Gef-iw5 etps mangroves

P.Project Components, Expected Outcomes, and Outputs

Overview of Results Framework.

The three components of the project are hierarchically organized across the geographic scale of the project. Each scale has a different thematic focus with Component #1 (C1) focusing on regional planning and coordination, Component #2 (C2) national ridge-to-reef planning and policy, and Component #3 (C3) transferable examples of on-the ground mangrove conservation initiatives. Generation of an international technical working group, directed tools, outreach and trans-boundary learning are transverse throughout all components in support of improvements in national policy, while also generating tangible "bottom up" improvement in mangrove health and coverage as communities develop local management plans at priority coastal sites.

Here we describe the three project components summarized in the Results Framework (Appendix I). The activities described towards each Outcome are indicative and will be revisited in the event of any relevant developments before the project start date as part of the planned Project Start-up Workshop (during the first 3 months of the project) with the Executing Partners and OFPs.

Description of Component #1: Regional mangrove strategy development and implementation

Outcome 1.1.:

The four ETPS countries adopt and advance the regional strategy for the conservation of mangroves elaborated by the Comisión Permanente del Pacífico Sur (Permanent Commission for the South Pacific or CPPS) to implement key mangrove conservation and restoration measures identified in this project by Y2Q4. Output 1.1.1.: A Mangrove Technical Working Group/network comprised of leading mangrove experts is created within CPPS to advise on the completion of the regional strategy for the conservation of mangrove. Output 1.1.2.: At least two meetings of a Mangrove Technical Working Group are held to contribute to regional strategy for the conservation of mangrove. Output 1.1.3.: The updated regional strategy for the conservation of mangroves is ratified by Ministerial level authorities and published.

Outcome 1.2.:

Costa Rica participates in the development of the regional strategy for the conservation of the mangroves via an agreement as a Cooperating Non-Party to the CPPS commission by Y1Q3. Output 1.2.1.: MOU signed between CPPS and Costa Rica ratifying Costa Rica’s participation in the regional strategy for the conservation of mangroves as a Cooperating Non-Party by Y1Q3.

Outcome 1.3.:

Policy makers and national mangrove managers from at least three countries have the tools and capacity to strengthen the implementation of the regional mangrove strategy. Output 1.3.1.: At least two ETPS trans-boundary learning and cooperation exchanges between project countries and at least one international exchange with other countries with similar mangrove conservation challenges completed by Y2Q4. Output 1.3.2.: Communication products on mangrove conservation (policy, regulations, field implementation and other related issues) will be completed and made available to policy makers and stakeholders by Y1Q3.

The three outcomes of Regional C1 support the implementation of the CPPS "Regional Open Mangrove Conservation and Sustainable Use Plan" as a shared strategy for mangrove management between the ETPS countries. It involves the creation of an expert international technical working group to help validate the Plan for approval and integrate current state of knowledge for sustainable management of mangroves. It improves awareness and networking among thought leaders for ETPS mangrove conservation and supports the coordination, development and implementation of national mangrove strategies and action plans.

Although CI, UNESCO-Quito and CPPS work together as a coalition to achieve these results, CPPS will directly manage Outcomes 1.1 and 1.2 which draw upon their relevant experience and position implementing the CPPS intergovernmental agreement for Panama, Colombia and Ecuador. UNESCO-Quito will manage Outcome 1.3 which relates to outreach, communication and trans-boundary experiences.

This involves coordination through regular task based and annual meetings by the Regional Mangrove Plan Steering Committee set up during the PPG phase. The Mangrove Plan Committee will be represented by the CPPS, UNESCO-Quito, the Project Management Unit CI-ETPS and Project coordinator, CI-Global Marine and CI-Ecuador and the nominated ETPS country OFPs involved in mangrove developments.

The Outcome 1.1 regional Plan process involves;

• 
  Draft review of the UNESCO-CI-Ecuador Plan by committee members during the PPG phase (April 2015);
  
• 
  Validation and feedback through a technical workshop convened by CPPS at end of the PPG phase (June-July 2015, this is planned in conjunction with the International Blue Carbon Policy Group meeting (an activity of the GEF Blue Carbon project) to be held in Guayaquil 22nd-26th June 2015 (TBC));
  
• 
  Official member state approval through the CPPS General Assembly and Lima Convention COP (Nov 2015) and publication (Output 1.1.3; Nov 2015- Feb 2016).
  
• 
  Two international technical / expert meetings (2015/16 and 2016/17) which where possible contribute to regional priorities, country agendas for design and implementation of national mangrove action plans and coordinated actions (Outputs 1.1.1 and 1.1.2).
  

CPPS with the assistance of CI-Costa Rica will work to ensure that Costa Rica is included as a non-CPPS cooperating party throughout the project ensuring their involvement in technical meetings and trans-boundary interchanges (Outcome 1.2; Output 1.2.1). MINAE of Costa Rica confirmed their interest in forming part of the project from the PIF phase (later revisited during meetings with the vice-ministry during the regional ETPS PPG meetings - please see SEP Appendix VIa).

Outcome 1.3 aims to create a framework for building capacity and process for promoting regional and international exchanges to promote best conservation practices and facilitate the adoption of best practices for mangrove conservation. This framework and process will include the development of networking tools and communications products. This will facilitate learning and dissemination of project aims and results at the local, national, regional and global scales to ensure the project generates learning and awareness benefits from local sites to regional scales.

Output 1.3.1 managed by UNESCO refers to at least two interchanges between policy makers and thought leaders involved in mangrove management within the region. Strong candidates (TBD during the start up phase) include private enterprises such as Chira micro-tourism in Costa Rica and the government led concessions programs that are proving successful in Ecuador. The Socio-Bosque concession program for example uses preferential access rights that ensure that the beneficiaries of conservation and management actions become long-term conservation allies. Committed to participating directly in management programs they become a central part of making mangrove conservation and restoration efforts sustainable. Chira is a recent example of a local Women's Collective leading mangrove and small-scale fisheries restoration that generates improved livelihoods after collapse of local fisheries. Regional sharing of experiences within the ETPS are very likely to encourage similar ventures in at least one additional ETPS country.

In the second year an international interchange is proposed with representatives working at different scales in the ETPS region. Candidates include countries where project partners are already working. The Philippines for example are investing heavily in small scale community based restoration projects after serious storm damage. Links also exist with Madagascar, Indonesia, Kenya which are co-participating GEF- Blue Forest countries. This interchange aims to reinforce and multiply the effect of otherwise small-scale and isolated benefits generated across a wider region (Component #3). The interchanges although coordinated by UNESCO have funding distributed between the CI-ETPS, UNESCO and CPPS to facilitate cost-matching for those events by CI-ETPS and CPPS.

Output 1.3.2 refers to specific outreach materials and tools for policy makers and a transverse communications and outreach role throughout the project under UNESCO coordination. UNESCO-Quito has a staff communications specialist who will work within this output. CI-Global Marine given their experience and engagement with the Blue Forests project (see later Outcome 3.2) will support the adaptation of Blue Forests, Blue Carbon and WAVES products and tools for decision makers. Ideas for products include outreach packages, materials for mangrove restoration drawing on experiences in the Indo-Pacific and manuals for measuring carbon sequestration and emissions. This will be developed within the project communication strategy for discussion in the Project Inception Workshop (section 4N).

Description of Component #2: National mangrove action plans and policy strengthening.

Outcome 2.1.:

At least two ETPS countries have updated national mangrove action plans in line with the regional strategy that addresses pressure on mangroves from sources across the ridge-to-reef (watershed) scale by Y2Q4. Output 2.1.1.: Updated national mangrove action plans are formally ratified in at least two ETPS countries.

Outcome 2.2.:

At least two ETPS countries have passed stronger regulations and incentives conducive to mangrove conservation. Output 2.2.1: A national mangrove policy and threat assessment for each ETPS country to orient economic valuation work, inform policy gaps, and identify outreach needs and priorities in each ETPS country completed by Y1Q4. Output 2.2.2.: Legislation passed to strengthen the protection of mangroves in at least two ETPS countries completed by Y2Q4.

The project’s second component is coordinated by the CI-teams based in each ETPS country and will improve national policy/regulations and national mangrove action plans to make them consistent with the regional mangrove strategy completed under Component #1. As a result, priority mangroves in the ETPS region will be put under an improved policy framework conducive to more effective on-the-ground conservation.

This will also involve the formation of national mangrove work groups to develop and coordinate project actions at national (C2) and local (C3) levels together with CI-offices, OFPs and the wider group of stakeholders relevant to the situation and guidance given by OFPs in each country.

Under this component at least two of the four ETPS countries will either complete or update their national mangrove action plans to make them consistent with the regional strategy (Output 2.2.1). Importantly, updates to national action plans will ensure that “ridge-to-reef” (watershed) considerations are taken into account given the strong connectivity between upstream, coastal (including mangroves) and inshore marine ecosystems. CI-country offices with existing peer networks in the region will also identify and collaborate with those projects that are not necessarily focused on mangroves, but relate to the threats posed by upstream and downstream processes such as urban expansion, aquaculture, charcoal production and agriculture expansion (this also responds to the GEF-SEC question regarding links to related “non-mangrove” projects raised during PIF review). Although the project only commits to support two updated national plans, we will be working in actions towards policy improvements in the four countries. Foreign affairs of Colombia and Ecuador will also be approached by the CI-Ecuador and CI-Colombia teams when looking at questions and solutions for trans-boundary mangrove conservation and sustainable development during their national policy exercises.

In coordination with other existing projects such as the GEF-funded Blue Forests initiative, national mangrove plans and related policy will be informed by economic valuations (Output 2.2.1) that better capture the true value of the ecosystem services mangroves provide and that take into account important factors such as the lost productivity (or remediation costs required) of associated ecosystems when mangroves are degraded or destroyed. The resulting improvements in national plans should be reflected in legislation in at least two ETPS countries by the end of the project (Output 2.2.2).

Although specific activities for Component #2 will be confirmed in the annual planning during the project start up phase (August -October 2015), indicative activities discussed by each CI-country team during the PPG phase with authorities (and budgeted for the Full Project) are as follows:

Costa Rica: Support towards updating wetland policy, with integration into strategy and action plans that incorporate ridge-to-reef planning using the Gulf of Nicoya watershed as a case study.

Panama: Support towards updating wetland policy, strategy and action plans that integrates ridge-to-reef planning using the David Mangroves - Fortuna Forest Reserve corridor as a case study.

Initiate a process of value recognition and identification with the Chiriquí mangroves using a United Nations TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) approach.

Colombia: Support for the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development in aspects of mangrove management within the new Subsystem of Marine Protected Areas (through secondment program or a directed consultancy).

The MADS authority has also requested support to widely socialize their recently updated national mangrove plan with publication, as well as support coordinating with the ANLA (MADS licensing Agency) in order to link mangrove conservation measures with infrastructure developments.

Ecuador: Develop a financial sustainability model for the Socio Manglar national program (e.g. promoting corporate social responsibility programs for private operations that historically affected mangroves.

Descriptions of the planned activities, workshops and consultancies are provided

Description of Component #3: Local conservation actions.

Outcome 3.1.:

At least two key mangrove ecosystems have updated management plans and/or new local development plans consistent with updated national and regional strategies, taking into account the results of economic valuation studies from this and related projects and building on increased national capacity and support to protect mangroves in a comprehensive ridge-to-reef context by Y2Q4. Output 3.1.1.: At least two local management plans and/or local development plans for priority mangrove sites are formally ratified by local authorities by Y2Q4.

Outcome 3.2.:

Economic evaluation tools and methodologies developed through the GEF-UNEP Blue Forests and other related projects are tested in at least two ETPS countries during their development phases to maximize applicability to policy and management at local to national scales by Y2Q3. Output 3.2.1.: Final report on the economic valuation of ecosystem goods and services provided by mangroves in at least two project sites, including a) fisheries, b) nature-based tourism, c) coastal protection, d) maintaining water quality and bioremediation, and e) carbon storage completed by Y2Q1. Output 3.2.2: Summary outreach document and associated strategy for making it most relevant to decision-makers on the methodology(ies) and toolkit(s) assessed and used to guide the implementation and policy application of economic valuation of mangrove ecosystem services that include cost-benefit analyses of alternative management options, based on existing initiatives including the GEF-UNEP Blue Forest project and WAVES, completed by Y2Q4. Output 3.2.3.: Mangrove valuation, policy and development planning outcomes and field conservation communicated broadly, including through: distribution of communications materials; an interactive knowledge-sharing platform; presentation in at least three national, regional and global conservation, science, policy and related fora (e.g.: Ramsar, CBD, IMPAC, Blue Carbon Working Group, ITTO); participating in the IWLearn mechanism (including allocation of 1% of project budget for this purpose), and presentation to policy makers in other mangrove relevant countries by Y2Q4.

Outcome 3.3.:

Outreach and capacity building for at least 30 local policymakers and stakeholders finalized by Y2Q4. Output 3.3.1.: At least two training events are conducted per ETPS country with at least 15 participants each to build skills relating to field conservation measures and restoration of mangroves by Y2Q4.

Outcome 3.4.:

At least two demonstration projects that provide incentives and/or that create business opportunities associated with the conservation and sustainable use of mangroves initiated in at least two selected sites by Y2Q4. Output 3.4.1.: Local associations in at least two sites actively participate and commit to demonstration projects by Y1Q4. Output 3.4.2.: Local stakeholders participating in demonstration projects increased by 20% over the project start-up baseline by Y2Q4.

To assist implementation of the regional and national strategies at local scales, the four CI Country Programs (with CI-Global Marine managing Outcome 3.2) will develop and/or strengthen mangrove management plans with authorities that are consistent with national plans and the regional mangrove strategy in four selected coastal sites across the ETPS (Output 3.1.1). Outcomes 3.1- 3.4 aim to encourage on-the-ground improvements in mangrove health and cover beyond the lifetime of the project at local sites, with support to at least two well dimensioned and transferable examples of sustainable mangrove use that reduce mangrove degradation and increase mangrove coverage through restoration efforts, promoting local sustainable livelihoods and community well-being.

This will involve implementing mangrove conservation actions that are incremental to existing field conservation programs in at least two demonstration sites set within the region’s critical mangrove ecosystems (Outcome 3.4) that link into stakeholder training (Outcome 3.3) and the C1 trans-boundary interchanges (Output 1.3.1). CI-ETPS will help facilitate actions and complementary actions across C3. The demonstration sites selected between country authorities and CI-country teams include:

• 
  Chira Island in the upper region of Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya,
  
• 
  David mangrove area in the western section of Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí,
  
• 
  Bahia Malaga/ Isla Ají in the northern region of Colombia’s Gulf of Tortugas, and;
  
• 
  Wildlife Refuge El Morro on the northern opening to Ecuador’s Gulf of Guayaquil.
  

Descriptions of these localities are given in Section 2c and the PFRAR (Appendix VIc). The development of field actions will involve the CI- country teams in base-line assessments for field sites (updated from the PPG phase) to ensure that the requirements of the four project safeguard plans (SEP, Gender Plan, IPP for Valle de Cauca¹, Colombia and PFRAR; Appendix VI a-d) are met in the design of local demonstration projects with relevant authorities and communities. A guide of CI-ESMF requirements for CI-field teams to collecting this necessary information was prepared by CI-ETPS during the PPG phase.

Outcome 3.2 led by the CI-Global Marine Program supports investigation and tools based on relevant research in ecosystem goods and services with the objective that state-of-current knowledge be integrated more effectively into national policy (as described in Component 2). In so doing, the project will participate in the testing of various economic valuation methodologies using site level examples as proof of concept for the wider ETPS and other international regions. Output 3.2.1 involves economic valuations of the mangrove ecosystem services of the Gulf of Nicoya (Costa Rica) and Gulf of Guayaquil (Ecuador). These valuations will build on existing data and previous assessments already conducted at these sites. The Gulf of Guayaquil (Ecuador) is a GEF Blue Forests project site and so the work conducted under this project will be highly complementary on multiple scales. The valuations will be conducted in partnership with Duke University and AMURE/LABEX/IUEM (France) who are leading the economic valuation components of the Blue Forest GEF project, including developing the valuation methodologies. The valuations will focus on fisheries, nature-based tourism, coastal protection, maintaining water quality, bioremediation, and carbon storage as the principle recognized ecosystem goods and services.

Output 3.2.2 involves creating tool kits specifically tailored for the needs of resource managers. Examples proposed include (i) a manual on carbon assessment in mangroves and carbon based project development as well as thematic packages (e.g. explaining the role that mangroves play as fisheries enhancement areas) and (ii) a summary of applications for economic valuation of mangrove ecosystem services that include cost-benefit analyses of alternative management options (fisheries, tourism, aquaculture) based on existing initiatives including the GEF-UNEP Blue Forest project and WAVES.

Output 3.2.3 in coordination with C1 Output 1.3.2 features development of an interactive knowledge-sharing platform. This entails a regularly updated project website, development and repository of social media, coordination with between partner initiatives such as the CPPS-UNESCO-IOC Smart Atlas and SPINCAM², and presentation of the outcomes of the project in at least three national, regional and global conservation, science, policy and related fora. Potential venues include international convention meetings (e.g. Ramsar and CBD, the International Marine Protected Area Congress (IMPAC), International Blue Carbon Working Group, meetings of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)). Outreach activities will be conducted with policy makers in other mangrove relevant countries, including the Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia, Pacific Islands, Suriname and Guyana (all countries where CI is running linked programs).

Capacity building under Outcome 3.3 will be a key element of local policy and conservation actions. At least two training events in each country (Output 3.3.1) will be conducted to ensure the best conservation practices and most innovative conservation and restoration methods are used. Additionally, available tools and communications products will be provided to support local management and conservation during these exercises. In-country partnerships will be developed for best effect (e.g. Ramsar- CREHO training courses, CATHALAC (Panama) have extensive in-house mangrove knowledge and GIS expertise for planning etc.).

Outcome 3.4 refers to the design and implementation of at least two demonstration projects that either provide incentives and/or business opportunities that reduce mangrove degradation with transferability that can be potentially replicated for amplified conservation and sustainable benefits in other regions. Outputs 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 work to ensure an increased local participation with local stakeholders in this project through engagement activities, stewardship of initiatives by local beneficiaries and outreach. An increase in benefits should favor participation and encourages a shift in how people in adjacent communities and related livelihoods perceive sustainable practices.

Activities towards Outcomes 3.1-3.4 are to be managed through directed consultancies in coordination with CI-country staff and will be finalized during the annual work planning in the Project Start up phase to best reflect conditions at that time. Budgeting was based around provisional demonstration projects discussed between CI staff, local technical specialists and prioritized with ETPS country authorities during the PPG phase. These assessments are to guide and advise local communities in the management of shared mangrove resources and help link these advances to establishment of policy:

Costa Rica: An economic assessment on the value of ecosystem services provided by the mangroves of the Gulf of Nicoya’s estuarine ecosystem prepared as a model for a future national valuation. Outreach materials on mangrove ecosystem valuation results are to be prepared and presented to relevant to decision makers in Costa Rica. This contributes to Outcome 3.2 and collaborates between CI-Costa Rica and Blue-Forest/ CI-Global Marine Programs.

Panama: Vulnerability analysis for David priority mangrove areas and their associated systems based upon national CC scenarios (described in Panama's Second National Communication on Climate Change), generating adaptation scenarios over time. This provides input for the design and implementation of local climate adaptation plans for the Gulf of Chiriquí coastal communities (counter parting with the recent Panama IKI-UNDP initiative).

Design and implementation of economic alternatives aimed at replacing the draw on mangrove resources in Chiriquí (uses like wood for rods, construction supports, firewood, bark, shells etc.). A series of project proposals coordinated by a local expert working with CI-Panama are being considered by local authorities for the David mangrove community.

Run interchanges to determine whether application of a mangrove concessions program analogous to the Socio Manglar Ecuador model is feasible (complementing the trans-boundary learning experience in Output 1.3.1).

Colombia: Improve base-line understanding of the role of mangrove resources and gender in Bahia de Malaga Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities towards sustainable use of mangroves.

Implement a community-based mangrove reforesting program in the Bahia de Malaga region (as recently undertaken on the Caribbean coast).

Strengthen coordination with the adjoining naval base in the mouth of Bahia Malaga protected area to reduce illegal harvesting of local fisheries.

Ecuador: Support local communities associated with the El Morro mangroves wishing to enter into sustainable use and stewardship agreements and to the national Socio Manglar incentives program.

A feasibility study towards an integrated spatial planning framework for the Gulf of Guayaquil (under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as precursor for a potential GEF-IW 6 submission).