Under Outcome 2 the project will aim to develop a SIRM Strategy based on the combined Outputs from Outcome 1. The first stage in the development of the SIRM process will be the development of a zoning plan for island resource management, in consultation with stakeholders. In order for this to be effective and to be fully embraced by all sectors, the SIRM Zoning Plan and Strategy will be pragmatically linked to national economic and development considerations supported by extensive stakeholder consultations. In this context the economic advantages of a long-term SIRM approach, as well as the costs of ‘no-action’ would need to be demonstrated. This will be achieved, in the first instance, through a cost-benefit analysis which will aim to illustrate the advantages of adopting a SIRM approach rather than maintaining the ‘baseline’. This would be further supported by an assessment of alternative livelihoods and technologies in support of a SIRM with emphasis on self-sufficiency and sustainable economic growth linked to the maintenance of ecosystem functions and services. A final component of the 5 year SIRM Strategy would be the development of contingencies to mitigate the effects of environmental variability and extreme events on ecosystem functions. This would focus on the identification and adoption of best practices and technologies for protecting various ecosystem services from damage and contamination. All of these Outputs will be coordinated and elaborated into an agreed SIRM Plan for formal adoption by the Government.
2.1 Sustainable Island Resource Management Zoning Plan (SIRMZP) Prepared
A Sustainable Island Resource Management Zoning Plan (SIRMZP) will be prepared for Antigua and Barbuda (including Redonda). The zoning plan will designate different categories of land and marine resource use. Each zoning category will have an associated set of activity guidelines and regulations (e.g. defining the specific requirements for EIA etc.). The zoning plans and activity guidelines will be developed for each island using the results of Outcome 1 and through extensive consultation with stakeholders on the islands. In particular, this Output will be carefully coordinated with the Physical Planning Act and the National Physical Development Plan through detailed consultations with the DCA and its members, and with relevant government agencies responsible for the monitoring of the Act and the Plan. The same terminology will be used to describe the zones on all of the islands so as to minimise confusion. The categories used in the zoning plan may include:
The zoning plans will incorporate designated protected areas and appropriate coastal set-backs and will consider the need for additional water storage, as well as for solid and liquid waste disposal. Special areas (such as functional, sensitive and critical habitats, as identified in Outcome 1) may be provided extra protection by the inclusion of additional ‘buffer’ zones. The plans may also consider creating zones for specific activities (e.g. offshore areas permitted for disposal of dredging spoils). As mentioned above, the plans will be developed through extensive stakeholder consultation. Workshops will be organized in both Antigua and Barbuda to consult with stakeholders at staged intervals in the development of the plan. A draft zoning plan will be prepared and distributed prior to the final workshop for approval.
2.2 Comparative cost-benefit analysis of SIRM Zoning and Management Plan
A comparative cost-benefit analysis (socio-economic and environmental) will be undertaken to illustrate the advantages of adopting an SIRM approach in the context of sustainable economic development, poverty alleviation, and resource management. The findings will also provide the financial basis to support decision-making for sustainable land use planning. The costs of particularly damaging / unsustainable resource use activities (e.g. sand mining) will be compared against more sustainable alternatives (e.g. a stone crushing plant). The analysis will encompass an economic valuation of ecosystem services as necessary tools of integrated ecosystem management and land-use planning. The analysis will also study the impacts of environmental stress and degradation and assess their socio-economic consequences. This will include the total economic valuation of these consequences including lost recreation values, water quality/public health, reduced agricultural productivity, and reduced fish populations. Efforts will also centre on enhancing capacity for cost-benefit analysis of ecosystem-based management, habitat restoration, and so on. New insights and information generated by the Project’s monitoring and demonstration activities will be incorporated.
2.3 Advisory Brief for Commercial Resource and Livelihood Sustainability
A review of current livelihood options will be undertaken to consider strategies to address the need to move toward sustainable self-sufficiency in relation to agricultural production, fisheries, sand for construction, etc. while improving livelihoods and incomes, and promoting sustainable economic growth. The Brief would include analysis of alternative agricultural practices, consider improved technologies, and identify high earning niches. The Brief would also include economic assessments and predictions of long- term supply and demand, and provide options and recommendations for action. The brief would be used as an input to a National Economic Development Plan. This Brief will be developed in consultation with relevant government agencies, such as the Forestry, Fisheries and Agricultural Extension Divisions, and other stakeholders. The Brief will be closely linked to the targeted training and capacity building programme described in Output 4.3.
2.4 Strategy and Contingency Plan to address Environmental Variability and Extreme Events within the Islands in direct relation to Ecosystem Functions and Services
This will focus on two components related to Environmental Variability and Extreme Events. The first will be forecasting and prediction for extreme events such as hurricanes, flooding, droughts and climate change. It would use data from the baseline and monitoring programmes (Output 1.4), capture data from outside the islands (i.e. from Caribbean regional programmes), and define contingency plans and precautionary approaches and strategies. The second component would look at identifying and capturing improvements (methods, practices and technologies) that address protection and conservation of water resources, mitigating possible impacts from sewage and wastewater, proper training of floodwater, and other potential impacts from events such as storms, hurricanes and droughts. This component would also consider the effects of environmental variability, in particular those that relate to sea level rise and global warming, and review and identify any possible contingencies that can be taken to protect ecosystem functions and natural resources in relation to these expected changes. The end-products could be used as an input or set of guidelines for part of a National Economic Development Plan. This Output will cooperate closely with the GEF Regional Project on Mainstreaming Adaptation to Global Change (MACC) which aims to increase national and regional capacity to monitor sea level and key climatic indicators, and to plan for adapting to the effects of global climate change on coastal and marine resources. This output will also coordinate closely with the UNDP and OECS joint efforts under their Environmental and Disaster Management Assistance Portfolio
2.5 Strategic Plan for SIRM submitted to government and adopted
A Strategic Plan will be prepared to accompany the final draft zoning plan. The plan will be developed in consultation with local stakeholders, and will follow the principles identified in the National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS)30 to allow the country to meet these priorities concerns. There is a close synergy between the SIRM approach, the NEMS and the OECS regional agreement (the St. Georges Declaration) from which the NEMS evolved. All proposed policies and intents inherently advocate the ultimate establishment of mechanisms for integrated ecosystem management and enhanced civil society participation. Further details regarding the linkages between the Project and NEMS are discussed under the Baseline (above). The plan for SIRM will capture development goals and needs in terms of economic development, social improvements and resource management. It will also identify potential areas of conflict and define a suitable mechanism and plan for conflict resolution. The final draft zoning plan and SIRM plan will be submitted to the Government for approval. The Strategic Plan for SIRM is expected to be reviewed every 5 years.
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