Lead Partner: Forum for Renewable Energy Islands (FREI)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: To assist island states to meet 100% of their energy requirements from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) by helping them with the preparation & planning, organization and all the inputs (technical, financial & managerial) required for implementation of the 100% RES plan..
By helping several SIDS to use 100% RES for their energy supply, this partnership will result in
* Island states stopping the use of fossil fuels and the environmental damage caused by these fuels.
* Meeting their energy needs from locally available renewable sources in a sustainable manner.
* Local manufacture of RE equipment creating employment & income generation leading to poverty reduction. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of United Arab Emirates - Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Main objectives of AGEDI are:
Ø To achieve more cost-effective and relevant environmental data collection and assessment,
Ø To strengthen and enhance environmental capacity to collect, analyze, use and update multi-sectoral environmental data and information in the decision making process,
Ø To develop and strengthen means of ensuring that planning for sustainable development in all sectors is based on, inter alia, quality, timely, reliable, and usable environmental data and information,
Ø To make relevant environmental data and information accessible to all stakeholders in the form, and at the time, required to facilitate its use,
Ø To strengthen existing national and international mechanisms of information collection, exchange and processing,
Ø To strengthen mechanisms for incorporating environmental information in decision making,
Ø To strengthen national capacities, including capacities within governments, NGOs and private sector, in data/information collection, handling and communication, particularly in developing countries, and
Ø To ensure full participation of developing countries in the collection, analysis, assessment, use and update of environmental data and information.
Lead Partner: Government of Japan - City of Kitakyushu
Geographical Scope: Regional
- Asia and the Pacific Summary: a) To achieve environmental conservation and sustainable development in Asian Region by inter-city environmental partnership beyond border.
b) For the goal described above, appropriate governance will be established based on agreement of all stakeholders in communities and new participatory scheme by multi-stakeholders such as citizens will be established in cooperation with international communities.
Expected results include:
a) Steady improvement of urban environment in Asian Region
b) Achieving better local society and local-based sustainable development
c) Strengthening local governance capabilities
d) Contribution to realization of global sustainable development through spreading local-to-local cooperation model to the Asian Region [more]
Lead Partner: Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Caribbean Summary: The main objective of this partnership is the effective protection of the natural heritage of the Caribbean region through the conservation and sustainable management of their natural biodiversity. This will be done through partnerships - a priority component of this initiative is the partnerships between regional organisations, national government agencies, international and national NGOs, local communities and wider civil society with interest in strengthening and upscaling initiatives that have shown to be successful. Objectives for the partnership include:
* Building capacity to provide support for the recording, compilation, and dissemination of traditional knowledge in order to maximising the benefits accruing to the countries and communities that own this knowledge, as well as focus on the application of this knowledge for the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.
* Significantly increasing regional population awareness of the importance of biological resources, and what is required for protection of this vital resource. Public education and outreach is necessary to help increase public awareness and lay the foundation for community level participation. Awareness programmes will also be directed to traditional owners and potential users of traditional knowledge.
* Assist in the development of capacity at different levels for the identification, conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
* Protecting traditional knowledge and IPR, enhancing income, and increasing the value of biological resources and local communities' traditional knowledge.
* Build capacity for the management of protected areas.
* Re-institutionalisation of traditional knowledge systems and traditional use of biological resources in the science, history and social components of formal and informal education curricula in the region. [more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Caribbean SIDS Summary: The main objective of this initiative is to build the organisational management capacity of NGOs and CBOs engaged in Sustainable Development activities in the Caribbean region through providing technical support with National United Nations Volunteers.
The programme ultimately aims to strengthen regional collaboration among the SIDS (where organisational representation may not be found on each individual island), and where it is critical for international partners to coordinate their efforts, while at the same time placing emphasis on building local ownership/partnerships.
The initiative aims to lead to increased participation of civil society and government counterparts in sustainable development initiatives leading to improved conservation management in the areas of biodiversity, international waters, climate change and ozone depletion, together with improved quality of life and opportunities for local communities. [more]
Lead Partner: Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Carribbean Summary: The overall goal for the partnership is "increased and strengthened capacity of regional tertiary institutions to provide skills for the sustainable manage their island environment and natural resources".
This partnership initiative is intended to further advance the development of graduate education in the area of environment and natural resources management. Previously completed training needs assessments and strategies provide the basis for continued development of University of the West Indies and specifically the Centre for Environment and Development to further capacity building as well as to strengthen collaboration and information sharing amongst training institutions and organizations across and beyond the Caribbean..
The proposed strategy for capacity building is based on promoting synergies, partnerships and collaborative delivery at all levels. It will encompass agreed levels and types of training activities and programmes derived from the Training Needs Assessment finding from the 1999/2000 UWICED regional survey recommendations, include training pathways, strategies to supporting research work, competency levels, train-the-trainer strategies and post-graduate level training delivery mechanisms, and ongoing education. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Australia - National Oceans Office
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Islands Summary: This initiative will be closely linked to the Pacific Islands Oceans Initiative (2003-2007), which aims to "assist with the implementation of the Pacific Islands Regional Oceans Policy, to harmonise and build upon ongoing oceans-related programmes implemented within the region, and to identify and implement coordinated programmes of action that will address all priority aspects of the policy".
Australia is also engaged in implementing a broad oceans policy, Australia's Oceans Policy, which provides the framework for integrated ecosystem-based planning and management for all of Australia's marine jurisdictions. The policy is currently being implemented, primarily through the development of regional marine plans.
Australia, through its National Oceans Office, would like to learn from and offer advice and guidance to CROP and the Pacific island countries and territories in relation to the implementation of the Pacific Islands Regional Oceans Policy. Australia recognises that many of the lessons learnt and challenges faced in the development and implementation of regional marine plans and other elements of Australia's Oceans Policy would be of interest to the Pacific. [more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UNCHS) - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) - Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) - South Pacific Applied Geoscience Comm (SOPAC)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Main objectives:
To provide technical assistance and build the capacities of SIDS to manage vulnerability and build their resilience through integration of a comprehensive hazard and risk management approach into sustainable development planning. This will include development and operationalisation of measures of vulnerability, hazard identification and assessment, disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness as well as strengthen disaster response and recovery actions. [more]
Lead Partner: Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Caribbean SIDS Summary: The main objectives of the partnership are to:
1) Strengthen the capacity of Caribbean SIDS sanitation systems to provide basic sanitation and health services in an efficient, affordable and accessible manner;
2) Prevent, control and treat related sanitation health problems;
3) Reduce environmental health threats through effective transfer, access and use of environmentally sound technologies;
4) Integrate the sanitation and health concerns of the most vulnerable populations into strategies, policies and programs for poverty eradication and sustainable development;
5) Protect sensitive ecosystems from pollution. [more]
Lead Partner: Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Caribbean SIDS Summary: The overall goal of this Partnership/Initiative is to boost the capacity of the poor to satisfy the basic needs within a sustainable livelihoods framework.
The secondary objectives include:
* To strengthen the capacity of Caribbean SIDS sanitation systems to provide basic sanitation and health services in an efficient, affordable and accessible manner;
* Preventing, controlling and treating related sanitation health problems;
* Reduction environmental health threats through effective transfer, access and use of environmental sound technologies;
* To integrate the sanitation and health concerns of the most vulnerable populations into strategies, policies and programs for poverty, eradication and sustainable development;
* To protect sensitive ecosystems from pollution. [more]
Lead Partner: Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM) - Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Caribbean Summary: Overall goal of the initiative is "to catalyse action and strengthen partnerships at all levels to enable increased understanding and capacity by the region's population to respond to climate change, climate variability and sea level rise".
Primary objectives for this initiative are:
* Strengthening or developing, in partnership with the wide array of stakeholders in each country, national capacity to provide oversight of adaptation initiatives proposed in response to climate change and sea level rise in support of sustainable development and vulnerability reduction.
* Support the introduction of graduate scholarship and research, specialised diploma and certificate training by the tertiary institutions across the region.
* Mainstreaming climate change and adaptation into planning at all levels.
* Mobilisation of resources for national and local level adaptation measures, including the transfer of technology. [more]
Lead Partner: Fondation pour la Protection de la Biodiversité (FoProBiM)
Geographical Scope: National Summary: This project will strengthen sorely needed environmental programs in the poorest and most environmentally degraded country in the Western Hemisphere and will empower previously voiceless and resigned community groups and individuals with the needed education and training in order to begin to defend their environmental and economic interests. Through cross-sectoral educational classes (basic marine sciences and conflict resolution), visits between stakeholder groups to strengthening the bonds between various stakeholder partners so they may begin to understand their commonality of interest in protecting and sustainably using area resources, and field activities it will link coastal community stakeholder groups (women¿s groups, farmers, fishers, hoteliers), scientists, and concerned public sector institutions in joint educational and stewardship activities in order to promote the improved management and protection of local watersheds and coastal and marine resources. [more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Capacity 21
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The main objective is to offer University postgraduate courses, through on campus tuition and distance tuition, on matters of direct relevance to SIDS, including environment, public policy, international trade, education, marine studies, international diplomacy and energy. [more]
Lead Partner: The World Conservation Union (IUCN), Invasive Species Specialist Group - The World Conservation Union (IUCN), Invasive Species Specialist Group
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional South Pacific Summary: The ultimate goal of the Cooperative Initiative on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) on Islands is to facilitate cooperation in key areas of invasive alien species management on islands. As a result managers, practitioners and policy makers will have increased capacity to define IAS problems, design solutions and implement them, at community, national and subregional level. This in turn, will generate a significant improvement in the conservation of island biological diversity.
Islands and other geographically and evolutionary isolated places are particularly vulnerable to the threat posed by IAS to biodiversity due to high levels of endemism and high numbers of threatened species. The rate of extinctions of native species has been higher on islands than anywhere else in the world. Threats to biodiversity also affect the ecosystem functions, and the cultural and economic use made of biodiversity by local communities. However, while islands are more vulnerable to invasions by alien species, they also present special opportunities for preventing new alien invasions and for eradicating or controlling existing IAS.
The development of this initiative will facilitate further progress on an international scale,
starting in the South Pacific sub-region and then expanding to a global approach by applying this sub-regional experience more widely. It will eventually encompass all islands that have significant biodiversity, including small island developing States, other island countries and any countries with islands.
* Objectives of the initiative are
* Build local, national and sub-regional capacity
* Systematically develop better techniques
* Share knowledge, skills and techniques internationally
* Make better use of existing information [more]
Lead Partner: Earth Charter Youth Initiative, Earth Charter International
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Vision
From Earth Charter International Council, October 2006:
“We envision the Earth Charter becoming the most widely shared ethical framework for sustainable living and exercising a growing influence on human affairs.
We envision recognition and endorsement of the Earth Charter by an ever-increasing number of national and international institutions, including UN agencies, leading to the embrace of the Earth Charter by the United Nations General Assembly.
We envision individuals, organizations, businesses, governments, and multilateral institutions throughout the world adopting the values and principles of the Earth Charter and working collaboratively to build just, sustainable, and peaceful communities.”
ECYI Goal:
Inspire hope within and through the Earth Charter Youth Initiative (ECYI) and support this global youth network in embodying, promoting, and applying the principles of the Earth Charter.
ECYI Objectives:
1. Raise awareness of the Earth Charter among key youth leaders and networks.
2. Grow, empower, and support Earth Charter Youth Groups (ECYGs) that are engaged in local action projects.
3. Facilitate the engagement of ECYI members in global sustainable development decision-making processes. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Australia - Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional South Pacific Summary: This partnership developed from the SPREP Pacific Meteorological Services Needs Analysis Project. project aims to strengthen the capacity of Pacific island countries in climate prediction. It includes Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Solomon Is, Kiribati and Niue. The project aims to upgrade the National Meteorological Services of participating island countries to enable them to provide better climate prediction support to industry government and the people of the Pacific island region. It will provide PC-based stand-alone statistical climate prediction services that are tailored to clients planning needs. [more]
Lead Partner: International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: GloBallast Advanced, A programmatic framework for the sustainable continuity of the Global Ballast Water Management Project- Building regional partnership for the effective implementation of international arrangements for ballast water control and management in developing countries
Main objectives of the Partnership/Initiative
The ultimate goal of this Initiative is to assist developing countries to reduce the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in ships' ballast water and to establish regional, integrated strategies to address the threat posed by invasive marine species.
This initiative is a logical extension of the initial project 'Global Ballast Water Management' (GloBallast) executed by IMO since March 2000 and will have a greater regional focus and more emphasis on integrated ocean and coastal zone management.
The development objectives of the Initiative can be summarized as follows:
* To build regional partnership towards effective implementation of global regulations on ballast water management and control;
* To develop and implement national and regional, integrated invasive marine species strategies and action plans; and
* To integrate regional ballast water and invasive marine species programmes with other marine and coastal environmental management arrangements.
This Initiative provides a framework to accomplish the above objectives ensuring that maximum benefits accrue from the foundation work achieved since March 2000 [more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The objective of the Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development (GNESD) is to make it easier for Members to contribute to the provision of environmentally sound energy services underpinning sustainable development. The Network does so by supporting amongst its Members information exchange, learning, analysis and study, policy support, and capacity building.
Results expected include:
1. A network of energy/development/environment institutions in developing, transition, and industrialised countries that increases contact and co-operation between relevant institutions/agencies and financing bodies, and national and regional experts on a range of energy for sustainable development topics.
2. A general strengthening of all Members in their ability to acquire, assimilate, and apply existing knowledge and experiences made available through the Network.
3. Provision of quality advisory services by Network Member institutions to public and private sector decision-makers on a range of energy for sustainable development issues, resulting in better, more informed energy policies and decisions that support the wider goals of sustainable development.
4. Improved understanding of the links between sustainable energy and other development and environment priorities, and technology and policy options, leading to better articulation of practical policies that can be adopted, so as to promote energy for sustainable development, and
5. Changes in policies and programmes of governments and their development co-operation partners, and private sector investments, so that these favour energy for sustainable development approaches. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Australia - Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: To establish and sustain ocean data gathering, analysis and predictive systems for the marine environment, accessible to all nations, providing safer and more efficient ocean operations, improved safety and risk management in the marine environment and coastal seas, as well as an improved scientific and information basis for marine and ocean policy development.
The Project will establish a practical and effective approach to providing routine ocean services, supported through the initiatives and technology of developed nations, but delivering products that are widely accessible and of benefit to all coastal states. Products for the open ocean and coastal regions will contribute to and benefit marine ecosystem management, coastal ocean services and warnings, and safety and risk management for the oceans. GODAE will demonstrate the benefits of a cooperative, integrated approach to development of sustained infrastructure that can be shared and exploited by all nations. Coastal states will have immediate access to data and model interpretations of ocean currents and ocean conditions, much as is the case for weather prediction. Through 2003-2005, GODAE will demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of an integrated approach to oceans issues and provide a framework for informed decision-making and policy development. Ongoing and timely access to relevant information will enable early detection of environmental changes and reduce the uncertainties associated with management of the marine environment. [more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), GPA Coordination Office
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The H20 Partnership aims to further the environmental, economic and social importance of oceans, coasts, and islands, and to facilitate the realization of the Montreal commitment by governments to mitigate water pollution and resource degradation from the hilltops to the oceans.
The overall objectives of the H20 Partnership include:
* To facilitate Governments and the international community recognition of the linkages between the freshwater and marine environments and to foster closer collaboration and partnerships between river basin authorities and coastal managers since action must be taken on land to reduce, remediate and prevent pollution and degradation of the coastal and marine environment.
* To assist countries and regions in making better use of existing domestic resources and in raising new and additional financing, particularly within the context of the regional seas
* To assist countries and regions in evaluating alternative options for funding projects that address priority problems of river, coastal and marine pollution.
* To assist Governments and intergovernmental organisations in identifying opportunities for effective partnerships, including through the establishment of specific cooperative activities, alliances and networks with financial institutions.
* To assist the public sector in involving the private sector and the civil society in addressing priority problems of river, coastal and marine pollution.
* To involve civil society further in the implementation of the Global Programme of Action Wastewater Emission Targets (WET) [more]
Lead Partner: International Labour Organization(ILO) Programme on HIV/AIDS
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Caribbean Summary: The aim of this project is the prevention of HIV/AIDS among workers and in the world of work, the enhancement of workplace protection and the reduction of the adverse consequences of the epidemic on social, labour and economic development in the Caribbean. This will be achieved in part by:
* contributing to the overall objective of reducing the rate of spread of HIV in the Caribbean;
* developing a comprehensive, co-ordinated, sustained and strategic response to the impact of HIV/AIDS on the world of work in the Caribbean, established through the involvement of the social partners;
* providing a better understanding of the implications of the HIV/AIDS epidemic for the world of work in the Caribbean;
* mobilising and building the capacity of government (with more involvement of Ministries of Labour), employers' and workers' organisations as well as persons living with HIV/AIDS to educate, discuss, raise awareness, develop and implement policies and programmes on HIV/AIDS;
* reducing stigma and discrimination and improving the care and support for those living with HIV/AIDS among job seekers, workers and their families;
* increasing competence to develop proposals concerning the financial costs of the epidemic and to assess the impact of HIV/AIDS for the social security system. [more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The overall goal of this initiative is to increase provision of sustainable energy services for SIDS over a ten-year period, in order to reduce the outflows of foreign exchange and to protect the environment, in keeping with the Millennium Development Goals.
Secondary Objectives:
The secondary objectives are as follows:
* Transfer of appropriate technology.
* Develop new technology based upon indigenous know-how.
* Promote sustainable energy use through improved sustainable development policies.
Expected results include:
* Reduced dependence by SIDS on imported energy sources, in particular fossil fuels.
* Increased availability of reliable cost effective and sustainable energy supplies.
* Increased development of adequate human and institutional capacity to plan and manage the energy sector in SIDS.
* Realization of cost savings in the medium- to long-term (5-10 years), from investments made in environmentally safe technologies resulting in more efficient use of national resources for social and economic development.
* Inter-regional cooperation and collaboration among SIDS, building on experiences, expertise and indigenous know-how.
* Increased focus on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as established in National Communications on Climate Change, submitted by the majority of SIDS, as obligations under the UNFCC. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Malta - Malta Environment and Planning Authority - Government of Malta - Malta Environment and Planning Authority
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The aim of this partnership is to undertake international research to develop an integrated framework for assessing and selecting policy tools and technological options necessary to implement sustainable development in small islands. A secondary objective of this proposal is to ensure the involvement of stakeholders in the research process and to transfer this framework to policy-makers in government, in order to ensure the quality and implementation of the research carried out.
It is increasingly recognized that islands and island regions exhibit ecological, geographical, social and economic constraints that demand particular attention. At the same time, while it is generally recognized that a coordinated, integrated and ecosystem approach is needed to address sustainability issues in islands, there is a lack of well-developed policy tools to facilitate this. This project aims to fill this gap by providing integrated tools and policy approaches for implementing sustainability in island regions. [more]
Lead Partner: International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN) - International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The main objective of ICRAN is to halt and reverse the decline in health of the world 's coral reefs. ICRAN is an innovative and dynamic global partnership of many of the world's leading coral reef science and conservation organizations. The partnership draws on its partners' investments in reef monitoring and management to create strategically linked actions across local, national and global scales. ICRAN is thus the first partnership to respond to conservation needs at the global scale by recognizing both traditional and scientific perspectives of coral reef dynamics and respective social dependency. It seeks to put financial mechanisms in place that support the translation of findings into direct on-the-ground action throughout the world's major coral reef regions.
ICRAN is proposing:
* To expand its scope and its range of global partners
* To extend its field action to new regions (including three regional seas in the Indian Ocean area) not presently included in the network
* To focus on tourism by raising awareness on responsible holiday-making [more]
Lead Partner: International Coastal and Ocean Organization (ICO) - International Coastal and Ocean Organization (ICO) - Coastal States Organization (CSO)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: There is a need to:
Provide a technical support network for ICM, by identifying best practices, model program efforts, by encouraging "lesson-drawing" and interaction between practitioners and academics
Identify areas of mutual cooperation among academic institutions for research, exchange of faculty and students, "lesson-drawing" of successful ICM experiences, and organization of cooperative initiatives with governmental partners at both national and local levels to assist in the implementation of local coastal plans and in the formulation and implementation of national ocean/coastal policies in Exclusive Economic Zones.
Organize and carry out a program of exchange among subnational authorities in ICM to improve local practice
Monitor international treaty/agreement negotiations and other international fora relevant to ICM and identify issues impacting subnational ICM programs.
Influence key international treaty/agreement negotiations and other international fora through development of joint recommendations on the part of subnational ICM authorities [more]
Lead Partner: International Land Coalition
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Land Alliances for National Development, or LAND Partnerships, constitute a global initiative to alleviate rural poverty by strengthening country-level collaboration between state, civil society, bilateral and international stakeholders. This collaboration is needed to: a) achieve participatory dialogue; b) improve policy formulation; c) establish joint action to secure resource tenure for households with user rights; and d) increase access to land by the landless and near-landless.
While the resource poor seek a more active role in decision-making, many governments are also recognizing the benefits of robust, stakeholder discussion and, in some cases, collective decision-making. In many countries, this requires new arenas and mechanisms for dialogue. LAND Partnerships respond to this challenge by helping countries to create new ways and means for both those affecting and those affected by decisions about land to work together. LAND Partnerships will help to widen participation, foster open debate and facilitate negotiation at both the national and the community levels.
Furthermore, LAND Partnerships are a means to replicate the best practices learned in one community to other communities for wider benefit. Also, where scaling-up is accomplished, it may be more likely that this experience can be validated as a basis for national policy consideration. More importantly, LAND Partnerships are an opportunity for all parties to move from individual to collective roles, and thereby capture potential synergy.
Since the launch in 2002, the Coalition has been actively promoting LAND in the over 35 countries where it has programmes. The initial goal is to establish LAND Partnerships in a geographically balanced range of pilot countries. These pilot LAND Partnerships are envisioned as focal points to stimulate extension of the concept into surrounding countries.
LAND Partnerships will be developed in response to invitations from governments together with an expressed interest by civil society. The Coalition will support local implementation capacity for all stakeholders involved ¿ civil society, governments and intergovernmental partners. LAND Partnerships will build upon existing and emerging initiatives and activities.
In addition, the Coalition's role will be to foster collaboration and the sharing of lessons with other countries in order to either launch LAND Partnerships in these countries, or to help create the conditions conducive to the subsequent establishment of LAND.
[more]
Lead Partner: International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Straits of Malacca and Singapore Summary: Development of a Regional Marine Electronic Highway (MEH) in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore - Demonstration Phase: In partnership with the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners and the International Hydrographic Organization
The ultimate goal of this initiative is the use of innovative maritime and environment management technological tools to create network and maintain a marine information infrastructure for enhancing maritime services, improving the safety of navigation and integrated management of the coastal and marine areas of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
The Marine Electronic Highway (MEH) is an innovative marine information and infrastructure system that integrates environmental management and protection systems and maritime safety technologies for enhanced maritime services, higher navigational safety standards, integrated marine environment protection and sustainable development of coastal and marine resources. The backbone of the MEH is precision navigation and will utilize a network of electronic navigational charts (ENCs) in conjunction with Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and other maritime technologies.
This initiative is part of a two-stage MEH Project for the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. This initiative, which is a demonstration project, will cover parts of the Straits, mainly the area of the Traffic Separation Scheme. The second stage or full-scale project, which will follow after this initiative, will cover the whole Straits including the coastal waters of the littoral States.
The general objectives of this initiative are to delineate options for the implementation of the MEH system in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore and assess the technical, financial, economic, social, institutional, political and legal aspects of the identified options, assess the integration of marine environment protection system with precision navigation, and develop sustainable financial mechanisms and a managing tool to operate, manage and administer the MEH system. The implementation will also cover the evaluation on the benefits of the system and financing requirements to implement the identified activities leading to the establishment of the MEH system in the Straits. Overall, the development objectives of this initiative are the following:
* Establish the MEH and demonstrate its technical functionalities on maritime safety and marine environment protection for the Straits of Malacca and Singapore;
* Facilitate the integration of marine environment systems and data flow and information exchange through the MEH system;
* Develop the operational and administrative mechanisms for the sustainable management of the MEH system;
* Evaluate the financial, social and economic benefits and legal aspects of the MEH system;
* Promote awareness and participation of relevant stakeholders to support the MEH system; and
* Strengthen national and regional capacity in maritime safety and marine environment protection for the sustainable management of the MEH system; [more]
Lead Partner: International Center of Resources and Innovation for the Sustainable Development-CIRIDD (former Association Agora 21) - Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (IEPF - Institut de la Francophonie Numérique - Unité Jeunesse)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The aim of the project is to create an information and discussion platform for sustainable development that is accessible to the various groups concerned (States and public administrations, local governments and international bodies, associations, the economic sector, scientists and the academic community, and ordinary citizens) by facilitating exchanges and integration of the available data on a network of Internet sites distributed throughout the French-speaking world.
The second objective is to develop the use of French regarding these topics for the sake of linguistic plurality at the international level, thereby helping to reinforce the capacities of French-speaking participants, especially in the organization of preliminary debates for major conferences. This platform is also an experimental ground for research and development into new tools and approaches that will be transferred to the partners. It will be an extension of various projects and actions. [more]
Lead Partner: Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: To promote intelligent and sustainable use and management of the oceans through
(i) Promotion of collaboration and co-ordination among major oceanographic institutions committed to ocean science;
(ii) Development of capacity in the weaker countries for using and managing their ocean space under UNCLOS intelligently;
(iii) Advocacy for sound use and management of the oceans [more]
Lead Partner: South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Summary: The overall goal of this initiative is "to catalyse action and strengthen partnerships at all levels to enable the Pacific Island's region understand and respond to climate change, climate variability and sea level rise". The primary objectives for this initiative are:
* Effective coordination of adaptation initiatives in support of sustainable development
* Support for enabling activities in accordance with the UNFCCC
* Mainstreaming climate change and adaptation into national and regional planning
* Mobilisation of resources for national level adaptation measures
The Pacific Island Adaptation Initiative is intended to implement the Pacific Island Framework for Action on Climate Change, Climate Variability and Sea Level Rise (2000) in the area of response measures. This Multistakeholder Framework outlines urgent action required within the Pacific region to enable PICs to understand and respond to climate change, climate variability and sea level rise. [more]
Lead Partner: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) - South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Summary: The main objectives are:
* Increased availability of adequate, affordable and environmentally sound energy for the sustainable development of all Pacific islanders.
* Accelerate the transfer and adoption of clean and renewable energy technologies.
* The partnership is to assist with the implementation of the Pacific Island Energy Policy (PIEP. [more]
Lead Partner: The University of the South Pacific (USP) - Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Summary: The goal is to improve governance at all levels (communities (including local governance), national, regional, global) in the Pacific. This is a regional initiative to support good governance in all key sectors and at all levels. The initiative will be developed through three phases:
* Programming Phase aimed at a study or series of studies (some of it could be desk studies) establishing the clear links between, and the status of, governance and sustainable development in the region. Because of its linkages to sustainable development, good governance will need to be examined in the context of all the key sectors and levels in the Pacific region. It should also include a stakeholder analysis and information, by sector and by level, on who is doing what and why. This will establish baseline information for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
* Design Phase aimed at producing program/project document that addresses the needs identified through the Programming Phase and meets the standards of multilateral funding programs like GEF.
* Implementation Phase aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the program/project.
Throughout these phases, there will be an attempt to strengthen the partnership of the Forum Secretariat and the University of the South Pacific, which is expected to complement the Forum Secretariat in providing strong advocacy for good governance, to provide high-level HRD and research, and to assist in the monitoring of good governance. [more]
Lead Partner: Council of Regional Org. in the Pacific (CROP)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Summary: The overall goal of this initiative is "A healthy ocean that sustains the livelihoods and aspirations of Pacific Island communities".
The Pacific Island Ocean Initiative is intended to assist with the implementation of the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy, to harmonise and build upon ongoing ocean-related programmes implemented within the region, and to identify and implement coordinated programmes of action that will address all priority aspects of the policy.
Expected results include:
* Improved Understanding of the Pacific Ocean
* Sustainable Management of the Pacific Ocean Resources
* Continued Pacific Ocean Health
* Peaceful Use of the Pacific Ocean
* Creation of Partnerships and Promotion of Co-Operation [more]
Lead Partner: Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Summary: The overall goal of this initiative is "to minimise environmental and health impacts from solid and hazardous waste generation and disposal in the Pacific region¿. This will be addressed through the following objectives:
- To raise awareness in Pacific Island countries at the community, government and political levels, and in the wider international community (especially industry), about the need for positive actions in solid and hazardous waste management in Pacific island countries
- To achieve significant reductions in the quantities of wastes currently sent to landfills, through effective waste minimisation programmes including elimination of wastes at source, enhancement of current recycling activities, and the development of recycling/disposal options for other wastes
- To upgrade current waste collection and disposal systems through incremental improvements to existing systems and adoption of best regional practices in all new disposal operations.
- To implement regional clean-up and disposal programmes for those wastes which cannot be dealt with effectively at a national level
- To assess current financial, regulatory, institutional and social barriers to effective waste management in Pacific Island countries and assist governments in developing strategies and systems for overcoming these barriers
- To develop and improve current institutional capacities for effective waste management in Pacific Island countries through targeted national and regional training programmes, and the development of on-going programmes within the relevant tertiary institutions, and the development and maintenance of appropriate information networks
Expected Results
- Significant reductions in the quantities of wastes that need to be disposed by landfill or other means
- Sustainable waste minimisation programmes established in all Pacific Island countries
- Reduced potential for adverse environmental and health impacts from on-going waste collection and disposal activities
- Current environmental and health impacts eliminated through clean-up and disposal of existing waste stockpiles and contaminated sites
- Permanent waste management positions established in relevant government agencies within each country, and staffed with appropriately qualified personnel
- Financial, regulatory and other relevant mechanisms adopted within each country to ensure effective and on-going waste management systems
- On-going community awareness programmes and activities in waste management [more]
Lead Partner: World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), South Pacific Program - Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) - South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Summary: The initiative aims to achieve its objective through the mainstreaming of biodiversity at all levels, including such issues as:
* Methods (both scientific and traditional) and field activities for the identification, protection, conservation and sustainable use of Pacific biodiversity access and equitable benefit sharing from the use of genetic resources protection and strengthening of traditional knowledge, practises innovation and management systems putting real economic value on biodiversity.
* A complementary and participatory approach to conservation will be promoted, including both ex situ and in situ strategies, developed on the basis of both scientific and traditional knowledge.
* A key strategy will be to protect and strengthen traditional knowledge on the use of biodiversity - including agricultural, forestry, wildlife and marine resources - for food, medicine, fibre, shelter and ceremonial purposes - and other relevant expressions of culture in the Pacific Islands. [more]
Lead Partner: South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Summary: * Address and achieve the priorities of sustainable Tourism development in the Pacific, including income generation and equitable distribution, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, a means to address good governance and gender disparities
* Achieve sustainable tourism operations throughout the Pacific
* Maintain the pristine environment and cultural diversity which facilitates the promotion of PICs
* Mobilisation of resources to ensure sustainable tourism practices
* Improved waste management related to tourism activities [more]
Lead Partner: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Summary: To provide access to information and communication technology in support of sustainable development for every Pacific islander.
Expected results to be determined by countries on the basis of national assessments and stakeholder consultations undertaken for WSSD. These could include:
* Pacific Tele-health Project
* Community Telecentres Project
* Human Resources Capacity Building
* National Strategy Development [more]
Lead Partner: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) - South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) - The University of the South Pacific (USP)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Summary: The overall vision for this initiative is ¿Increased and strengthened capacity of Pacific Islands people to manage their island environments and achieve sustainable development, poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods¿.
The Initiative will establish:
i) A Regional Training and Capacity Building Framework.
ii) A Regional Education Framework.
The Regional Training and Capacity Building Framework will identify and use the synergies between organisations and individuals actively engaged in capacity building in the region. The already completed training needs assessments and strategies provide the essential building blocks to strengthen collaboration and information sharing amongst training institutions and organizations through this
co-ordinated framework.
The Framework shall promote the synergies, partnerships and collaborative delivery at all levels. It will encompass agreed levels and types of training activities and programmes derived from past Training Needs Assessment recommendations, include training pathways, strategies to supporting research work, competency levels, train-the-trainer strategies and post-graduate level training delivery mechanisms.
A Regional Education Framework will also be developed in parallel to the Training and Capacity Building Framework to provide a strong foundation for the implementation of proposed activities in the latter framework. The Education Framework will focus on strengthened basic education and delivery systems with guidelines for an education programme that promotes sustainable environmental management and education for sustainability. A review/evaluation of past environmental education programmes in the Pacific and delivery systems will form the basis for these guidelines. The Education Framework will also be linked to initiatives under the proposed ¿Decade of Education for Sustainable Development¿ under the Johannesburg Programme of Action.
An aspect of the education framework will include a feasibility work on the development of distance education curriculum and delivery systems to increase access of children and youth to primary, secondary and vocational education. [more]
Lead Partner: World Health Organization (WHO) - Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) - Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Summary: The main objectives are:
* Improved health surveillance
* Coordinated and strategic approach to the reduction of environmental health threats
This initiative is in-line with international WHO strategies for the surveillance and response to epidemic communicable diseases (Global Outbreak and Response, IHR). PPHSN was launched to coordinate, harmonize, and develop public health surveillance activities in the region: it allows to avoid duplication and to optimize the use of scarce resources. [more]
Lead Partner: South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Summary: The main objective of the Initiative is to achieve sustainable water and wastewater management in Pacific island countries through:
* the establishment of a regional water network of persons and organisations, inclusive of country governments, development agencies, professional associations and donors, that work in the different fields of water resources management and service delivery in the region, to improve regional coordination and collaboration;
* the implementation of the Pacific Strategies for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene that aim to build and increase the capacity in Pacific Island Countries to deliver sustainable management of water and wastewater as a means to contributing to poverty alleviation. Sustainability has to be achieved in the technical, institutional, financial, environmental and social-cultural areas. SOPAC Member Countries have endorsed these strategies during the 30th SOPAC Annual Session (Majuro, October 2001), which are complimentary with the efforts towards the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the 3rd World Water Forum;
* implementation of the ¿Regional Action Plan for Sustainable Water Management¿, as agreed upon by Ministers, Heads of Delegation and representatives of civil society groups with responsibilities for water affairs from 16 small island countries in the Pacific, as well as East Timor and the Maldives as part of the regional consultation and preparation for the ¿Water in Small Island Countries¿ and ¿Dialogue on Water & Climate¿ themes of the 3rd World Water Forum, during the ¿Pacific Regional Meeting on Water in Small Island Countries¿, held in Sigatoka, Fiji from 29 July to 3 August 2002. The consultation process included the identification of national priority actions as determined by the participating countries on the basis of their national water strategies, national assessments and stakeholder consultations undertaken for WSSD and the 3rd World Water Forum, and the development of agreed regional actions through the consultation meeting process of plenary discussion, working group review and delegation approval.
[more]
Lead Partner: South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) - University of South Pacific (USP)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Island Countries Summary: Main objective: Provide long-term community based capacity-building activities to fully integrate environmental and development needs, using people and customs as the central parameters for decision-making, management, fostering social cohesion and the promotion of sustainable community livelihoods.
Principles:
- People are at the core of the pursuit of sustainable development;
- Sustainable community lifestyles for Pacific Island communities and nations are dependent on the sustainable use of terrestrial, freshwater and marine biodiversity and the protection and application of traditional knowledge of this biodiversity.
- Traditional and local knowledge enhances scientific knowledge and can guide future directions to ensure pragmatic and mutually beneficial efforts;
- Environmental and sustainable development are for the people and communities and therefore their aspirations and needs should dominate policies, plans, decision making, management and practice;
- Sustainable development requires Environmental justice, and preservation of human rights.
- Early community involvement and partnering with government in the development and project pipeline presents the best means to suit people¿s aspirations, values, issues and priorities to socio-economic progress.
- Integrating environment and socio-economics in the development process provides the means for better decision making for sustainable development;
- Ensuring equity in development processes and environmental management, with social justice and empowerment through community development frameworks - will assist poverty eradication and improve people¿s quality of life.
Purpose: To develop local and national capacity to institute community development frameworks to assist with partnering, prudent anticipation and decisions regarding the planning for environmental change, as well as the pursuit of sustainable development to enhance the quality of life for all communities. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Italy - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate General for Development Cooperation (DGCS) - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Goal: improve living standards among islands¿ residents while sustaining conservation of unique biodiversity.
Main challenge: foster the role of residents in setting planning agendas and participating fully in their islands' development.
Objective 1: provide opportunities for horizontal know-how transfer among relevant professional staff from both archipelagos, and to promote the involvement of the islands' residents in planning processes together with their participation in the sustainable development of the islands.
Low levels of awareness on the relationships linking the conservation of ecosystems, natural resources and biological diversity and the generation of concrete and sustainable development opportunities, is an issue to be addressed, at different levels, in both archipelagos. This extends to officials, community leaders as well as the local business community. There is an urgent need to strengthen the capacities of relevant institutions and society to work in a systemic and cross-sectoral fashion to improve the overall management of the island's resources.
Objective 2: contribute to the consolidation of relevant institutional capacities in the systemic planning and management of sustainable development, by promoting inter-linkage and information exchange between relevant institutions and administrations, as well as boosting their capacity to dialogue with local communities, NGOs and the general public. [more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are heavily dependent on fossil (petroleum) fuels and conventional biomass. The negative impacts on the environment and the heavy financial burden placed on SIDS through the present use of these fuels is the problem. The problem aggravates because of the low efficiency of energy use. Therefore, identification of the problem, formulation of national strategies, application of appropriate technologies and policies are required.
The main objective of this partnership is to achieve energy self-sufficiency and to increase the use of available energy for productive activities in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). To achieve these targets, a three-phase programme is considered:
1. Analyze demand and supply side energy data, consider development targets and identify needs, formulate policies and strategies.
2. Develop projects to submit to donors.
3. Implement demonstration projects. [more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: - To promote the mainstreaming of rainwater harvesting into water policies and strategies in particular the integrated water resources management (IWRM) at global, regional and national levels.
- To promote implementation of rainwater harvesting as part of IWRM.
- To encourage governments and their development partners to allocate human and financial resources for implementing rainwater harvesting.
- To promote the effective cooperation between different institutions and networks involved in rainwater harvesting. [more]
Lead Partner: REEEP International Secretariat
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Accelerate a global market for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Systems (REES).
Tremendous financial resources from the private and public sector will be needed to meet developing and transition countries' future energy demand in a sustainable way. Obstacles prohibiting this development include a lack of reliable policies and regulatory measures, and the perceived high risk and low return investments in REES.
The removal of the obstacles to sustainable energy is urgently needed:
- Robust policies and favourable, transparent and stable regulatory frameworks are required to attract private investors and to guarantee affordable energy services to the consumers.
- New forms of financing, risk mitigation and guarantee models will be necessary to make small sized renewables and energy efficiency projects bankable and economically attractive.
REEEP aims to work as an enabler, multiplier and catalyser of institutional change, and to have a real impact over the next decade with the following objectives:
1. Significant global increase of investments in renewable energy
2. Significant global increase of energy efficiency measures
3. Significant increase in access to sustainable energy services for the poor
[more]
Lead Partner: Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR)
Geographical Scope: National Summary: The main objectives of this initiative are to:
* Promote and develop renewable energy technology appropriate to the marine and tropical environment of the Asia-Pacific region (e.g. hybrid power systems, solar home systems for remote villages)
* Assist, facilitate and support its application through technical services, education, and
training for the sustainable development of the region.
The renewable-energy-based technologies under this initiative have and will continue to result in improved quality of life and economic development of Pacific Island nations with minimal environmental impact. [more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UNCHS) - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) - Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The main objective of the partnership is to provide technical assistance and build the capacities of SIDS for the integration of comprehensive risk management including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness into sustainable development planning and help relieve the consequences of disasters, extreme weather events and other emergencies.
Expected results include:
Sustainable Development Plans prepared and implemented to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters generally and in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism and fisheries.
Greater use of financial instruments and incentives for risk reduction.
Necessary legislation, planning, building and development standards and codes established and systematically enforced.
Public education and awareness improved, including the development of participatory approaches to disaster reduction planning and activities.
Regional networks strengthened including sharing data, best practice examples, early warning, coordinated emergency response systems and other co-operation mechanisms.
Enhanced inter-regional co-operation and information and technical expertise exchange.
SIDS vulnerability to hazards fully incorporated into environmental, social and economic vulnerability indexes and indicators.
A special SIDS fund established to support incorporating disaster mitigation, preparedness into sustainable development planning and to ensure better emergency response and co-ordination of donor support to activities. [more]
Lead Partner: Department of Economics and Social Affairs Small Island Developing States (SIDS) UNIT - Global Coral Reef Alliance
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional AIMS, Caribbean and Pacific Island Regions Summary: The SIDS Partnership for Implementation of New Technologies for Sustainable Development, brings together United Nations Agencies with a focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), SIDS Governments, Non Governmental Agencies, and the Private Sector to raise awareness and funding for the implementation of new, underutilized, but proven technologies for climate change adaptation and mitigation, renewable energy production, restoration of coral reefs and fisheries habitat, restoration of soil fertility, aquaculture, and waste recycling for SIDS. The partnership focuses on critical, low cost, highly effective, but little known, new technologies that are applicable on small to large scales, and which have not been covered by other venues at UN Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD).
[more]
Lead Partner: Government of Australia - Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Pacific Summary: The aim of this initiative is to enable Pacific Island countries to adapt to the future impact of climate change, climate variability and sea-level rise. Consistent with the objectives of the Pacific Island Framework for Action on Climate Change, Climate Variability and Sea Level Rise, the initiative aims to strengthen regional collaboration between relevant multilateral and regional technical agencies and other bilateral donors, and to enlist the support of key government, community and private stakeholders. [more]
Lead Partner: Southern Caucus Of NGOs For Sustainable Development
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: THE PARTNERSHIP SHALL:
1. Establish Five Multi Regional Centers to assist in recruitment, mobilization and development of human resources and strengthen Southern Major Group NGO Institutions on Local, National and Regional Levels and increase their Capacity to participate in and contribute to the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation Locally, Nationally and Regionally.
2 Seek resources to implement National NGO Action Plans to Eradicate Poverty, complementary to Government Plans
3 Report on the impact of reduction of poverty programs using UN CSD measurements and report on NGO Sustainable Development achievements and obstacles to participation in Local, National and Regional Sustainable Development.
4 Increase participation of Southern Major Group NGO¿s as observers and experts at Government Regional Meetings with feedback to local communities.
5 Replicate to NGOs in the countries served by the Centers best practices and expert programs developed by National and Regional NGO Major Groups that contribute to Sections IV to VIII of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, including the following:5a Reduce digital divide problems through Digital Divide Centers linked to Distance Learning, Technology Exchange, Higher Education, Research, Technical Assistance and Communications Programs,
5b Provide .
5c Participate in Monitoring and Management of Watersheds, Forests and Carbon Exchange programs [more]
Lead Partner: Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM)
Geographical Scope: Regional
Summary: A major source of economic pressure for the Caribbean Islands, with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago, is the cost of petroleum importation. Among the regions that scientists expect to be most adversely affected by the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, is the Caribbean. The major contributor to the GHG that drives climate change comes from the burning of fossil fuels like petroleum which contributes more that seventy-five percent of GHG. The region therefore seeks partnership for sustainable energy development that would reduce dependence on petroleum and demonstrate the viability of renewable energy to meet development needs.
Main objectives of the Partnership/Initiative
* Accelerate the transfer and adoption of cleaner and renewable energy technologies.
* Implementing pilot energy efficiency projects to help influence energy.
* Increased availability of adequate, affordable and environmentally sound energy for the sustainable development of the Caribbean islands.
* Build capacity for the training of energy sector professionals who will provide the technical guidance to help the region transition to sustainable energy. [more]
Lead Partner: Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Caribbean Summary: The overall goal of this initiative is to develop capacity to address the current threats to the environmental quality of the Caribbean Sea. This growing threat endangers the sustainable provision of goods and services that is the basis of the economy of the majority of countries across the region. A healthy Caribbean Sea is essential to the livelihood and aspirations of Caribbean people.
The special initiative is intended to assist with the implementation of the Plan of Action for sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea. The initiative will help harmonize and build upon ongoing programs being implemented within the region, and to implement priorities identified at the first ever meeting between leading environment and sustainable development actors from government, academia, NGOs and donors from Central America and the Caribbean, at which sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea was identified as the priority for collaboration and partnerships. [more]
Lead Partner: Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)
Geographical Scope: Regional
Summary: The overall goal of this initiative is "Sustainable Land Resources Management" for the Pacific region. To increase the capacity for sustainable development (including agriculture, forestry, livestock and mining) in the Pacific through a partnership of national, regional, and international organization with particular attention to participatory strategies with rural communities that will focus on appropriate technologies, food security, and poverty eradication & economic development that takes into account the fragile SIDS ecologies.
* Based on the regional and national priorities, the initiative will provide long-term funding for programmes and/or specific proposals to increase the capacity for sustainable agricultural development.
* Based on regional priorities from the UNFF process, the intiative will work in arease of forestry and trees
* In terms of mining, the overall objective will be to develop a mineral policy strategy which would contribute to the sustainable development of PICs by improving the governance in the minerals sector, through national capacity building and the formulation of legislation and policies consistent with national economic, environment and social policies, strategies, plans & guidelines. [more]
Lead Partner: Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM) - University of the West Indies
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Caribbean Summary: The overall goal of this initiative is more sustainable management of land resource across the region in order to reverse land degradation and desertification. Current management of land resources need significant improvement in order to address loss of fertility, reduction in fresh water resources, loss of biological diversity, and degradation of coastal ecosystems that are part of the unintended consequences of current land use and management practices. To increase the capacity for sustainable land use (including agriculture, settlement development, tourism, forestry and livestock) in the region, a partnership of national, regional, and international organisations with farming and forestry communities is being proposed. The components of the partnership will be integrated land use management, appropriate technologies, food security, economic development, and environmental protection. [more]
Lead Partner: The Travel Foundation - The Travel Foundation - The Travel Foundation
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: To create a step-change in the implementation of sustainable tourism practices by the UK outbound tourism industry, and to build the foundation for an ongoing process of continual improvement and engagement, by:
- Increasing the economic benefits from tourism by promotion of sustainable livelihoods for local communities from meeting the needs of the tourism industry.
- minimising the use of scarce resources - land, soil, energy and water.
- reducing pollution, waste, noise and congestion
- conserving of plants, animals, ecosystems and landscapes including protected areas
- respecting the integrity of the local cultures and avoiding negative effects on social structures of communities affected by the tourism industry
- encouraging responsible behaviour by tourists [more]
Lead Partner: Government of United States of America - Department of State
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) is an umbrella energy partnership comprising U.S. activities in the Global Village Energy Partnership, Cleaner Fuels and Vehicles Partnership, Partnership for Clean Indoor Air, and Efficient Energy for Sustainable Development. Collectively, these components will increase access to modern energy services, promote clean transportation fuels, indoor cooking and heating practices, and improve the productivity and efficiency of current energy systems reducing waste, saving money, and improving reliability. [more]
Lead Partner: Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Summary: The limited fresh water resources and high dependence on rainfall make water resource management a growing priority for Caribbean SIDS.
Specific objectives of the partnership are to:
* Assist in strengthening regional training capacity to provide the professional skills and the institutional capacity for more efficient management of water resources.
* Establishment of a regional network of persons and organisations whose responsibilities either interact with water resources supply or demand in a way that influences fresh water quality of quantity. The actors are often unrelated, where they should be integrated. Through the partnership, stakeholders that are important players, who, however, are not actively involved in water management, can effectively participate in improving management efficiency by exchanging views and experiences and helping lay the foundation for the full integration of the management of water resources.
* Improve access to safe water by poor communities.
* Increase availability and efficient utilization of water to the agricultural sector.
* Minimize pollution of water resources through capacity building and transfer of technology.
* Enhancing public awareness emphasising the need for better watershed area, water and wastewater management. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of United States of America - U.S. Department of State
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Caribbean Summary: The White Water to Blue Water Partnership designed to promote integrated watershed and marine ecosystem-based management in support of sustainable development, is underway in the wider Caribbean.
Objectives:
1. To increase coastal state and regional capacity for cross-sectoral approaches to management of watersheds and marine ecosystems.
2. To develop a framework for regional management programs that will promote a common vision, the efficient use of program resources, and address the entire scope of watershed and marine ecosystem management from forests to the sea.
3. To reverse the downward trend in fisheries.
[more]
to collapse the Summary of Partnerships.