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“Conservation
of Biodiversity through the Enhancement and/or
Establishment of Marine Protected Areas in sub-Saharan
Africa (HAB 1)” intends to promote the protection of key
habitats and globally significant biodiversity along
African coasts through the implementation of marine
protected areas (MPAs) where they do not yet exist, the
enhancement of existing MPAs, and the creation of a network
to link them. Project activities will focus on the
promotion of adequate management systems, with a strong
emphasis on the involvement of local communities and on the
assessment of the ecological, socio-economic and cultural
value of MPAs. The project also calls for ensuring that
appropriate legislative and policy frameworks are set in
place.
“Promoting the
Establishment of RAMSAR Sites and Developing a
Participatory and Integrated Approach for River Basin
Management in sub-Saharan Africa (HAB 2)” has been
formulated to promote appropriate management of river
basins and associated wetlands and estuaries, so as to
preserve these key habitats and enhance their functions as
nursery, breeding and spawning grounds. The important
services and resources provided by these ecosystems as
mainstays for the livelihoods of coastal communities is a
pivotal element of the project. In order to foster
participatory management schemes, this project will
implement pilot community-based conservation projects,
while stimulating education and awareness-raising campaigns
that would ensure the long-term sustainability of these
crucial ecosystems.
“Mangrove
Management in sub-Saharan Africa (HAB 3)” seeks to counter
the threats to mangrove forests in Africa, derived from
overexploitation and destruction. Numerous activities will
be carried out including socio-economic assessments and
studies of mangrove-related issues, mangrove management
training, awareness-raising campaigns, implementation of
mangrove rehabilitation programmes, promotion of
alternative sources of energy and building materials, and
establishment of mangrove forest reserves. Pilot
conservation projects will be implemented as a means to
demonstrate sustainable livelihood options for local
communities.
“Improving the
Protection and Stability of Coral Reefs and Associated
Communities (HAB 4)” seeks to reverse current trends of
coral reef degradation through a number of activities that
include evaluation of use patterns by neighbouring human
communities, implementation of conservation initiatives
such as buoy installations in especially affected areas,
revision and development of relevant policy and regulatory
frameworks, as well as of monitoring and research centres
so as to provide a solid platform for future
decision-making and planning. As part of a general ICAM
implementation strategy, this project will highlight coral
reef management within national and regional coastal zone
development plans, placing emphasis on capacity building
for sustainable community-based management.
“Reduction of
Suspended Solids in Estuaries and Lagoons in sub-Saharan
Africa (HAB 5)” aims to address land use practices
(agricultural and forestry) that result in increased
suspended solid loads in rivers, estuaries and lagoons,
with the objective of establishing guidelines for adequate
land use practices to minimize sediment loads, identify
environmental and socio-economic impacts of suspended solid
pollution in key areas, and promote awareness and
environmental education.
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