The Nairobi Convention Secretariat has been busy implementing its two main projects, SAPPHIRE and WIOSAP. Find out what’s been happening with both projects this week below.
Updates on the WIOSAP project:
- RECs Meeting: This week, the Nairobi Convention organized a meeting with relevant Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Commissions. Our objective was to seek opportunities for collaboration with RECs for sustainable management of costal and marine resources. Read the round-up next week for news on outputs!
- Country project proposals to reduce stress from land-based sources and activities: Several WIO countries are now submitting their full project proposals to the Secretariat for review and technical support as needed. The projects all focus on sustainable management of critical habitats (i.e. seagrass, mangroves, or coral reefs), water quality, and river flows. Recommended proposals will be submitted to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) for consideration. Stay tuned for more details on the proposals!
- Development of Guidelines to support WIOSAP Project Implementation: The Project is supporting the development of various Guidelines, such as a Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Guide, Seagrass Ecosystem Restoration Guide, E-Flows Assessment Guide, Economic Valuation Guide and Climate Change Assessment Toolkit. The Guidelines will support implementation of various demonstration projects.
Updates on the SAPPHIRE project:
- Kenya: The SAPPHIRE project supports national research institutions to lead research and produce data and findings for the benefit of the WIO region. In this vein, the Kenyan Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) submitted a funding proposal to research the climate change impacts on the North Kenya Bank. The North Kenya Bank is an important economic driver and source of livelihood for local fishing communities, and the project’s findings could allow Kenya to recommend adaptation and mitigation strategies to counteract the effects of climate change.
- Madagascar and Mozambique: Following the launch of SAPPHIRE in both countries, Mozambique and Madagascar have now drafted activity proposals that focus on holding consultations on national priorities, marine ecosystem protection and management, and ocean governance. Other activities include engaging with the private sector and mobilizing local communities to reduce the stress on marine and coastal ecosystems.
- Tanzania and Somalia: Staff worked closely with Tanzania’s National Focal Point to organize the launch of the SAPPHIRE project and establishment of the Tanzanian National Intersectoral Coordination Committee (NICC), scheduled for 6 to 7 May 2019. SAPPHIRE project staff also provided technical support to Somalia for the establishment of its own NICC. The role of the NICCs is to coordinate, monitor, and evaluate different in-country initiatives.
- Meeting with Institute of Marine Science (IMS) in Zanzibar: The Nairobi Convention Secretariat met with IMS executives and researchers to collaborate and build partnership on ongoing research in the Pemba Channel of Tanzania and share oceanographic data and scientific research in the region.
Other News
Rising sea level slowly drowning coastal beaches
Rising sea levels are altering the lifestyles of sea residents, threatening the very core of their livelihoods. From fortified beach fronts using sand bags, to hotels and private residences constructing sea walls, the reality is fast sinking in. …….read more
Fisheries sector constitutes one of the main pillars of Mauritius’ Blue economy, says Minister Koonjoo
The fisheries sector is one of the mainstays of the Blue Economy of Mauritius and is expected to undergo profound transformation, driven by the country’s largely untapped marine resources, market and product diversification, technological development, trade policies and sustainable development……read more
Sustainable Blue Economy – Opportunities and Challenges
This paper attempts to analyze the initiatives to harness the blue economy in European Union, China and India and also to reflect on the issues and concerns relating to the sustainable development of blue economy….read more
The value of our vanishing reefs
Coral reefs are arguably one of the most valuable forms of natural capital, certainly in terms of habitat. One estimate puts their value at 10 trillion a year. This value derives largely from fisheries, tourism and coastal protection, which in turn support considerable real-estate value. Corals also support around 1bn people’s livelihoods.
Their future appears bleak, could a natural capital approach save them?……read more
