasks (90 days).

1.2   Project approval given, steering committee established and consultant engaged

1.3   Consultant to validate (in conjunction with technical experts and project beneficiaries, the APEC economies and other relevant stakeholders) and analyze information gathered in Step 1.1, identify existing gaps and seek appropriate additions. Consultant will then finalize the centralized data hub and submit for review by the project overseer and steering committee. Final amendments will then be made in preparation for submission to peer review panel. During their discussions with APEC economies and relevant stakeholders, the consultant will take the opportunity to draw together a contact list of focal points for further communication in Phase 2 (50 days Jan-Mar 2010)

1.4   Submission to peer review panel, final amendments (if necessary) and Phase 1 completion. Phase 2

2.1    Draft and circulate a ‘how-to’ guide capturing best practices practice principles in the facilitation, design, development, implementation and enforcement phases required for collaborative marine spatial management. This initial draft will build on the information sourced in Phase 1.

2.2    Design and host a series of web based workshops where project beneficiaries will have the opportunity to:

(1)    validate the outcomes of Phase 1
(2)    offer in-economy perspectives and experience
(3)    explore ‘lessons learnt’ from case study inventory
(4)    discuss guide content and provide input/comment

Note that although we have moved away from the more traditional workshop approach, careful consideration has been given to the appropriateness and applicability of this step within the context of this project and its objectives. The proposing economy feels that it will ensure increased dialogue exchange opportunities that will provide higher quality project outputs whilst simultaneously achieving greater budgetary efficiency.

2.3    Post-workshops, the consultant will amend ‘how-to guide’ in response to workshop outcomes. Final draft will be submitted for review by the project overseer and steering committee

2.4    Approved outcomes of Phase 1 and 2 (data hub and ‘how-to’ guide) will be compiled for DVD and project folders produced.

2.5    Consultant will collate information from Phase 1 and 2 and draft a generic presentation to be used in the outreach program conducted in Phase 3.

All steps in phase two will be conducted by the project consultant in consultation with the project overseer and steering committee over 49 days during a four month period (May 2010 - Aug 2010).

Phase 3

3.1   Proposing economy will sponsor a project seminar in the margins of the 3^rd Ocean-Related Ministerial meeting to be attended by senior officials and possible ministers to launch the outputs. Project folders with outputs will be distributed during the event.

3.2   Proposing economy will identify and attend key events for significant Asia Pacific fora and present project outcomes and message as part of an ongoing outreach program. At these events, presenter will distribute project outputs (DVD).

3.3   Proposing economy will organize and host a one-off web based discussion one year post-project completion to assess in-economy uptake of spatial management measures and evaluate general usefulness of project outputs. Proposing economy will produce a two-part report on the progress of uptake of spatial management measures, and an analysis of the efficacy of the project output delivery mechanisms, to inform future APEC project design.

Details of each step of the project are outlined in the table below.

Phase One

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Australia, USA, Indonesia, Philippines, Mexico and Canada will participate in all aspects of the project design, planning, implementation and evaluation through a project steering committee. The input of each of these economies will be made through substantial in-kind contribution of expertise, guidance and advice.

Activity and associated risks to project implementation	Outputs	Timing
*Step 1. Database development and information gathering*
Internal project team selected		Aug 2009
Project development phase including project plan, research parameters, e-library look and design and database parameters	Database framework and ToR for Step 1	Aug 2009
Undertake information gathering and populate database. The team will be directed to reference information sources to facilitate further use in later phases of this project and following its completion.	Draft database completed	Sep 2009 – Oct 2009
*Step 2. Project Approval and Establishment*
Project approval		Nov 2009
Steering Committee assembled, detailed project planning undertaken, and potential consultants identified	Terms of Reference for Steering Committee	Nov 2009
APEC tender process used to recruit a suitable consultant	Tender documents prepared	Nov 2009 – Jan 2010
Project consultant engaged *Risks: qualified project consultants are unavailable or unable to undertake the project Risk management*: suitable project consultants will be identified and advised of proposed project prior to a select tender process; adequate lead time for engagement of consultant and completion of project will be allowed.	Consultant contract signed	Jan 2010
*Step 3. Stakeholder Consultation and Database Finalization*
Consultant to validate (in conjunction with APEC economies, technical experts and other relevant stakeholders) and analyze information gathered in Step 1., identify existing gaps and seek appropriate additions. The e-library database, with three categories, literature records, case study inventory and list of relevant data sources will then be finalized and submitted for review by the project overseer and steering committee. It is expected that some travel will be required by the consultant to, to ensure strong participation by APEC economy representatives, as well as consult with relevant experts. It is anticipated that up to three (international/domestic) trips may be required by the consultant during this phase. While travel costs may vary slightly from the proposed budget depending on the resident location of the Consultant employed, the Project Overseer and Steering Committee will ensure that all rates and travel procedures conform to APEC guidelines. The consultant will be required to reference information sources and prepare a detailed bibliography to facilitate further use of the project outputs. The information on jurisdictional arrangements will be compiled in a database for comparison and analysis and for future reference by interested parties. *Risks: Complete or accurate information on governance arrangements is not forthcoming or accessible. Risk management: Consultant will promote the project at APEC MRCWG and FWG joint meeting. Steering committee will assist consultant in encouraging member economies to provide information. Risks: Delays in receiving advice and/or information Risk management*: Project overseer and steering committee will assist in ensuring all advice is provided in a timely manner	Final draft of database completed suitable for peer review	50 days during Jan – Mar 2010
*Step 4. Peer review*
Project overseer and steering committee to identify suitable expert/peer reviewers and submit the final database to them for review.	Expert/ peer review of database completed.	21 days review period during April 2010
Consultant makes final amendments on the basis of advice received through the peer review process and in consultation with the project overseer and steering committee. . *Risks: Delays in receiving peer review advice and/or information from project participants Risk management*: Project overseer and steering committee will assist in ensuring that all relevant advice and information is provided to the consultant in a timely manner	Final database completed.	5 days during April 2010 (end of)

All APEC economies will be invited to participate in both Phase One (database),Phase Two (workshops and framework) and Phase Three (evaluation) of this project. In the first phase, economies are expected to assist the project consultant by providing information on legislative and policy arrangements in their economy that are relevant to transboundary marine spatial management measures, in addition to their own experiences in the management sphere. In the second phase, member economies will be invited to participate in the workshop series and contribute their knowledge and expertise to explore models for the development and implementation of such measures to be set out in a ‘how-to’ guide. In the third phase, member economies will be invited to share their experiences of working with the guide, and provide evaluative feedback on the project output delivery mechanisms. At this stage, consideration will be made on the usefulness of continuing to maintain a website which allows for updating of case-studies, lessons learnt etc, to ensure the project’s outputs remain sustainable.

Risks

See Work Plan

Monitoring and Evaluation

With reference to the proposed project objectives, assessment measures are as follows:

Project objective	Current status	End-of-project targets
Increase uptake of collaborative marine management initiatives among member economies through the provision of a ‘how to’ framework that will guide APEC economies through the facilitation, design, development, implementation and enforcement stages required for collaborative marine spatial management initiatives.	There is a current gap in available guidance for economies to draw upon in establishing collaborative marine management initiatives resulting in poor implementation levels, little strategic insights and ad hoc implementation. Addressing this gap is necessary to achieving core APEC objectives and its need has been articulated by member economies.	Short term target: APEC economies in the Marine Resources Conservation Working Group (MRCWG) and/or Fisheries Working Group (FWG) participate in web based series of regional discussion forums to network, skills share and develop a framework for progressing collaboration on marine spatial management. Medium term target: Provide APEC economies with the knowledge and tools to collaborate on developing marine spatial management initiatives through the framework and outreach programs increasing uptake of collaborative marine management initiatives by APEC economies. This will facilitate enhanced capacity development actions and promote economic growth, especially in developing economies.
Improved connectivity and exchange between member economies on marine related issues including key economic drivers such as transport, tourism and sustainable resource use, by providing ongoing, SUSTAINABLE opportunities to forge new partnerships and cement existing linkages between member economies at all levels.	Although cooperative linkages between member economies do exist and the oceans related working groups provide opportunities for marine related issues, there are issues with inclusivity and accessibility that will be addressed by this project. Fostering interdisplinary networks is critical to developing integrated management responses to marine related issues.	Short term target: Bring together representatives from all stakeholder groups with an interest in management of marine related issues and facilitate active participation in interactive discussion forums to elucidate on what they feel are the issues, threats, challenges and challenges for collaborative marine management in the Asia Pacific region. Medium term target: Establish ongoing discussions between interested parties via a e-learning network that would be supported via regular web based discussion forums and regularly updated contact lists facilitated by the Project Overseer. This would provide member economies with a assistance mechanism that underpinned the framework allowing discussions of lessons learnt, issues and a forum in which to champion outcomes. Long term target: Utilize the e-learning networks to provide feedback to fine tune the framework ensuring it remains a living document that is targeted to the needs of the member economies and SUSTAINS the project outputs beyond the end of the project.
Deliver operational efficiencies and cost benefits to APEC members, particularly relevant for developing economies, through provision of centralized data sources (e-library database of relevant marine spatial management information specifically with a multi-jurisdictional focus that will include literature records, a case study inventory, and a list of relevant data sources) and easily accessible communication networks (e-learning network). It is expected that this work will build on that derived from the MRCWG 2004 Ocean Governance Project and FWG 2008 Ecosystem Based Management Project.	There are NO comprehensive, contemporary global or regional (APEC) inventories of either literature or data sources on cooperative multi-jurisdictional spatial management efforts addressing marine threats.	Short term targets: Development of an up-to-date, centralized data hub (e-library database with a comprehensive library, case study inventory and data source list) and organize and implement web based discussion forums to facilitate active participation in framework development by member economies. Medium term target: Maintain a current and relevant centralized data hub and support, promote and facilitate ongoing e-learning networks initialized during the consultation phase through maintenance of contact lists and provision of regular web based discussion forums An outreach program within existing applicable fora will ensure the wider dissemination and uptake of project outcomes and project message within the Asia Pacific region.

After completion of the project its success will be assessed on the basis of

o Impact on expected beneficiaries and;
o If APEC projects criteria are met.

The success of the project in meeting the first goal will be assessed by the number of APEC member economies that provide input to the inventory, and the gender ratio of the people responding in those economies (target: responses from 21 economies; gender ratio 50% or more females).

The success of the project in meeting the second goal will be assessed by the number of people participating in the virtual workshops and attendance at the ministerial launch event. A gender ratio of the participants will be a component of the target at all events (target at least 15 people representing at least 8 economies; gender ratio 50% or more females).

Overall project success will be gauged from outputs of a web-based discussion event to be held one year post project finalization to be hosted by the proposing economy.

Linkages

The project overseer presented this proposal to the Fisheries Working Group (FWG) in both April 2008 and June 2009 and at the joint session of the FWG and Marine Resource Conservation Working Group (MRCWG) ,receiving widespread support and commendation from all members. Beyond these forums, other key economic industry working groups, including the Tourism and Transport working groups have affirmed the need for this work and indicated their support for the proposal. The Nature Conservancy has also expressed their support for, and interest in further involvement in, the project. Please see the letters attached at Annex B below:

Annex B

March 19, 2009

Subject: Support for Australian MRCWG Project Proposal Regarding Transboundary Management of Marine Resources

To Whom It May Concern,

I would like to express my support for a project proposal coming forward from the Marine Resource Conservation Working Group entitled: ‘Fish and Biodiversity cross boundaries: Enabling collaborative capacity building to improve the protection of marine resources and strengthen future economic security and ocean wealth in the Asia-Pacific region’.

This project has a number of potential benefits for the Fisheries Working Group.

To begin, we have a joint FWG-MRCWG project underway (FWG 01/2009) intended to promote best practices and tools for implementing ecosystem-based management for fisheries and broader marine ecosystems. We have few examples of successful transboundary ecosystem-based management approaches, and this MRCWG project will result in a framework that could guide economies through the process of developing and implementing such measures. One such region that has been proposed for a case study in this MRC project, the Coral Triangle, was identified as a priority in the 2007 APEC Leaders Declaration.

As we have learned from a recently completed FWG project that assessed the impacts of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Asia-Pacific region, a lack of transboundary cooperation is directly contributing to poor fisheries management and enforcement in a number of regions, leading to increased IUU fishing. This is jeopardizing the sustainability of a resource that is critically important to the socio-economic well being of millions of people living in APEC economies. This MRC project would facilitate the development of an important tool for addressing regional fisheries management challenges.

In my opinion, this project fits well with APEC’s mandate to expand economic and technical cooperation. I also understand that this project has been scored very highly in the MRCWG Quality Assessment Framework. Given these reasons, as well as the importance of this project in advancing the work of the FWG, I would encourage you and your colleagues in the Secretariat responsible for project approvals to favourably consider this proposal.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kind regards,

Lorraine (Lori) Ridgeway

Lead Shepherd, APEC Fisheries Working Group

Director General, International Policy and Integration

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Lori.Ridgeway@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

(613) 993-1914

200 Kent St. Ottawa ON K1A 0E6 Canada

30 March 2009

- - - - - - - - - -

Ms Angela Williamson

Manager

Coral Triangle Initiative Taskforce

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

GPO Box 787

Canberra ACT 2601

Dear Ms Williamson

Thank you for your letter received 17 March 2009 regarding Australia’s project proposal on transboundary management in the protection of marine resources and delivery of food security for future generations in the Asia Pacific, to be submitted to the APEC Marine Resource Conservation Working Group.

The Nature Conservancy recognises that information compilation and assessment is necessary to inform decision-making. This is particularly important regarding the sustainable management and use of marine and coastal resources, as communities in the Asia Pacific are the stewards of some of the most valuable, yet vulnerable, natural resources. We note that the project will draw upon an illustrative case study from the Coral Triangle. We would be pleased to work with Australia and the other economies which are co-sponsoring this proposal to discuss data management in relation to the Coral Triangle Atlas, a collaborative effort in which The Nature Conservancy is an active partner. This Atlas includes the collection and synthesis of existing biophysical and socioeconomic data, and the identification of information gaps, to inform decision-makers and would seem to be of particular relevance to this proposed project.

We hope that this project will be a catalyst in building long-term capacity throughout the Asia Pacific, in relation to effective marine management. We wish the co-sponsors success with its establishment and look forward to working closely with relevant APEC economies to inform its implementation.

Yours sincerely

Krista Singleton-Cambage (Dr)

Senior Advisor

External Affairs, Asia Pacific

-----------------------------

The proposed project directly addresses the nexus that exists between sustainable economic growth, livelihood security and environmental health and recognizes the critical interconnections between these issues. APEC’s unique provision for cross economy collaborative policy discussions across this broad range of objectives makes it the most appropriate institution to fund a project on transboundary marine management issues. The potential breadth of project delivery is an additional benefit, enabling the efficient identification of priorities and mechanisms for working together across the broader Asia Pacific region. This project will also draw on the outcomes of a number of completed and current initiatives that have been undertaken through both APEC and other fora, solidifying existing work and building a strong direction for the future. A brief précis of the key initiatives are:

MRC project 03/2007: Marine Ecosystem Identification and Mapping in the Asia-Pacific Region

This project will build on the outcomes of MRC project 03/2007, especially during Phase 1 which will draw on its marine ecosystem identification and mapping outputs.

Natures investment bank: How marine protected areas contribute to poverty reduction

This project builds on the recommendations made by the joint study undertaken by The Nature Conservancy, Australian Government, Vrije Universiteit and WWF-Indonesia into the role of Marine Protected Areas in poverty reduction, which was commissioned to contribute to the implementation of the Bali Plan of Action. Preliminary results of the project were presented at the 20^th meeting of the MRCWG in April 2007. The study found that a network of smaller ecologically-connected marine protected area networks may have the potential to reduce poverty and conserve marine biodiversity. However, without transboundary agreements in place, there is the risk that marine protected area networks may not function effectively and, as such, it is important that a resolution to this issue is found.

Coral Triangle Initiative

APEC leaders welcomed the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) in the 2007 Sydney Leaders Declaration on Climate Change, Energy Security and Clean Development. The CTI Regional Plan of Action (May 2009) contains the following goals which are relevant to this project; Goal 1: Priority Seascapes Designated and Effectively Managed and Goal 3: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Established and Effectively managed.

Other fora

The issue of transboundary marine management has been considered in other fora, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and United Nations General Assembly. The work of these fora has a global scale, whereas this project will take an APEC regional focus, including the development of a regionally specific transboundary marine spatial management framework. It should be noted that the library of transboundary marine management literature proposed in Phase 1 of the project will include a global focus because it is felt that given the paucity of such initiatives worldwide, it is important to draw on all possible experiences. However the remainder of this project will take a strong regional focus and this is particularly relevant to spatial management development and implementation where consideration of factors such as regional oceanographic processes, specific fisheries practices and distinct local level governance arrangements can have important repercussions for their eventual efficacy.

The project also responds at the Asia-Pacific scale to the globally focused 2006 Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of the Parties Eight Decision VIII/22 Marine and coastal biological diversity: enhancing the implementation of integrated marine and coastal area management, which calls for: “…..considering participation in international initiatives and agreements, such as regional seas programmes, large marine ecosystem (LME) projects, and river basin initiatives, in order to improve trans-boundary cooperation”.

This project will support economies involved in meeting the ecosystem and ocean related Millennium Development Goals (MDG), and the capacity building elements will operate in accordance with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.

Finally, this project will continue APEC’s recognized leadership as an innovator, promoting cost efficiencies through the use of web based communications.

Sustainability

Not Applicable

Direct Labour

Not Applicable

Are there any supporting document attached?

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Content Type: Standard Proposal