SIRMM Outcome 1 seeks the development and implementation of an integrated strategy to maintain island resources and ecosystem integrity that necessitates an understanding of the current status and functionality of whole island ecosystem. A fundamental first step in developing a SIRM strategy is therefore the compilation, analysis and synthesis of a complex of information on the key environmental resources (physical, chemical, biological), current resource patterns (demographics, social, economic) and patterns of environmental variability. At present much of the existing information about the islands resources is inaccessible and this major hindrance limits decision-making and inter-institutional collaboration, as well as stakeholder awareness and participation. There is therefore a need to improve the modalities of information compilation and exchange. There are also critical gaps in the types of data available which equate to gaps in the understanding of interdependence and ecosystem function. The establishment of a centralised Environmental Information Management Advisory System (EIMAS) will improve the integration and accessibility of data for SIRM. The improved ability to share datasets will maximise their utility in a cost-efficient manner as well. The system will provide a powerful tool for monitoring of the status of these resources and stress reduction efforts over the long term, and to inform planning and decision-making. Awareness raising campaigns will ensure support for, and meaningful cross-sectoral participation in, the development of the SIRM approach.
1.1 – Environmental Information Management System (EIMAS) and mechanism for data for use in planning and decision-making established
The EIMAS will be developed by the Environment Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Lands and the Environment with the Information Technology Department in the Office of the Prime Minister. Existing paper and electronic based sources of information on the biological, physical and social environment will be compiled from the different institutions and these will provide the initial basis for the EIMAS. The design and structure of the EIMAS database will be developed with the capability of storing and managing both spatially referenced datasets (e.g. soils and habitat maps) on the biological, physical and social environment (e.g. demographics, administrative boundaries and land use patterns) as well as non-spatially referenced sources of information. Data formats will be established and standards will be set with a view to easing the capture and addition of new datasets (e.g. long term monitoring data). The main EIMAS facility will be housed in the Information Technology Department of the Office of the Prime Minister. The main EIMAS will serve as the central information ‘hub’ for the various agencies and will provide the necessary facilities to ensure equitable access to the information for registered NGOs and CBOs and interested members of the general public. This will include the responsibility for maintaining both hard and soft copies (e.g. of reports etc) and for providing requested information to ensure a two-flow of information is maintained. Other key agencies will be provided with the resources (e.g. personnel, training, hardware and software) to access, input and extract data and summary reports, thereby improving inter- institutional participation and collaboration. Suitable mechanisms to finance the long term maintenance of the EIMAS will be identified through Output 3.4. Workshops will be held to sensitize relevant stakeholders.
1.2 – Baseline assessments and mapping of island ecosystem resources, function and usage patterns
A review and analysis of the existing datasets will determine the interoperability and utility of the datasets from Output 1.1 and will identify the additional baseline data requirements and datasets that need updating (through a gap analysis) in order to support a SIRM approach. Specific baseline surveys and assessments will then be undertaken to determine: (a) the extent and status of biological and physical resources (i.e. terrestrial and marine habitats using ground-truthed remote sensing data, invasive and introduced species, soil types, topography, hydrology, watershed function, surface and ground water resources, coastal erosion and shoreline stability); and, (b) current land and marine resource use patterns, using stakeholder consultation and participatory GIS and resource mapping techniques (e.g. to locate dive sites and fishing grounds).
1.3 – Modelling of island ecosystem resources and identification of key resources required for sustaining island ecosystem integrity and functionality
The data compiled from the baseline surveys and mapping (from Outputs 1.1 to 1.2 above) will be analysed and used to generate an island ecosystem model that will include thematic maps illustrating key characteristics including: (a) Exposure and erodability index to understand potential soil loss (based on detachability of soil particles and steepness of slope); (b) Water resource distribution and hydrological models; (c). Extent and status of functional habitats (i.e. those required for ecosystem function) in need of restoration / maintenance (e.g. restoring vegetation around stream-ways and on steep slopes, forest cover in upper watersheds); (d). Environmentally sensitive habitats29 in need of protection (i.e. areas of high biodiversity, breeding, feeding, foraging grounds, etc.); (e) Extent of cover by invasive species (i.e. Citronella sp.); (e). Patterns of resource use; and, (f) Areas of conflict that may require specific mitigatory measures (e.g. agro-pastoral land adjacent to forest reserves, roadways blocking the natural passage of stream-ways). Information for this Output will also be used in the development of planning and zoning maps under Output 2.1 (below). The results of these analyses will assist in the spatial design of the monitoring programme (Output 1.5) and in zoning the islands in the development of a Sustainable Integrated Island Resource Management Zoning Plan (SIRMZP) and SIRM Implementation Strategy (Outcome 2).
1.4 – Environmental variability and extreme events forecasting
The baseline environmental data will be analysed and recommendations will be made on environmental variability and extreme events, their likely effects and possible contingencies and mitigations. The output will be linked to forecasting for disaster mitigation and climate change.
1.5 – Long term monitoring programme for island ecosystem status and function established
A comprehensive long term island ecosystem monitoring programmes (i.e. data collection, analysis and reporting) will be designed, using the data and analysis of the baseline surveys (Output 1.2 and Output 1.3) to assess the status of: (a) Biological resources (e.g. coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, forestry resources and vegetation cover, beaches); (b) Ground water and coastal water quality; (c) Water resources (fresh water lens, aquifers, water storage); (d) Land degradation trends (Soil erosion, overgrazing and sedimentation in watersheds); (e) Physical environmental variability, (e.g. meteorology, sea water temperature, tides, sea level, etc.); and, (f) Socio-economic parameters. The responsibility for the monitoring programmes will necessarily be appropriately divided between the government agencies with primary responsibility for the resource, although CBOs and NGOs or the private sector may be appointed where deemed more suitable or cost-efficient. The data collected will be stored centrally within the EIMAS and made available to the different agencies thereby promoting data sharing and maximising the potential utility of the data. Monitoring reports will be produced on a timescale appropriate to the monitoring programme. Suitable mechanisms to finance the long-term monitoring programme will be identified through Output 3.4.
1.6 – Targeted Awareness and Sensitization
A strategic programme of awareness and sensitisation will be developed in partnership with national NGOs and with the financial support of the private sector to ensure widespread cross-sectoral understanding of the implications of SIRM and meaningful participation in SIRM by civil society. This programme will develop parallel programmes to (a) sensitise policy and decision-makers (both private and public sector), to the benefits of the SIRM approach in relation to resource conservation and management as well as the economic advantages; (b) raise awareness at the institutional/ technical management level awareness to ensure that Managers and Directors understand how to interpret policy and how this is delivered; (c) raise public awareness of SIRM issues within the community, to foster support and action on the part of the community; and, (d) introduce SIRM issues and discussions into the educational establishment to ensure future stakeholders are aware of the requirements of SIRM. Appropriate packages and delivery mechanisms will be developed which are suitable for the target audience (e.g. preparation and publication of documentation on the zoning plan, with associated activity guidelines, in the form of leaflets and posters). The Media (radio, TV and newspapers) will be used to raise awareness and to consolidate the message as ‘genuine and globally accepted’. Governmental agencies will be assisted to identify their key stakeholders in collaboration with NGOs and CBOs. The potential of embedding the training courses prepared during the Project in a local institution (e.g. higher education colleges) will be investigated.
 |