Background

1. Coral reefs around the world are in serious decline. Coral reefs and associated seagrass and mangrove ecosystems are amongst the most biologically productive and diverse on Earth. In addition to the economic benefits of coral reefs, these ecosystems sustain the social fabric and cultural values of many coastal communities around the world. The threats to coral reefs and associated ecosystems place in jeopardy the sustainable development of many communities, global biodiversity and the health of the oceans. Global concern for the coastal and marine environment is reflected in Agenda 21 of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and in more recent initiatives including the Jakarta Mandate of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Global Program of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities.

    

2. The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) was established in order to stop and reverse the global degradation to coral reefs and associated ecosystems. The ICRI partnership and approach thus far has been to mobilize governments and a wide range of other stakeholders in an effort to improve management practices, increase capacity and political support, and share information on the health of these ecosystems. The International Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management Symposium (ITMEMS) was a further step in this same direction. It aimed to build upon previous ICRI workshops and leave behind increased commitment and clear direction for the future of ICRI and global tropical marine ecosystem management.

    

3. The Dumaguete City workshop (Philippines, 29 May – 2 June 1995) set in place a strategy for subsequent action under ICRI, including endorsement of the Call to Action and development of a Framework for Action. The need for periodic review (performance evaluation) of the extent and success of ICRI implementation was identified in both these documents as an essential element of the ICRI strategy. Regional ICRI workshops were held in the Caribbean/Tropical Americas, South and East Asia, South Pacific, Eastern Africa/Western Indian Ocean and Middle East over the two years following the Dumaguete City workshop. The priority threats to coral reefs and associated ecosystems and needs for their conservation and sustainable use were identified on a regional basis through this process. National ICRI workshops and a World Bank conference on coral reefs have since reaffirmed the priority issues threatening the ecological integrity of coral reefs and associated ecosystems. The degree to which action has been taken regionally to implement these priority needs, including the capacity building component, and the success or failure of efforts to reduce the threats to coral reefs globally was unclear.

Introduction to ITMEMS

4. ITMEMS provided a forum for the review and evaluation of ICRI implementation. The review was conducted within a framework of the four ICRI cornerstones: Integrated Management, Capacity Building, Monitoring and Review. The symposium also provided an opportunity to identify shortcomings in the global ICRI strategy and for delegates to give guidance to the Secretariat and ICRI partners on the future direction of the initiative.

   ITMEMS complements the scientific forum provided by the International Coral Reef Symposia (ICRS) by bringing together coral reef management practitioners and policy makers from around the world to discuss their concerns.

    

5. The symposium structure was designed to meet the particular needs of management. It was based around the priority issues and needs for conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs and associated ecosystems as identified through the ICRI process. These provided the focus for a series of interactive, action-oriented workshops that were designed to share practical experiences and draw lessons through case study examples from around the world. ITMEMS was designed to make a major contribution to ocean management in 1998 and be one of the premier events during the United Nations International Year of the Ocean.

    

6. The Goal of ITMEMS was:

    

   ‘To bring together managers of coral reefs and related ecosystems from around the world to review progress in management of these systems, to set an agenda for their future conservation and sustainable use and to build the capacity of practitioners and policy makers to manage these ecosystems.’

    

7. The Objectives of ITMEMS were:

• To review actions taken to date on a global and regional basis to implement the objectives of ICRI as outlined in the Call to Action and Framework for Action;
• To identify gaps in the global approach of ICRI to stop the degradation of coral reefs and related ecosystems;
• To provide direction for the future implementation of ICRI; and
• To share experiences and lessons amongst coral reef managers and policy makers of recent developments in the conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs and related ecosystems.

8. The structure of ITMEMS was designed to meet the needs of management. The preparation and presentation of Regional Reports ecosystems was an important element of the program. Their purpose was to critically evaluate and summarize progress in the implementation of management actions for the conservation and sustainable development of coral reefs and associated ecosystems. The Regional Reports provided a framework for deliberations that took place within the Working Groups on the priority issues and the future of ICRI.

    

9. The Priority Issues Working Groups then provided the focus for a series of interactive, action-oriented workshops that were designed to share practical experiences and draw lessons through case study  examples from around the world. The Fostering a Sustainable ICRI Working Groups then synthesised these lessons, identified gaps in the global approach to ICRI and set an agenda for the future conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs and associated ecosystems.

Sessions 1 and 2 — Opening Sessions

Session 1 — Official Opening

10. The Meeting was opened by Dr Ian McPhail, Chairman, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority on behalf of the Government of Australia. In his opening address, Dr McPhail welcomed ITMEMS participants to Australia. He then went on to provide an overview of the major management issues facing coral reefs and associated ecosystems including: urban growth, land clearance and conversion that have drastically altered the flow of sediments, nutrients and pollutants into near-shore waters; heavy and unrelenting fishing pressure; international shipping; and compliance, surveillance and enforcement. Dr McPhail noted that in the hugely dynamic marine system, impacts are often obscured and slow to manifest. Fortunately, an awareness of the connections between human actions and the productivity of the natural systems is now evident. There is greater acceptance that economic benefit does involve environmental obligations.

     

11. Dr McPhail took the opportunity to share a national perspective and spoke of the Australian Government’s initiative to develop this country’s, and one of the world’s, first national Oceans Policy. He noted a substantial similarity between the four principal outcomes of Australia’s Oceans Policy and ICRI’s four core elements: integrated coastal management; building capacity to manage; information for management through research and monitoring; and review or evaluation of management performance. Dr McPhail stressed the point that effective management involves understanding and responding to change. He went on to illustrate this point by briefly discussing recent changes to management structures for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area.

     

12. In concluding, Dr McPhail reflected on the unusual, but promising, nature of ICRI as an informal and catalytic partnership designed to focus on an issue of global concern which should be pursued by the international community. Dr McPhail acknowledged the great privilege accorded to the Government of Australia in hosting the ICRI Secretariat, through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, for the last two years. He then announced that, just as Australia had received the Secretariatship of ICRI from the United States of America, the Government of Australia would pass it on to another ICRI partner — the Government of France — following ITMEMS.

     

13. Dr Peter Thomas, on behalf of the Government of the United States of America, outlined the history of ICRI. He identified its beginnings arising from initial concerns about the declining health of coral reefs globally that were expressed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), Rio de Janeiro 1992, then subsequently at the Small Island Developing States Conference in 1994 where ICRI was first announced. Later that same year, at the First Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the ICRI partnership of eight founding countries (Australia, France, Jamaica, Japan, Philippines, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States) took effect.

     

14. Dr Thomas went on to highlight the continuing relevance of the ICRI Call to Action and Framework for Action that were adopted at the Dumaguete City Workshop in 1995. He noted the ambitious agenda that was set by the ICRI partners as they departed Dumaguete City and many of the achievements since then, including the global campaign to raise the profile of coral reefs through international fora (such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and Commission on Sustainable Development), regional workshops, the GCRMN and 1997 International Year of the Reef.

     

15. In conclusion, Dr Thomas noted that while substantial achievements had been made since the ICRI Call to Action was adopted in 1995, concern over the state of the world’s coral reefs was increasing. He noted, as an example, recent reports of coral bleaching which raise concern not only over the ultimate causation of such events but also over their impacts on the livelihoods of local communities around the world that are dependent on coral reef resources. Dr Thomas posed a number of fundamental questions to be addressed at ITMEMS, including: Is action being taken on the reefs and what can we do to generate more action? Are coastal management programs taking hold? What are the best case studies from which we can learn to limit damage and to sustainably manage human activity? What is standing in the way of getting resources, expertise, training and information to coral reef managers?

     

16. Professor Bernard Salvat, on behalf of the Government of France, confirmed that France would take over the ICRI International Secretariat and Chair the Coordination and Planning Committee (CPC) for a two year term — 1999 and 2000. He stated that ICRI and the CPC would continue to be a catalyst for more attention and funding devoted to coral reefs under the leadership of France.

     

17. Professor Salvat noted that ITMEMS was the first international meeting of significance with a focus on the management of coral reefs and associated ecosystems. He went on to review the history of scientific knowledge about coral reefs, which has developed only since the Second World War. Professor Salvat recalled the first International Coral Reef Symposium at Madapam Camp, India, where there were only forty participants and no topics on management or monitoring. He noted significant accomplishments over the following four decades on coral reefs in terms of scientific knowledge and human activities.

     

18. Professor Salvat concluded by noting the crisis that is presently facing coral reefs and by reaffirming the importance of ICRI and the willingness of its partners and CPC to promote action in favour of the sustainable development of tropical coastal areas and associated human activities.

     

19. Dr Clive Wilkinson, Coordinator, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), began his presentation with an overview of the status of coral reefs globally. He noted 1998 figures which put 26% of reefs at high risk, 31% at medium risk and 43% at low risk. These represented an increased level of risk over 1992 predictions.

     

20. Dr Wilkinson then proceeded to review the history, objectives, principles, strategies and activities of the GCRMN, noting its role as the research and monitoring arm of ICRI.

     

    GCRMN achievements since 1995 were identified as the establishment of monitoring nodes in South Asia and the western Indian Ocean, the provision of data for ReefBase and development of a partnership with Reef Check. Future activities would include the development of a socioeconomic manual and protocols, funding support for existing monitoring nodes and regional monitoring, development of new nodes and partnerships with other organizations, and preparation of reports.

     

21. Dr Wilkinson provided a region-by-region summary of the status of coral reefs, and a review of impacts of the 1997/98 coral bleaching event. Most severely affected by coral bleaching were areas of the Indian Ocean, while all regions suffered significant coral mortality. He concluded his presentation with an overview of the Reef Check program and summary of 1998 results.

     

22. Mr Richard Kenchington, Global Coordinator, ICRI Secretariat, introduced and discussed the goal and objectives of the Symposium and the intention of the program design team to stimulate active participation and experience sharing of all delegates through the workshop structure. He stressed the intention that the workshop reports and the future program documents should reflect the contributions of all participants. Mr Kenchington then presented the draft program to Plenary for comment and endorsement. The agreed program is included in these ITMEMS Proceedings.

Session 2 — Regional Reports

23. Critical reviews of progress in the implementation of management actions were prepared for each of five ICRI regions: Tropical Americas/Caribbean, Pacific, East Asia, South Asia and Eastern Africa/Western Indian Ocean. These Regional Reports summarize progress in addressing management concerns since the Dumaguete City workshop in 1995. The Regional Reports were drafted within a framework of the four ICRI cornerstones: Integrated Management, Capacity Building, Monitoring and Review (Performance Evaluation). Topics and guiding questions were provided to the authors as an indication of the information needs. The structure of each Regional Report was tailored to the specific characteristics of the individual regions. The five Regional Reports are included in these ITMEMS Proceedings.

     

24. 24. Dr Jeremy Woodley presented the Regional Report for the Tropical Americas/ Caribbean.

     

    The report focuses initially on the Caribbean Environment Program (CEP) and its role in the implementation of activities that emanated from the ICRI Regional Workshop and Montego Bay Declaration. However, a broader account of progress and activities in the Wider Caribbean Region over the last two years, compiled from reports sent in by correspondents within each country or taken from existing relevant publications, is also provided.

     

25. The ICRI cornerstone which generated the most activity in the Caribbean was that of Capacity Building, while Performance Evaluation (Review) was the cornerstone for which the least amount of activity was reported. Priority actions under each of the four ICRI cornerstones are identified in the report. The report concludes that activities regarding coral reef assessment, management and education have been wide and varied throughout the Tropical Americas/Caribbean over the last two years and, considering the relatively short time frame, impressive in nature and numbers. However, given the status and threats of the reefs in the Region, much more remains to be done particularly as these fragile ecosystems are critical in sustaining activities such as tourism and fisheries on which the Caribbean economies are greatly dependent.

     

26. Ms Lucille Apis-Overhoff presented the Regional Report for the Pacific. The report focuses on the role of the South Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) and implementation of activities within the ICRI Pacific Regional Action Strategy and Pacific Framework of Action. Funding constraints were identified as the major limiting factor in the implementation of activities under the ICRI umbrella. Three activities were highlighted: Implementation of the 1997 Pacific Year of the Coral Reef; ‘Train the Trainers’ Coral Reef Monitoring and Survey Workshops in support of the GCRMN; and Development of a Regional Wetland Action Plan. It was noted that these activities involved all SPREP member countries.

     

27. In her report, Ms Apis-Overhoff outlined the difficulties encountered in the implementation of the ICRI activities, noting in particular the complexity of the activities that were undertaken, and the tyranny of distance and communication amongst the widely dispersed island countries. Constraints, in addition to funding, and lessons learned were identified.

     

    However, despite the limiting factors, there were many success stories across the Pacific island region. The three activities were viewed as monumental landmarks because of the time, money and effort contributed by the teams, at the regional, national and local levels, which were united by their effort to raise awareness of the value of coral reefs and the need to manage them for conservation and sustainable development.

     

28. Mr Shoutao Cao presented the Regional Report for the East Asian Seas. The report identifies strategic ICRI activities that are being addressed in combination with, in particular, implementation of the Global Program of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA) and a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis for the South China Sea (TDA). Weaknesses and priorities under each of the four ICRI cornerstones are identified in the report, together with actions for addressing regional priorities.

     

29. The Regional Report for East Asia notes, however, that due to limited resources many important issues, even though they are among the highest priorities in the region, are not being addressed in regional work plans. These include over-exploitation of fisheries, destructive fishing such as cyanide and dynamite fishing, reduction of ecological impacts of coastal and marine tourism, and rehabilitation and restoration of degraded ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves. The report also notes that there are many existing institutions and organizations that are working in various modes to protect the East Asian Seas and calls for the establishment of active connections among UN organizations, international NGOs, member governments, academic institutions, the private sector and individuals in order to facilitate collaboration and cooperation for implementing actions.

     

30. Mr Arjan Rajasuriya presented the Regional Report for South Asia. The report reviews the status of coral reefs within the region and activities under each of the four ICRI cornerstones on a country-by-country basis. Wide ranging differences in priority, emphasis and capacity among the five countries are evident. Noteworthy is the considerable progress on establishment of a GCRMN node for South Asia and activities that have been undertaken to support research and monitoring.

     

31. The Regional Report for South Asia concludes that there are many initiatives in the region that are actively supporting programs for strengthening the capabilities of government departments and research units to manage coastal resources. However, although there are a number of other welcome national level coral reef management initiatives in the region, it is not clear whether many of them are fully integrated into, or guided by, the ICRI Framework for Action. Research and management have to be improved in the region and more emphasis is required in socioeconomic monitoring as this component is lacking in many countries. This is identified as a major obstacle in the development of management plans.

     

32. Dr Nyawira Muthiga presented the Regional Report for Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. The report gives an updated description of a diverse array of coral reef and associated ecosystem programs being undertaken by the Eastern African mainland states on a country-by-country basis. The Regional Environment Program of the Indian Ocean Commission is presented for the Western Indian Ocean island states, as a whole, with an emphasis on coral reef monitoring.

     

33. The Regional Report for Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean illustrates a wide range of political and economic development among countries of the region. All states are heavily dependent on their coastal environments as sources of food, income and employment. Over-exploitation of marine resources fueled by the increase in the coastal population, destructive methods of fishing, poor land-use practices, tourism-related activities and pollution from land-based activities are threats that are found throughout the region. Given the high dependence of coastal communities on biological resources at the subsistence level, it has become increasingly clear that new strategies incorporating local and national interests must be developed.

Keynote Presentation by Dr Nancy Foster

34. Dr Nancy Foster, Assistant Administrator NOAA and Vice-Chair IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) - Marine, addressed ITMEMS participants on the subject of ‘Marine Protected Areas in the New Millennium’. Dr Foster began by identifying various challenges and concerns. In particular, she noted a widespread lack of effective management of marine protected areas (MPAs) and coral reefs, in light of which the concept of MPAs as an important management tool for conserving our world’s marine resources works in theory, but not in practice. Dr Foster then went on to suggest the use of four ‘navigational aids’ as guides for the future: 

     

    1. an ecosystem approach to management; 
    2. emphasis on public participation by putting people first; 
    3. integration of fisheries management with MPA management; and
    4. sustainable tourism for all MPAs, but particularly coastal ecosystems. 

The text of Dr Foster’s presentation is included in these Proceedings.

Sessions 3 to 10 — Priority Issues Concurrent Working Groups

35. The Priority Issues Working Groups provide the focus for a series of interactive, action-oriented workshops that are designed to identify lessons through case study examples from around the world. The case studies critically review and evaluate both successes and failures in the implementation of selected projects. The case studies were chosen on the basis of their contribution to tropical marine ecosystem management and, more specifically, to one (or more) of the priority issues that has been identified as a global threat to these ecosystems through the ICRI process.

     

36. It is recognised that coastal resource management projects will almost inevitably be multi-faceted and address various related issues simultaneously within an integrated framework. However, the focus here on specific issues/themes reflects the reality that limited human and financial resources, combined with specific resource needs and political realities often necessitate a more focused, prioritized approach to issues which are of particular relevance to stakeholders and where meaningful results are achievable.

     

    The issue topics were identified as priorities through the regional ICRI workshops that were held from 1995 to 1997.

     

37. The case studies were drafted within a framework of the four ICRI cornerstones: Integrated Management, Capacity Building, Monitoring and Review (Performance Evaluation). Topics and guiding questions were provided to the authors as an indication of the information needs, but the structure of each case study was tailored to the specific characteristics of each site/project. The case study manuscripts and Session Reports are included in these Proceedings.

Session 3 — Fisheries and Protected Areas

38. Session 3 included case studies from the Philippines, Mexico and Australia, which addressed the implications of MPAs for fishery management. Following presentation of the case studies, break-out sessions looked at the issues in the context of the four ITMEMS cross-cutting themes: Integrated Management, Coordination and Linkages, Stakeholder Partnerships and Community Participation, Public Awareness and Education (including Capacity-Building), and Data and Information for Management. In addition to the specific areas addressed by the session, recommendations also included broader ideas including development of an Internet-based coral reef clearinghouse mechanism and a call for the development of national coral reef initiatives and action plans — ideally prepared in time for the 10th International Coral Reef Symposium in Bali in 2000.

     

39. A major conclusion from Session 3 was that MPAs have the potential to play a much bigger role in the successful management and sustainable use of fishery resources on coral reefs and associated ecosystems. In particular, it was recommended that participatory development of no-take zones and protection of essential fishery habitat in the context of an ecosystem management approach should be encouraged, where appropriate, at both the community level and for larger areas.

Session 4 — Pollution Control

40. Session 4 included case studies from Australia, the United States of America and various countries of the wider Caribbean region including Colombia, Cuba and Costa Rica amongst others, which addressed the management of land-based activities that cause pollution of nearshore waters. There was vigorous discussion amongst participants who summarized the lessons learned under the four ITMEMS cross-cutting themes.

     

    Discussion points included: difficulty in adopting a precautionary approach because governments seem only to be able to respond to crises; need for more scope to look for incentives and other non-legislative mechanisms to facilitate desired outcomes; and the fact that issues are often the outcome of much larger economic factors/systems which drive development — dealing with the symptoms.

     

41. 41. Workshop participants emphasised the need to minimise the impact of land-based activities, especially pollution, for the protection of coral reefs and associated ecosystems by: 

     

    1. adoption of a watershed approach with legislative backing for dealing with non-pointsources of pollution;
    2. active participation of stakeholders and community members in the ICZM process;
    3. proper coordination among implementing agencies; and (iv) capacity building and adequate funding to implement ICZM projects.

Session 5 — Protected Areas and the Private Sector

42. Session 5 included case studies from the Caribbean, the Philippines and Tanzania, which examined protected area management in cooperation with the private sector. Workshop participants identified both opportunities and challenges for private sector involvement in MPA management, summarized the lessons learned, and identified needs and guiding questions to facilitate discussion under each of the four ITMEMS cross-cutting themes.

     

43. Workshop participants concluded that private sector involvement in MPA management is not an issue that has yet been examined in great detail and the number of case studies is fairly limited. However, the fact that the group had over 40 participants was significant in itself. Generally, the group felt that the concept of private sector involvement is a good idea, but acknowledged that economic viability (either through profit or public relations benefits) is a main driving factor for the private sector to sustain interest. Private sector interests want assurances that their efforts will improve business.

Session 6 — Tourism and Protected Areas

44. Session 6 included case studies from Egypt, Bonaire and Australia which examined sustainable tourism development based around MPAs. The three examples cover widely differing geographical scales and a diversity of tourism experience. Workshop participants summarized the lessons learned and identified future challenges under each of the four ITMEMS cross-cutting themes.

     

45. Workshop participants concluded that sustainable tourism may be the last hope for coral reef conservation — that ‘tourism is the solution not the problem’. However, a lack of planning and the need for an identified source of financing were evident as key components that weakened outcomes. The need for tourism monitoring by this sector was identified, which could be tied to permits. Follow-up would be by MPA and other more highly trained staff. The role of permits was identified as a very useful approach, but it can not be overused and should have a clear justification.

Session 7 — Destructive Fishing Practices and Collecting Methods

46. Session 7 included case studies from Tanzania, Philippines and Indonesia, which examined the promotion of sustainable coral reef fishing practices and collecting methods.

     

    Participatory, community-based approaches were undertaken in all the case studies.

     

    Workshop participants summarized the lessons learned under each of the four ITMEMS cross-cutting themes.

     

47. The case studies all clearly showed that the impacts of destructive fishing were well understood among the local communities and highlighted that community participation was more important than government intervention. The importance of identifying alternative employment opportunities, as well as providing support in development of sustainable practices among the stakeholders, was also evident from the case studies.

     

    Workshop participants concluded that there is an urgent need to obtain funding and provide logistic support to communities in order for them to be more effective in managing the fisheries.

Session 8 — Coastal Development

48. Session 8 included case studies from the Philippines, Indonesia and Egypt, which addressed approaches to sustainable coastal development. Workshop participants identified additional lessons learned and challenges. Discussions identified the need to encourage collaborative stakeholder working groups to work together to put innovative, agreed suggestions forward to decision-makers to solve environmental issues.

     

49. Workshop participants stressed the importance of learning lessons from developed and developing country situations — both successes and failures. The promotion and dissemination of successful models, leading to best practice manuals was advocated.

    Participants concluded that management plans and other tools should be flexible and dynamic, fit within a well-defined, long-term vision or goal, and incorporate both incentives and enforcement.

Session 9 — Coral Reef Assessment and Monitoring

50. Session 9 included case studies on the establishment of coral reef assessment and monitoring based on the experiences of various organizations and initiatives, including CARICOMP, Conservation International, Reef Check and the GCRMN. Workshop participants summarized lessons learned under each of the four ITMEMS cross-cutting themes and made general recommendations.

     

51. Workshop participants identified the need to build motivation for monitoring and data collection on a long-term and continuous basis, and to develop regional strategies to share results amongst relevant stakeholders. The development of active monitoring networks and decentralized activities for effective monitoring were amongst their recommendations.

     

    Workshop participants concluded that a logical framework for monitoring still needs to be developed in order to accommodate data gathering at various levels and resolutions through broad-scale mapping including remote sensing, scientific research, reef check monitoring, community-based monitoring, etc.

Session 10 — Protected Areas

52. Session 10 included case studies from Mozambique, Philippines and Brazil, which addressed approaches to sustainable protected area management. Workshop participants identified future challenges and summarized the lessons learned under each of the four ITMEMS cross-cutting themes. Project management by, and/or involvement with, non-government organizations was particularly strong amongst this selection of case studies.

     

53. Workshop participants stressed the importance of taking advantage of available local resources and using existing organisations, whenever possible. Involvement of local community members and other relevant stakeholders from the very beginning, and the promotion of tangible economic and social benefits were also highlighted. The need to create space and mechanisms in order to foster partnerships and consultation, and bring people together was stressed.

Sessions 11 to 14 — Fostering a SustainableICRI Concurrent Working Groups (Cross-Cutting Themes)

54. 54. The Fostering a Sustainable ICRI Working Groups aimed to identify gaps in the global approach to ICRI and set an agenda for the future conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs and associated ecosystems. The session Chairs, Rapporteurs and selected panellists facilitated discussion on a range of cross-cutting themes that were repeatedly identified through the ICRI regional workshops as priority needs for the management of tropical marine ecosystems. These themes were:
    1. Integrated Management, Coordination and Linkages with other Initiatives, Programs and Instruments;
    2. Stakeholder Partnerships and Community Participation;
    3. Public Awareness and Education, including Capacity Building; and
    4. Data and Information for Management.

        

55. Panellists were identified for each session theme and requested to prepare a presentation on the basis of their breadth of experience and knowledge, and objective of the particular theme.

     

    Panellist presentations, Regional Reports and the outcomes of the Priority Issues Working Groups were all intended to provide a basis for discussions. The Working Group Reports and dot-point summaries of some panellist presentations are included in these ITMEMS Proceedings.

Session 11 — Integrated Management, Coordination and Linkages with other Initiatives, Programs and Instruments

56. The objective of Session 11 was to identify gaps and priority needs in order to foster integrated management, and enhance coordination and linkages with other relevant initiatives, programs and instruments. Participants examined the relevant priorities as identified in the Regional Reports in relation to the cross-cutting theme as a means of identifying constraints and opportunities to address priority issues within the current ICRI context. A set of recommended actions for the next four years is presented in the Working Group report. These actions are based on lessons learned from past experience, gaps in the ICRI process, and under-utilised opportunities to integrate, coordinate and effectively link ICRI with other international programs and instruments.

     

57. The Working Group identified and discussed the following priority issue areas: Marine Protected Areas, Pollution Control, the Private Sector and Destructive Fishing Practices.

     

    Lessons learned, gaps and specific goals and actions were formulated to address the concerns of participants under each of these areas. The use of cyanide for fishing and global change/environmental security were also identified as important issues and specific goals and actions were formulated for these.

     

58. Two key recommendations were made: (i) bridge the gap between global knowledge and local action through creation of national coral reef initiatives; and (ii) work with the private sector to develop innovative approaches to ensure that uses of coral reef and related ecosystems are ecologically sustainable. ICRI and its partners were found to have played a major awareness-building role at global and regional levels but the lack of strong, national ICRI policy and program teams hindered the use of these international instruments to support local management efforts. There were found to be many limitations and constraints within the international framework as well, including:
    1. treaty obligations and national initiatives require national leadership for implementation;
    2. few international regimes provide direct tools for partnership with industry; and
    3. limitations of human and financial resources to fulfil international mandates and national goals.

Session 12 — Stakeholder Partnerships and Community Participation

59. The objective of Session 12 was to develop a better understanding of effective processes for involvement in, and ownership of, management initiatives by a wide range of stakeholders. Participants identified lessons learned, gaps and priority actions under a series of categories or needs. The participants in this session also suggested a series of amendments that should be made to the Principles in the 1995 Framework for Action in order that they better reflect to the needs of stakeholder partnerships and community participation.

     

60. The key needs under which priority actions were identified are:
    1. development, dissemination and exchange of information at and across the global, regional and national levels, tailored for non-expert/community use;
    2. creation of better bridges between the human and the biophysical dimension in the implementation of coral reef management processes;
    3. development and promotion of tools and processes for effective partnerships and participation; and
    4. encouragement of donor agencies, governments, developers, and program providers to modify their procedures to support effective community participation and stakeholder partnerships.

        

61. The Working Group concluded that resource users and dependent local communities are the key custodians of coral reefs and as such they must be involved from the beginning in all aspects of resource management and be empowered to contribute to the process which can best achieve the conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs and related ecosystems.

Session 13 — Public Awareness and Education, including Capacity Building

62. The objective of Session 13 was to review existing activities, facilitate the sharing of experience and identify capacity-building needs covering public awareness and education.

     

    Participants identified lessons learned, gaps and a series of key needs. Issues were identified and outline action plans developed to meet these needs.

     

63. The key needs under which priority actions were identified are:
    1. capacity building in developing countries;
    2. support for the setting up of a centralized inventory of public awareness, educational and capacity building materials, preferably in association with existing organizations;
    3. establishment of an effective system to share knowledge and lessons from other programs and projects;
    4. establishment of principles and guidelines for awareness raising and capacity building, including monitoring and evaluation methodologies; and
    5. establishment of accreditation schemes to raise awareness and reward organizations that are employing good practices.

        

64. Ecosystem management was a reoccurring theme or lesson learned in this context. The Working Group found that the principles of ecosystem-based management should be applied from the outset of the planning process and that there should be stakeholder involvement in determining management objectives and restoration goals based on our best understanding of the concept of sustainability. It was recognized that humans are a part of the ecosystem and that our activities, or the effects of our activities, cannot be separated from any holistic approach to management.

Session 14 — Data and Information for Management

65. 65. The objective of Session 14 was to define the priority data and information needs for implementing and evaluating management initiatives, and to identify mechanisms for bringing the science and management of coral reefs into a closer working relationship. The Working Group addressed the lessons learned, gaps, and priorities for action with regard to social, economic, and biophysical data, and information for management using the experiences and expertise of participants and drawing on the lessons learned from the Priority Issues Working Groups and Regional Reports.

     

66. 66. Three priority actions were identified.
    1. Improve global capacities for assessing the state of coral reefs and other tropical marine ecosystems.
    2. Improve management capacities for setting priorities and making decisions.
    3. Develop and implement performance criteria for management success.

        

67. Amongst other matters, the Working Group found that information for measuring land-based sources of pollution and international actions on transboundary (ecosystem) marine issues are inadequate. Research directed towards these management needs and cross-disciplinary knowledge and understanding in general, should be enhanced, particularly in regard to socioeconomic information. Performance indicators for management, leading to the capacity to determine management success, are also inadequate.

Sessions 15 to 17 — Reporting on the Outcomes of Working Groups

68. The Chairs and/or Rapporteurs of the Priority Issues and Sustainable ICRI Working Groups presented their reports to Plenary. Participants from the floor reviewed these reports individually, which were also available in hard-copy form. Text was modified and/or added as decided by participants.

     

69. Mr Richard Kenchington, Global ICRI Coordinator and Executive Director, GBRMPA, presented the draft Renewed Call to Action to Plenary. The Renewed Call to Action had been drafted by an ad-hoc Working Group that was established from interested participants for the specific purpose of preparing a formal ITMEMS communique. Participants from the floor reviewed the draft communique, which was also available in hard-copy form. Text was modified and/or added as decided by participants.

     

70. The participants of ITMEMS reaffirmed the relevance and importance of the 1995 Call to Action and Framework for Action, and identified a series of priority issues to amplify and strengthen the efforts of all the ICRI partnership in their communique. The Renewed Call to Action, as adopted, is included in these ITMEMS Proceedings.

     

71. Two additional ad-hoc Working Groups were established during ITMEMS on the topics of (i) Coral Bleaching and (ii) Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS). Their reports were presented to Plenary for review. These reports were adopted by participants and are included in the ITMEMS Proceedings. The Working Group on coral bleaching concluded that there is a need for a cross disciplinary research effort to evaluate the immediate and ultimate causes of coral bleaching, its link to climate change, and the effect of coral bleaching on the ecosystem as a whole. On the subject of crown-of-thorns starfish, the Working Group concluded that in the absence of satisfactory evidence implicating human activities in the causation of COTS outbreaks, a policy of limited intervention remains a logical and realistic approach to managing the issues.

     

72. The International Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management Symposium was closed by Dr Ian McPhail, Chairman, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. In his closing statement, Dr McPhail thanked the major ITMEMS sponsors, including the governments of Australia, Japan, Sweden and the United States, and the meeting organizers, and commended the participants on their outstanding contribution to ICRI and the conservation and management of the world’s coral reefs.