Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosytems Project

The ASCLME Project has four main outcome areas:

Outcome 1: Information captured for development of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA)

This outcome will review existing data from the region, identify and prioritise "information gaps" and plan cruises to fill identified information gaps. Key topics will include:

• Knowledge gap identification and prioritisation
• Identification and prioritisation of key ecosystem monitoring systems and identification of key ecosystem processes
• Near-shore artisanal and subsistence fisheries
• Review of governance and policy needs
• Oceanographic data collection
• Persistant organic pollutants and indicator species

Outcome 2: Long-term LME data collection, management and distribution mechanisms established

This outcome will determine the most suitable long-term data collection, management and dissemination mechanisms to support an LME approach to management throughout the Agulhas and Somali Currents LME region. Key topics will include:

• Identification of monitoring and evaluation specialists in the region
• Identification of appropriate national monitoring institution(s) and effective capacity buildingEstablishment of regional indicators and monitoring mechanisms
• Establishment of a network of regional and national data handling, storage and synthesis focal centres.
• Socio-economic valuation of near-shore goods and services
• GIS, remote sensing and predictive modelling to support management

Outcome 3: TDAs and Strategic Action Programmes (SAP) and associated sustainability mechanisms in support of an LME approach are adopted

Transbounday Diagnostic Analyses and Strategic Action Programmes are central to GEF's LME management approach. The Transboundary Diagnostic Analyses (one for each LME) will synthesise existing "state of the environment" and management information together with new data gathered in the "information gap filling" phase. This TDA will inform the Strategic Action Programmes which essentially form a long-term management policy for the two LME regions. Key products/outcomes will be:

• Preparation, editing, publication and distribution of the two TDAs
• Preparation, editing, ratification, adoption and publication of the two SAPs
• Long-term financial support mechanism identified and established to support regional and national monitoring, evaluation and management
• Capacity building to ensure long-term regional monitoring, evaluation and management expertise

Outcome 4: LME coordination, communication and participation mechanisms established

This component deals with ensuring effective communication between the 3 GEF LME projects in the region, other national regional and national projects and the broader stakeholder community. Key activities/outcomes/deliverables will include:

• Formal coordination mechanisms between the GEF partner projects
• Links with other Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) LME projects
• Sensitisation and engagement of key policy stakeholders to LME management concepts
• Engagement, information and involvement of broad (public) stakeholder base
• Development of a Distance Learning and Information Sharing Tool (DLIST) and Distance Learning course(s) to address specific capacity building needs
• Environmental Education material development
• Media engagement

These are described in more detail on the following pages...