Angola

BCLME Project

Project Title: RAF/00/G32 or 00044916 Integrated Management of Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) Focal Points: Gabriela Nascimento

Project Document Integrated Management of Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (Project Document) Evaluation Reports Capacity Building for Environmental Planning and Biodiversity Conservation in Angola: Final Evaluation

Duration	5 years: 2002 - 2007 Statut : Operationally closed
Sector	Water Resources Planning & Management
Budget Amount	USD 38, 737,750
SOF	UNDP/GEF and Beneficiaries Government
Objective:	Biodiversity, ecosystem health and pollution of the Benguela Current Environmentally sustainable development and management including living resources and water quality, as to obtain long-term benefits for the human populations of the region, while protecting human health, ecological integrity and preserving options for use and enjoyment for future generations
Target beneficiaries:	Global and local communities ( Angola, Namibia, South Africa) and government personnel.
Lead Country:	Namibia
Implementing Partners:	Ministry of Fisheries and Environment (Fishery Research Institute)
Site	Fishery Research Institute
Contact Persons	Mrs. Sardinha (BCLME Luanda)- milu_sardinha@yahoo.com

Brief Description:

This project represent a nine years discussion between parts. The long-term objective of the project is to undertake the array of priority measures identified in the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and the Strategic Action Program (SAP), in conjunction with the ongoing activities of the participating countries, donors, regional organizations, private industry, NGOs, and other affected interests.

At the substantive level, special emphasis in this project is being given to effecting the sustainable management and use of the resources of the BCLME and on assessment of environmental variability, ecosystem impacts, and improvement of predictability of system dynamics.  The work of the project will be directly applicable to improved management of fish stocks, pollution prevention, and environmental protection. 

The baseline cost of the project is estimated at US $38, 737,750 of which GEF funding is of US $15,114,000 Governments co-financing are US $15,5969,761 and parallel co-finance US $7,589,989.

Activities

- Assessment of mining and drilling impacts and policy harmonisation;

- Development of mariculture;

- Protection of vulnerable species and habitats;

- Assessment of non harvested species and their role in the ecosystem;

- Assessment of environmental variability, ecosystem impacts and improvement of predictability;

- Capacity building and training for improved shared resource management;

- Harmful algal bloom mitigation and marine litter control;

- Maintenance of ecosystem health and management of pollution;

- Improvement of water quality;

- Prevention and reversal of habitat and destruction;

What has been achieved?

This project involves Angola, Namibia and South Africa. The BCLME Activity Center in Angola is responsible for 16 projects integrating the three countries on Biodiversity Ecosystem Health and Pollution component. These sub-projects objectives addresses national policies and legislations, coastal pollution, marine and sediment guidelines, oil spill contingency planning, council for scientific and industrial research, data gathering on cumulative effect of marine diamond mining activities, mortalities assessment caused by long line fishing gear on non-target species, biodiversity conservation improvement on sensitive areas of transboundary importance, indication of general habitat health, distribution of species, understanding integration of urban expansion into ecosystem approach, study on suitable areas for aquaculture development, capacity building of the three countries.

One project was finalized, some are delayed and others are on going.

In general, one of the most significant achievements is the development of strong working relationships between scientists and institutes within the 3 participating countries, which is creating an environment of mutual trust and respect. These working relationships are helping to define the interactions across many sectors and thematic subject areas, and to capture foundation information necessary upon which to base operational approaches and management strategies. Furthermore, the development of these relationships provides a strong foundation for the evolution of the Interim Benguela Current Commission (IBCC) and eventual adoption of a long-term Benguela Current Commission (BCC).  The Integrated Committee of Ministers formally endorsed the establishment of the Benguela Current Commission to ensure an ecosystem approach to management and sustainable use of the BCLME.

Lessons Learnt:

- These projects build capacities in management, organisation and integrated management among

the three countries 

 Constraints and bottlenecks:

- Lack of proficiency in English in a Portuguese speaking country like Angola, delays the delivery;

- Lack of scientific data about Angola;

- To maintain network with related institutions

Steps forward: 

- To finalize the 2005 projects

- Adoption of an Interim Benguela Current Commission, at a later stage, a full BCC supported by a regional legal instrument.