Project Component Descriptions

Component 1, the Scientific Assessment and Monitoring Enhancement Component, is aimed at providing improved scientific information and knowledge on the oceanic transboundary fish stocks and related ecosystem aspects of the Western Tropical Pacific Warm Pool LME, and at strengthening the national capacities of Pacific SIDS in these areas. This work will include a particular focus on the ecology of seamounts in relation to pelagic fisheries, and the fishing impacts upon them.

Component 2, the Law, Policy And Institutional Reform, Realignment & Strengthening Component, is aimed at assisting Pacific Island States as they participate in the earliest stages of the work of the new WCPF Commission, and at the same time reform, realign and strengthen their national laws, policies, institutions and programmes relating to management of transboundary oceanic fisheries and protection of marine biodiversity.

Component 3, the Coordination, Participation and Information Services Component, is aimed at effective project management, complemented by mechanisms to increase participation and raise awareness of the conservation and management of oceanic resources and the oceanic environment. The design of the Project has involved a substantial consultative process, which has been warmly supported throughout the region. Reflecting outcomes of this process, the Project seeks to apply a regional approach in a way that recognises national needs; to strike a balance between technical and capacity-building outputs by twinning technical and capacity building activities in every area; and to open participation in all project activities to governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. The structure for implementation and execution of the Project builds on a record of successful collaboration between UNDP, regional organisations and Pacific SIDS in past activities in oceanic environmental management and conservation, strengthened by planned new partnerships with IUCN, a regional environmental NGO and a regional industry NGO.