A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE ACP MEAS III PROGRAM FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION AND MANAGED BY THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
Table of Contents
- ACP MEAs III Partners Gather in Brussels for the 2023 Project Steering Committee Meeting
- Advancing the Minamata Convention: CARICOM and EEB-ZMWG Unite to Phase Out Mercury
- ACP MEAs III Partners Contribute to the Minamata Convention COP-5
- CARICOM's Innovative Approach to Mercury Awareness and Training
- Empowering the Caribbean for Sustainable Plastic Waste Management
- Strengthening Maritime Preparedness: Cartagena Convention Assists Countries in Implementing IMO Conventions
- SPREP's 30th Anniversary: A Step Forward for Environmental Protection in the Pacific
- ACP MEAs Phase III Empowers Pacific Nations in Plastic Pollution Treaty Negotiations
- Advancing Regional Ocean Governance: A Collaborative Workshop in Zanzibar
- Enhancing the Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas and Other Conservation Measures in the WIO Region
- Enhancing the Marine Spatial Planning Information Management for effective Ocean Governance in the WIO Region
- Securing the Future of Marine Diversity: Second Negotiations Meeting for the Amendment of the Nairobi Convention Protocol on Marine Protected Areas and Wild Flora and Fauna
- Validating Trans-boundary Marine Spatial Planning in Western Africa
- Advancing Biodiversity Conservation: A United Front in Africa
Introduction
The ACP MEAs III programme is a partnership between the European Union and UNEP that began in March 2009, as an initiative of the European Commission to address challenging environmental issues through the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) in the African, Caribbean, and the Pacific (ACP) regions. The program is currently in its third phase of implementation, aiming to assist 79 ACP countries to enforce and comply with MEAs related to biodiversity and chemicals and waste, and to deal with issues of Ocean and Regional Seas governance.
ACP MEAs III Partners Gather in Brussels for the 2023 Project Steering Committee Meeting
The annual Project Steering Committee Meeting of the ACP MEAs III programme was held on October 2-4 in Brussels. It was hosted by the OACPS Secretariat and organized by UNEP. The meeting had three main objectives: to review the status of the implementation of the ACP MEAs III Programme, focusing on technical, financial, and strategic issues; to discuss plans for a no-cost extension and related modifications to work plans and budgets; and to identify strategic priorities and cross-cutting issues relevant to enhancing impact and visibility of the programme.
In the first sessions, the ten implementing partners (UNEP, FAO, AUC, Abidjan Convention, Nairobi Convention, CARICOM, Cartagena Convention, SPREP, Noumea Convention, and EEB), provided comprehensive updates on program implementation, major achievements, lessons learned, and upcoming priority activities. This was complemented by presentations by representatives from MEAs Secretariats (BRS, Minamata, CITES, CMS, and CBD) who shared updates on their activities supporting program implementation. The meeting also emphasized the need to include emerging issues such as BBNJ, INC-3, and ICCM in programme's activities. These topics were presented by experts from UNEP.
In this meeting, the new programme manager from UNEP officially assumed his role. UNEP is committed to engaging further with all partners to elaborate on the modalities of the no-cost extension. In addition, partners were invited to join the efforts to prepare ACP MEAs III’s participation at UNEA-6, to be held in February – March 2024 at UNEP’s headquarters in Nairobi. The Annual PSC Meeting showcased the commitment of all stakeholders towards the success of the ACP MEAs III Programme and set the stage for continued collaboration and impactful implementation in the coming year.
Advancing the Minamata Convention: CARICOM and EEB-ZMWG Unite to Phase Out Mercury
In a resounding display of commitment to environmental sustainability and the protection of human health, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) joined forces with the European Environmental Bureau’s Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG) to host a landmark conference titled "Phasing out Mercury-Added Products in the Caribbean: Engagement, Steps, and Tools towards Implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury." Held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, from June 6th to 7th, 2023, this event was another step the region's journey towards reducing the use of mercury and its associated risks.
The conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, with 30 individuals attending in person and an additional 20 participating online. This collaborative effort saw representation from 14 Caribbean countries, the Basel Convention Regional Centre for the Caribbean (BCRC Caribbean) and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs). At the heart of this gathering was a shared vision: to raise awareness of the global mercury crisis and to underline the importance of implementing the Minamata Convention in the Caribbean region. The Minamata Convention, a legally binding global agreement, seeks to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury by reducing its emissions and usage.
Throughout the conference, the participating countries showcased their diverse efforts to phase out mercury-added products, demonstrating a powerful commitment to mitigating the environmental and health impacts of this toxic substance. The exchange of knowledge, ideas, and best practices among attendees contributed to a dynamic and fruitful discourse. In addition, countries in the Caribbean that have not yet ratified the Minamata Convention were encouraged to join this global effort. The gatherings from this collaboration also provided an opportunity to discuss mercury reduction at the national level. The collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Development (MPD) of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago led to a well-attended meeting on June 5th, involving the National Working Group on mercury.
The meeting, attended by 21 participants from 15 national entities and NGOs, along with online participants, generated valuable insights for the development of a National Action Plan to phase out Mercury-Added Products (MAPs). For those interested in delving deeper into the discussions and outcomes of this significant conference, more information can be found on the CARICOM webpage
ACP MEAs III Partners Contribute to the Minamata Convention COP-5
The commitment of the ACP MEAs III programme to support the global efforts to reduce mercury use and emissions for the benefit of human health and the environment are ongoing. Two of the programme’s implementing partners provided valuable contributions in for the Minamata Convention COP-5, through experience sharing and training SIDS Member Parties for negotiations. On October 12, EEB / ZMWG participated in one of the side events of COP-5, "Addressing the Global Mercury Crisis in Skin Lightening Products (SLP)". SLP is one of the key issues being targeted by some of the activities implemented by this partner under the ACP MEAs III programme in Africa. This event provided a global outlook, with presentations zooming into the situation in Uganda, Pakistan and the Philippines.
The presentation from EEB / ZMWG was entitled "Online Marketing of Toxic Skin Lighteners: Mercury Cosmetics marketed as a ‘solution’ to dark skin". It provided an overview of this issue globally, including in the African countries. In addition, an expansion of the situation in Africa and proposals to be considered by the COP were presented by a representative from the National Environment Management Authority of Uganda (a country being supported by EEB / ZMWG through ACP MEAs III activities). The official flyer and the slides from the presentations are available online.
At the same time this side-event was happening in Geneva, Pacific delegates were gathering in Palau to prepare for COP-5. The preparatory meeting, hosted by the Government of Palau in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), was an oppportunity discussed strategic issues ahead of COP-5. It was supported by multiple funders, including the ACP MEAs III programme. The gathering included consultations related to the GEF ISLANDS Pacific and Pacific Ocean Litter Project, emphasizing regional collaboration to address environmental challenges in the Pacific.
Held in Geneva from October 30 to November 3, 2023, the Minamata Convention COP-5 was an opportunity to assess progress and strengthen international cooperation for addressing the adverse effects of mercury on human health and the environment. Among the decisions made at COP-5, Parties defined new dates to phase out mercury-added products including cosmetics, strengthened ties with Indigenous Peoples, advanced the first effectiveness evaluation of the Convention, and reached an agreement on a threshold for mercury waste.
CARICOM's Innovative Approach to Mercury Awareness and Training
In June 2023, CARICOM published a series of awareness raising and training videos on Mercury Added Products (MAPs). This initiative focused on environmentally sound disposal practices and alternatives for mercury products and waste, and it came after an assessment of existing materials and consultations with CARICOM and project countries that revealed critical gaps:
- Limited actionable information about environmentally sound disposal of waste MAPs.
- Insufficient awareness materials for waste generators and waste managers/decision-makers.
- Inadequate information on alternatives, primarily for the general public.
In addition, CARICOM developed a series of educational videos for all audiences The objective was clear: to identify messaging, target audiences, visual styles, and formats, and to analyze the clarity and effectiveness of these materials. The result? Engaging and informative videos that cater to various audiences and address different aspects of mercury management:
- Clean-up of Household Mercury Spills: Targeting the general public, this video provides essential guidance on safely cleaning up household mercury spills. Watch the video below and explore the interactive version here.
- Best Practices for Handling, Storage, and Transport of Waste MAPs: Designed for National Waste Management Authorities, this video offers valuable insights into the proper management of waste MAPs for export. View the video below.
By combining emotive storytelling with informative content, these videos offer a balanced and engaging approach to raising awareness about the proper handling of MAPs and mercury-related concerns. Furthermore, CARICOM has also developed a comprehensive Training Manual on the Environmentally Sound Management of Wastes Containing Mercury or Mercury Compounds. This manual has potential to become an essential resource in equipping individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills needed to manage mercury-containing waste responsibly
Empowering the Caribbean for Sustainable Plastic Waste Management
Understanding the urgency of addressing plastic waste management, CARICOM is committed to providing technical assistance for regional coordination, ensuring the dissemination of updated technical guidelines. In a stride towards a cleaner and greener Caribbean, CARICOM drafted a comprehensive Plastics Waste Management Handbook in June 2023. This draft will undergo a peer review at the University of West Indies; once reviewed, the final version of the Handbook will be published and disseminated across audiences.
This Handbook aims to shed light on the current state of plastic waste management in the region while providing recommendations and practical guidance to enhance our collective efforts. The goal is to draw upon relevant technical guidelines and best practices for plastic waste management through circular economy approaches across the entire value chain.
Another initiative being promoted by Member States is a survey of experts within the region. The main objectives of this survey will play are to determine the priority capacity needs for CARICOM, and to prepare a technical briefing document in preparation to INC-3 based on the Elements Paper and the Zero Draft of the Treaty. These initiatives incorporate the unique challenges being faced in the context of the Caribbean region, including economies of scale, low technical capacity, insular context, high transport costs and inadequate waste management infrastructure.
Strengthening Maritime Preparedness: Cartagena Convention Assists Countries in Implementing IMO Conventions
In a collaborative effort to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection, the Cartagena Convention Secretariat is supporting the Governments of Barbados and Dominican Republic in the implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conventions, as part of the ACP MEAs III Programme activities.
Responding to Barbados' request, the technical assistance provided by the Secretariat included a Literature Review of oil spill response records, complaints, and relevant treaties, conventions, and agreements pertaining to oil and oil spill response in Barbados. Additionally, a Best Practices report was developed, addressing the design of oil spill response frameworks and contingency planning. These crucial documents serve as foundational elements to support the updated National Oil Spills Contingency Plan and the National Dispersant Use Policy in Barbados. In Dominican Republic, the support is related to the implementation of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
These efforts from the Cartagena Convention Secretariat are being complemented by activities from other organizations: an in-person national workshop was held in Bridgetown, Barbados (17-19 October). It was aimed at 22 senior managers and administrators involved in responding to oil pollution incidents, to ensure they have the requisite knowledge to respond to oil spill incidents effectively and efficiently.
Supporting Caribbean Conservation Efforts at the 76th GCFI Annual Conference
The Cartagena Convention Secretariat, with support from the ACP MEAs III Programme, contributed to the organization of the Steering Committee for the Caribbean Node of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. The overall objective of the Node is to support the conservation of coral reefs in the Wider Caribbean Region.
Three dedicated members of the Steering Committee, along with the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife Programme Manager from the Secretariat, were provided with support to actively engage in the Steering Committee meeting held in the Bahamas. This event served as a platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and steering the course toward sustainable coral reef management, which will aid in avoiding damage to healthy coral reefs and also help in the recovery of damaged reefs.
Furthermore, these individuals were also participants in the 76th Annual Conference of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI), held in Nassau on November 6 - 10, 2023. Their presence and involvement underscored our commitment to advancing marine conservation efforts on a global scale.
This conference proved to be a dynamic arena for meaningful dialogues and strategic planning. Participants engaged in a series of critical meetings and special sessions, contributing to conversations shaping the future of marine conservation. These included:
- Fish Spawning Aggregations Management Plan Technical Coordination Committee Meeting.
- "MPA Networks as Tools to Implement Ecosystems Monitoring Programs"
- Caribbean MPA Networks Meeting:
- Meeting with the Project Coordination Unit of the Gulf of Mexico GEF Project
- "Catalytic Architecture for MPA Capacity Building and Networking in the Caribbean”
Participation in these sessions provided an opportunity to strengthen ties with individuals and organizations, foster collaboration for the betterment of marine protected areas in the Caribbean and align efforts and explore synergies in advancing marine conservation goals within the framework of the Gulf of Mexico GEF Project.
Our commitment to marine conservation extends beyond rhetoric. These engagements not only fostered collaboration but also contributed to the development of strategic initiatives that will undoubtedly shape the future of coral reef conservation in the Caribbean and beyond. As we reflect on these achievements, we look forward to continuing our journey towards a sustainable and thriving marine ecosystem.
SPREP's Delegation at the IAIA 23 Conference
With support from the ACP MEAs III programme, a delegation from SPREP participated in the 42nd Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA 23), held in Kuching, Malaysia on May 8 – 12, 2023. SPREP participants included three delegates from Samoa, Nauru, and Vanuatu, along with two Technical Advisers. SPREP’s Director of Environmental Planning and Governance, Jope Davetanivalu, met with both longstanding and new partners to reflect on the past collaborative efforts and explore future opportunities.
In addition, Mr. Davetanivalu presented a paper on "Strengthening Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) in the Pacific." The presentation explored the critical need for better integration of environmental assessments and planning into policy and decision-making processes in the region, portraying the development of the SPREP SEA guidelines as an example of an initiative enhancing national capacity through knowledge sharing and international collaboration. Another contribution from SPREP was a poster on the newly developed "Good Practice Guidelines in EIA for Coastal Engineering in the Pacific." The poster highlighted the importance of effective EIA practices in managing the impacts of coastal development projects in the Pacific region. In addition, these guidelines included considerations for the integration of traditional knowledge, community engagement, and sustainable practices into the EIA process.
This conference was a space to foster collaboration and partnerships, to share best practices in impact assessment and environmental management, and to showcase environmental expertise and initiatives in the Pacific region. Delegates supported by SPREP engaged with international counterparts, sharing their unique perspectives and insights. This practical exposure will prove invaluable as they return home and implement these lessons in their respective countries.
Pacific Nations Take Bold Steps for Chemical and Waste Management at BRS COP 2023
In May 2023, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) supported the participation of representatives from Samoa and Solomon Islands in the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conference of Parties (BRS COP), a major event in the global efforts to manage chemicals and waste effectively. Countries from the Pacific participated in some of the main outcomes of the Conference, including:
- Adoption of Joint Decisions on Technical Assistance and Financial Resources: These decisions are instrumental in providing essential support to nations for efficient chemicals and waste management. An important development was the establishment of a new resource mobilization strategy, which is poised to enhance the capacity of nations to address these critical issues.
- Support for Listing of Liquid Formulations: Pacific delegates at the conference supported the listing of liquid formulations containing paraquat dichloride formulation on Annex II to the Rotterdam Convention. This decision aligns with the project activities aimed at fostering active engagement among Parties to BRS COP meetings.
Given the unique challenges for Small Islands and Developing States (SIDS) with respect to waste management, this kind of support from the ACP MEAs programme can contribute to levelling the playing field and the adoption more efficient environmental policies.
SPREP's 30th Anniversary: A Step Forward for Environmental Protection in the Pacific
The 30th anniversary of SPREP was an occasion to bolster the efforts towards sustainable environmental governance in the Pacific. The celebrations in Apia, Samoa, were framed by two main events: the 31st Meeting of Officials: Environment Ministers High Level Talanoa, held from 4-8 September and the 17th Meeting of the Parties of the Noumea Convention,held on August 31. These dialogues, and the preparations for these meetings, counted on substantial support from the ACP MEAs programme. During the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the organization, SPREP's Director General, Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra highlighted the role of UNEP and the Pacific Island Forum in the relocation to Apia, Samoa, and the transformation of SPREP into a standalone organization in 1993.
Under the theme “SPREP@30th Sustainable, transformative and resilient for a Blue Pacific”, there was excitement around the participants of these events, as this was the first time they could be held face-to-face since the Covid pandemic. The Meeting of Officials was an opportunity to discuss strategic issues and approve the 2024-2025 workplan. It was attended by representatives from 23 out of the 27 member countries, partners and donors.
In the case of the Noumea Convention Meeting of the Parties, it was attended by 10 out of 12 contracting parties. In addition, Niue, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna attended as observers. Support from the ACP MEAs III programme for the organization of the Ad-hoc Meeting of the Parties, held in June 14 and 15, was acknowledged. The Ad-hoc Meeting allowed to revise, discuss and unpack the recommendations from the review of the Noumea Convention, mandated to SPREP in 2019 and completed in 2021.
Among the outcomes of these events, the 2023 Talanoa Communique was endorsed by the participants. This call to action included commitments to mobilize to address the impact of the triple planetary crises, to implement the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy and to support the implementation of the the 30x30 Target according to the Global Biodiversity Framework objectives.
In addition, SPREP launched the "Good Practice in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Coastal Engineering in the Pacific" guidelines. Emphasizing public participation, the guidelines aim to support existing national regulatory frameworks, encourage public engagement, and strengthen monitoring and management of projects.
Additional support from ACP MEAs III included the organization of a ministerial event on the margins of the Meeting of Officials, where the contributions from the programme for the building of capacities in Pacific countries to meet their obligations as parties to MEAs was recognized and appreciated. Representatives from Palau and Samoa highlighted the role of MEAs for environmental sustainability in the region.
ACP MEAs Phase III Empowers Pacific Nations in Plastic Pollution Treaty Negotiations
Negotiators from 14 Pacific countries had an active role in the discussions for the development of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution during the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3), held from November 13 to 19 in Nairobi. The Pacific Islands, represented by countries like Palau, played an active role, emphasizing a holistic approach addressing the full lifecycle of plastics. While some delegates expressed satisfaction with the progress, others emphasized the need for careful negotiations to avoid a detrimental deal, given the Pacific's minimal contribution to the plastic pollution crisis.
These efforts to strengthen the participation of countries in the Pacific in the Plastics Treaty Negotiations, and the preparation for the next sessions of INC in Canada and the Republic of Korea, are being supported by the ACP MEAs III programme. Prior to INC-3, a preparatory meeting was organized in Koror, Palau, to further discuss regional strategies, seek endorsement on the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) positions for the negotiations.
A previous preparatory meeting was held In April 2023, in preparation for the 2nd Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (Pre-INC2) in Paris. That meeting was convened in the Cook Islands. At the forefront of these contributions was the project's leadership in discussions on means of implementation, a pivotal element proposed for inclusion in the zero draft treaty. Aligned with the overarching objective of the project, these discussions emphasized the necessity of capacity building measures and technical assistance to fulfill the obligations of an impending treaty.
The project's support and assistance to Pacific delegations extended beyond formal negotiations. During Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) coordination meetings, the ACP MEA Phase III engaged in discussions to address emerging issues and strategies, including challenges posed by some countries attempting to impede substantive negotiations on future treaty elements.
Advancing Regional Ocean Governance: A Collaborative Workshop in Zanzibar
In a concerted effort to strengthen regional ocean governance, a collaborative leadership workshop, technical dialogues, and other activities were conducted from 22 to 25 May 2023 in Zanzibar. This event marked a step in the development of the Regional Ocean Governance Strategy (ROGS) for the Western Indian Ocean, bringing together diverse stakeholders from national, sub-regional, and regional levels.
Hosted under the auspices of the Nairobi Convention Conference of Parties Decision CP.10/5 on Ocean Governance Strategy, the workshop focused on two key aspects: ocean governance and information management (IMS). The leadership dialogue and workshop were instrumental in advancing the ROGS, which is envisioned to address common challenges and facilitate informed decision-making for effective ocean governance. The collaborative efforts are part of the ACP MEAs 3 Programme ,the SAPPHIRE project and the Western Indian Ocean Governance Initiative (WIOGI) partnership project. These initiatives aim to provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable ocean governance in the Western Indian Ocean region.
During the workshop, participants also engaged in a joint session with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) at the 9th Indian Ocean Technical Dialogue on Innovation in Blue Economy, held on 22 and 23 May 2023. This session hosted cross-cutting discussions and shared insights to foster innovation in the blue economy across the Indian Ocean region. Furthermore, the development process for the ROGS by the Task Force continued during the regional meeting of the Regular Process for developing the third World Oceans Assessment Report, held in Seychelles from 30 July to 4 August 2023.
Enhancing the Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas and Other Conservation Measures in the WIO Region
Implementation of the Nairobi Convention continues to support Governments of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region in fulfilling their obligations as parties to an array of multilateral environmental agreements. One of the pressing issues revolves around the sustainable management of marine protected areas (MPA).
The economic exploitation of marine and coastal resources in the WIO region has posed a growing challenge of balancing economic development with conservation. MPAs have been advocated as one measure for enhancing coastal and marine long-term biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, while protecting endangered ecosystems and habitats. The 1-4 November 2023 workshop, in Dar es Salaam, on capacity development for effective management of Marine Protected Areas was jointly organized by the Nairobi Convention, with funding from the ACP MEAs III programme, and partners that included the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association, the Varuna program, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Minderoo Foundation and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management. It was hosted by the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit of Tanzania.
The workshop came on the heels of the 2022 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and focused on adaptive management and the options for achieving Target 3 of the GBF. The workshop identified a range of critical priorities and challenges facing MPAs in the region. The Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas has 143 MPAs, covering 7% of the combined exclusive economic zone and 17% of the coastline.
The key priorities of the workshop focused on improving management effectiveness of MPAs, including appointing qualified personnel, updating management plans, enforcing laws, enhancing community development programs, regional monitoring, and financing for MPA management. The success of marine conservation efforts in the region will continue to be achieved as stakeholders collaborate, knowledge exchange, and on innovative approaches that will ensure the sustainability and expansion of MPAs.
Enhancing the Marine Spatial Planning Information Management for effective Ocean Governance in the WIO Region
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) has been advocated as a comprehensive, integrated, and effective approach to managing and organizing human activities in marine and coastal areas. MSP aims to balance the various uses of ocean as well as promoting sustainable development. More importantly, it envisages the need for maintaining the health, functionality, and resilience of marine ecosystems. The Nairobi Convention Secretariat, through the ACP MEAs III Programme, organized a “Marine Spatial Planning and Information Management Workshop” from 20-24 November 2023 in Mombasa, Kenya. Participants were drawn from nine countries in the Western Indian Ocean.
The training workshop created an awareness of the regional MSP strategy for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) that seeks to promote harmonisation of MSP processes at national and municipal levels. The training segment of the workshop enhanced national capacities for MSP processes and strengthened national capacities for handling MSP data. Tools in common use, such as the WIO Symphony tool for assessing cumulative impacts of human activities in the marine environment were introduced and tested.
Partners in the MSP training included the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, CORDIO, Blue Ventures, TNC, RARE, ESRI, and AIDE of Comoros. The participants' positive feedback training underscored the enriching value of the MSP and called for a follow-up MSP training in 2024 to advance the gains of the training.
Securing the Future of Marine Diversity: Second Negotiations Meeting for the Amendment of the Nairobi Convention Protocol on Marine Protected Areas and Wild Flora and Fauna
The first negotiations of the Nairobi Convention Protocol concerning protected areas and wild fauna and flora were held in Antananarivo, Madagascar in November 2022. A ripple effect was born, with additional financial support from partners, leading to the second negotiations meeting held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, 13–15 September 2023.
Addressing negotiators at the second negotiations meeting, the Minister of Environment in Madagascar, Hon. Ms. Marie Orléa Vina, made a resounding statement,
“Our commitment to the preservation and responsible management of the WIO’s marine and coastal resources is unwavering. Through these negotiations, we aim to strengthen the legal framework for biodiversity conservation in our region, and Madagascar stands ready to play its part in safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations”.
Mr. Johan Robinson, the head of the Ecosystems Integration Branch in the Ecosystems Division of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), framed the urgent need to amend and deliver a progressive protocol for the region. Mr. Robinson called on the negotiators to deliver a fair and truthful protocol on the coastal and marine biodiversity, with solutions that are relevant and easily understood and actionable.
The final text from the second negotiations was subjected to a policy and technical session in Mombasa on 28-30 November 2023 was supported by the ACP MEAs III Programme to improve on all the technical, policy and legal comments and texts contained in the second negotiated draft Protocol. The third negotiations are expected on or during the eleventh Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention.
Advancing Marine Protection: A Collaborative Effort Towards an Additional Protocol to the Abidjan Convention on MPAs
A collaborative effort between the Abidjan Convention and the Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa (PRCM), a center of expertise based in Dakar, led to the drafting of the additional protocol on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Furthermore, a workshop took place from July 24 to 26, 2023, in Somone, Senegal, where participants delved into the first draft of the protocol, paving the way for a roadmap for its finalization. These efforts are being supported through the ACP MEAs III programme and WACA ResIP (West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project).
The foundations for this draft were laid out in an earlier regional workshop organized by the ACP MEAs III programme from February 14 to 16, 2022, in Saly, Senegal. During this initial workshop, experts drafted the framework of the Additional Protocol, validated the Terms of Reference (TORs) for consultants, and proposed a roadmap for the protocol's development. The outcomes of this workshop laid the groundwork for the architecture of the protocol, with chapters on financing mechanisms and monitoring and evaluation. The draft protocol is being translated and will be shared with other Regional Seas Conventions for comments.
For a more in-depth understanding of this collaborative initiative, readers can explore the article here and gain insights into the workshop through the video as shown below (both in French).
Validating Trans-boundary Marine Spatial Planning in Western Africa
The Abidjan Convention, through the ACP MEAs III programme, is collaborating with AU-IBAR on trans-boundary Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) between Benin and Togo. This project will be the continuation of what was realized under the MamiWata project (with Grid Arendal) especially the validation at experts’ level of State of Marine Environment (SoME)report.
In addition, the Abidjan Convention presented its achievements and tools in MSP implementation and used the work of the trans-boundary MSP between Benin and Togo as a case study at the 2nd MSP Forum for Africa. This forum was co-organized by IOC-UNESCO with support from the Abidjan Convention and was held from 5-6 October 2023 in Dar es Salam, Tanzania. This work is being validated with national experts and stakeholders, national validation workshops have been held in Benin and Togo on 18-19 and 21-22 September 2023 respectively. In addition, the Joint Committee validation workshop for the two countries is scheduled for 22-26 January.
Advancing Biodiversity Conservation: A United Front in Africa
The African Union Commission (AUC), supported by the ACP MEAs III Programme and in partnership with the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), organized a High-Level Conference on the Implementation of the CBD COP 15 and CITES COP 19. Held from May 30 to June 2, 2023, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this conference brought together 44 AU member states, with 19 represented at the ministerial level.
Several international organizations and environmental NGOs participated in the conference, including the Eastern African Community (EAC), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), IUCN, WWF and TRAFFIC, among others. There was also an active participation from UN agencies, such as FAO, UNECA, UNEP, UNDP and the GEF Secretariat.
One of the key outcomes of this collaborative effort was the development of a draft African Union Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2030 (ABSAP). The ABSAP is designed to guide AU member states in implementing the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and revising and updating their NBSAPs to incorporate the priority targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Multilateral efforts for environmental sustainability in Africa are not limited to biodiversity. In an extended commitment to environmental stewardship, the African Heads of State and Government convened at the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 4 to 6, 2023. This high-profile gathering acknowledged Africa's disproportionate burden of climate change impacts and emphasized the continent's commitment to creating an enabling environment, enacting policies, and facilitating investments to meet climate commitments.
The summit also underscored the importance of Africa's vast natural resources, including its forests, savannahs, woodlands, peatlands, mangroves, and coral reefs, in global carbon emission reduction. The critical role of oceans in climate action, as highlighted in commitments such as the Moroni Declaration for Ocean and Climate Action in Africa, further solidified Africa's dedication to holistic environmental sustainability.
The ACP MEAs is a joint EU-UNEP-FAO-OACPS partnership project. This Newsletter has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views, policies or official opinion of the European Commission, UNEP or the contributing organizations