ANNEX I. 2.1 Sustainable development of oceanic and coastal natural resources

Transcription

1 EN ANNEX I of the COMMISSION DECISION on the Annual Action Programme 2017 part 2 in favour of the Pacific Region to be financed from the 11 th European Development Fund Action Document for Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership Programme (PEUMP) 1. Title/basic act/ CRIS number 2.Zone benefiting from the action/location 3. Programming document 4. Sector of concentration/ thematic area "Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP)"; (Pacific RIP Priority 2.1) CRIS number: FED/2017/ Financed under the 11 th European Development Fund (EDF) Pacific Region; The action shall be carried out at the following location: All 15 Pacific ACP countries (PACPs). Pacific Regional Indicative Programme (11 th EDF) 2.1 Sustainable development of oceanic and coastal natural resources DEV. Aid: YES 5. Amounts concerned Total estimated cost: EUR 45 million Total amount of EDF contribution: EUR 45 million (including the approximately EUR 10 million provided by SIDA mentioned below) The Commission will be entrusted with the responsibility of managing the contribution for an amount of approximately EUR 10 million transferred by SIDA after the signature of the corresponding transfer agreement, in accordance with the procedures applicable to the expenditure of the European Union, in particular EDF. 6. Aid modality and implementation modality Project modality: Indirect management with Regional Organisations - PAGODA Codelegation agreement with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) 7 a) DAC code(s) 313 Fishing 50 % , 31310, 31320; 410 Environmental Protection 20 % ; 331 Trade 15 % ; 114 Education 15 % /31381 b) Main Delivery Channel 8. Markers (from CRIS DAC form) Pacific Community (SPC) General policy objective Not targeted Significant objective Main objective Participation in development/ X [1]

2 9. Global Public Goods and Challenges thematic flagships good governance Aid to environment X Gender equality (including X Women In Development) Trade Development X Reproductive, Maternal, New X born and child health RIO Convention markers Not targeted Significant objective Biological diversity X Combat desertification X Climate change mitigation X Climate change adaptation X Main objective Consistent with GPGC thematic areas: sustainable management of ecosystems, climate change adaptation, enhanced and sustainable food security, and empowerment for better livelihoods. 10. SDGs Main SDG: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 - Life below water Secondary SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals 1 - No poverty, 2 - Zero hunger, 5 -Gender equality, 8 - Decent work and economic growth, SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production - and 13 Climate action SUMMARY The Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme overall objective is to improve the economic, social and environmental benefits for 15 Pacific ACP states (PACPs) arising from stronger regional economic integration and the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment. The programme purpose is to support sustainable management and development of fisheries for food security and economic growth, while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity. The overall amount of the programme is EUR45 million inclusive of approximately EUR 10 million co-financing from Sweden 1. The Swedish support will mainly be used to enhance regional cooperation to increase vulnerable coastal communities' resilience against negative climate effects and natural disasters in order to promote innovative actions and activities to promote more resilient coastal fisheries, with indirect benefits to coastal tourism. The programme will address six key result areas designed to improve living conditions and human rights in Pacific ACPs: 1 - High quality scientific and management advice for oceanic fisheries provided and utilised at regional and national level; 2- Inclusive economic benefits from sustainable tuna fishing increased through supporting competent authorities and strengthening private sector capacities to create decent employment; 3- Sustainable management of coastal fisheries resources and ecosystems improved through better quality scientific information, legal advice, support, mentoring and empowerment at community 1 The contribution of SIDA will be entrusted to the Commission through a Transfer Agreement. An amount of approximately EUR 450,000 will be allocated to the Commission as a lump sum in order to cover for administrative costs. [2]

3 level; 4- Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing reduced through enhanced monitoring control and surveillance of both oceanic and coastal fisheries, improved legislation, access to information, and effective marine area management; 5- Sustainable utilisation of the coastal and marine biodiversity promoted through improving marine spatial planning, increasing climate change resilience, enhancing biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation measures; 6- Capacity built through education, training and research and development for key stakeholder groups in fisheries and marine resources management. Key problems identified in the marine and coastal resources sector will be addressed: the uneven contribution of oceanic (tuna) fisheries to national economic development; increasing depletion of coastal fisheries resources; threats to marine biodiversity, including negative impacts of climate change and disasters; the need for improved education and training in the sector; and the need to mainstream a rights-based approach and gender considerations. The approach revolves around key principles/tools: 1) sound ocean and coastal governance with consideration of biodiversity protection and sustainable use of marine/fisheries resources; 2) mainstreaming of human rights and gender equality through a rights-based approach toolbox to improve the livelihoods of men, women and youth in the region; 3) mainstreaming of climate change and environment with due consideration to biodiversity; 4) strengthening capacity at regional, national, sub-national and local level to apply these principles with a focus on education, training and research to enable the next generation of Pacific decision makers and marine resource managers to exert their rights and duties with increased accountability; 5) equitable benefits for all the PACP countries with a demand-driven approach whilst recognising the diversity of needs and opportunities across the 15 PACP countries; and 6) intervention through both regional and national level activities to support specific countries needs and priorities to enhance ownership. To ensure sound implementation and a comprehensive partnership with the European Union (EU), a collaborative approach will bring together key organisations involved in the marine and coastal resources sector in the Pacific, with three international agencies (Pacific Community - SPC, Forum Fisheries Agencies FFA, and Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme SPREP), the only regional university (University of the South Pacific - USP) and several non-government organisations working together. Regional organisations will work closely with national agencies (governmental departments in each country responsible for fisheries and protection of the marine and coastal environment) and will work directly with coastal communities and the fishing industry to ensure strong local ownership and concrete deliverables to the people on the ground. The Action will contribute to an important process of reform in the region s fisheries policy through supporting implementation of certain strategies 2 of the Regional Roadmap for sustainable Pacific fisheries 3 approved by Fisheries Ministers and endorsed by Leaders (i.e. Heads of State and Governments) in The Action is aligned with the (i) New European Consensus on Development 4, in particular its priorities 3.1. 'People human development and dignity', 3.2 'Planet protecting the environment, managing natural resources and tackling climate change' and 3.3 'Prosperity inclusive and sustainable growth and jobs, and (ii) Joint Communication on A Renewed 2 Support to the implementation of the Regional Roadmap for Sustainable Fisheries does not constitute an endorsement of all its strategies and policies by EU particularly in its tuna fisheries component The document was signed on 7 June 2017: [3]

4 Partnership with the Countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific 5 and its priorities under section and (iii) 2016 Joint Communication on International Ocean Governance: an Agenda for the Future of our Oceans 6. The programme responds also to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 14 - Life below water. Secondary SDGs are the following SDG: 1 - No poverty, 2 Zero hunger, 5 - Gender equality, 8 - decent work and economic growth, 12 - Responsible consumption and production and 13 Climate action. It will contribute also to the European Union Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy 7 through implementing its principles of engagement and partnerships and the Commission Communication Next steps for a sustainable European future: European action for sustainability 8. 1 CONTEXT 1.1 Sector/Country/Regional context/thematic area Marine resources are the backbone of the region s / countries economy and form the basis of men and women s livelihoods in the Pacific countries. Therefore conservation and sound management of oceanic and coastal ecosystems to support sustainable coastal and oceanic fisheries are prerequisites for sustainable social and economic development in the region. Two main sectors are primarily concerned: oceanic fisheries and coastal fisheries. While there are interactions between these sectors, oceanic fisheries, which are managed under the aegis of Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), are dominated by the industrial fleets of distant water fishing nations, which partly fish in the High Seas but mainly fish in the EEZs of Pacific Island countries (based on access fees). Pacific Island countries work together to secure their national rights as coastal states in this shared resource, and reduces IUU fishing. Coastal fisheries, in contrast, are small scale, with the majority of the catch for subsistence. Rights to these fisheries are often held, at least informally, by coastal communities and improving community based management is the key to sustainability. The programme combines a regional and national approach paying a specific attention to actions and services delivered at country level in order to promote direct and positive changes on the beneficiaries lives, in particular women, youth and the most vulnerable groups. Economically, oceanic fisheries are vital to the region as: a) a source of economic growth and foreign exchange reserves essential to governments ability to deliver their core services by the selling of access fees (more than 40 % of government revenues in Kiribati, Marshall Is., Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru and Tuvalu) and gradually developing domestic tuna industries to replace foreign fishing; b) a source of decent employment for women and men and small business opportunities increasingly in the catching and onshore processing sectors, providing over 22,000 formal jobs with most of the jobs in processing held by women. The value of access fees has trebled since 2010 reaching a value of EUR 400 million in 2015; the proportion of the catch taken by local fleets is increasing; and in some countries there has been substantial new investment in processing, creating thousands of new jobs as they capture a larger share of the value chain. The European Union is the main market for canned tuna and tuna [4]

5 loins processed in PACP countries, accounting for an export value of EUR 140 million in 2014 (about half of all processed tuna exports) which benefit from duty-free and quota-free market access with favourable rules of origin for processed fishery products under the Economic Partnership Agreement EPA (Papua New Guinea and Fiji) and the Everything But Arms arrangement (Solomon Islands, Samoa and Vanuatu which have shown interest in acceding to the EPA).which establishes a framework for improved arrangements for trade and investment between the Pacific States and the EU to support the regional integration process. However, despite the better conditions created by the EPA, as a tool for enhanced integration in the world economy, for several countries, Pacific States face difficulties in meeting market access requirements, which the project will address to support expected trade benefits on poverty alleviation, growth and employment. Coastal fisheries are vitally important at community level, providing livelihoods and income for small-scale fishers with more than 60 % of households in coastal areas relying on fishing. Between 60 % (ex. Papua New Guinea) and 100 % (Kiribati or Tuvalu) of the populations live in coastal areas and rely on fisheries for their livelihoods, which is more than anywhere else in the world. Per capita fish consumption in all PACPs is higher than the global average, and in some of the atoll countries is among the highest in the world. This emphasizes the importance of coastal fisheries for food security the marine environment in coastal areas are nurseries for juvenile fish - and in maintaining healthy diets in a region that faces great problems with non-communicable diseases as traditional diets are replaced by less nutritious imported foods. Much of the region s tourism, and its potential to increase environment-friendly tourism, is dependent on the marine and especially the coastal environment, providing a further reason to improve the management and protection of these sensitive coastal areas. Positive developments have occurred: i) in oceanic fisheries PACPs have improved management and monitoring of their tuna fisheries, in some cases to comply with their international obligations as promoted by the EU through the Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Dialogues. Other tuna fisheries have, or are pursuing, eco-labelling of their catches, requiring more rigorous management rules and measures to reduce by-catch and the impact on the environment, ii) in coastal fisheries, national agencies staff have been trained in assessment of valuable invertebrates, finfish resources and sales, with EU support, and results used to inform management (e.g. sea cucumber export moratoria in six countries). PACPs have also made great strides in establishing community based ecosystem management of inshore areas (e.g. around 30 % of coastal waters in Fiji under local management), strengthening communities ability to exert their rights. However there is a growing need for better planning of the use of marine resources at both local and national levels, including conservation of critical habitats and protection of marine biodiversity. Some countries have embraced the concept of marine spatial planning and two Kiribati and Palau - have established significant no-take zones in their large marine protected areas (MPAs). However most of the coastal ecosystems need to be protected and managed by the indigenous and local communities in order to ensure that various site specific management systems will be successful. It is a crucial need to sufficiently educate local people to operate management systems Public Policy Assessment and EU Policy Framework This Action intends to support PACP s policies and their implementation at national and regional levels. Main relevant policies are: i) National development plans and strategies identify fisheries [5]

6 as a priority, with key objectives such as: ensuring sustainable management of fisheries resources; increasing economic benefits from tuna fisheries; fighting IUU fishing; improving the management of coastal resources for food security; protecting marine biodiversity; and building resilience to climate change. ii) Regional policy frameworks: Pacific Framework for Regionalism and its two priorities (Sustainable development and Economic growth that is inclusive and equitable); Regional Roadmap for Sustainable Pacific Fisheries and its key goals of empowerment, resilience and improved livelihood through better informed communities/citizens and governments, equitable access to benefits and involvement in decisionmaking and improved decisions with increased government capability to exert their duties. This Action will support, in line with the International Law, the implementation of several key strategies of the Roadmap, which covers both oceanic and coastal fisheries; 3) the 2015 Noumea Strategy for Coastal Fisheries 9. The Roadmap provides for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of progress through quantitative goals and annual reports on oceanic and coastal fisheries, besides M&E and reporting frameworks of regional organisations.; 4) The Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration 10. These frameworks build on priorities and principles defined by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders such as: a) science-based management measures and action to address overfishing; b) improving coastal fisheries management and development in support of food security and sustainable livelihoods; c) increased participation of communities; d) encouraging increased investment in Pacific fisheries and securing region-wide market access for fisheries products; e) solutions to address IUU and associated significant loss of fisheries earnings; and f) protecting biodiversity and the marine environment and addressing the impacts of climate change. The regional ocean policy, the Framework for a Pacific Oceanscape 11, emphasises the need for spatial planning systems that guide multiple uses of resources for economic growth, while maintaining ecosystem function, biodiversity and building climate change resilience of coastal and ocean areas. The region has also adopted a Framework for nature conservation and protected areas in the Pacific islands region The programme is aligned with SDG 14 to conserve and sustainably use oceans and marine resources and contributes to SDGs 1 on poverty eradication, 2 on zero hunger, 5 on gender, 8 on sustainable economic growth, 12 on responsible consumption and production and 13 on climate action. It also responds directly to the global Aichi Biodiversity Targets (6, 10, 11, 12 and ), and biodiversity related multi-lateral environmental agreements 14 (including the Convention for Biological Diversity and Convention on Migratory Species - CITES). 15 The programme is also aligned with the International Labour Organization's (ILO) decent work agenda and its 4 pillars (employment creation, social protection, rights at work, and social dialogue) and Core Labour The programme is in line with the international agreement and guidelines on fisheries, amongst other: the FAO Code of conduct for responsible fisheries, Port state Measures Agreement, Voluntary guidelines on small scale fisheries. 15 The programme can also respond to the listing of various endangered marine species (sharks, mantas and rays ) on CITES Appendix II in managing the trade in several endangered species. [6]

7 Standards as per ILO Conventions. The activities will also contribute to promoting decent work and better working conditions. Coherence with EU policies: 1- 'Cotonou Partnership Agreement's principles of eradicating poverty consistent with the objectives of sustainable development and integration in the world economy, through sustainable management of natural resources, and of the environment including climate change; 2- 'New European Consensus on Development and its priorities 3.1. (human development), 3.2 (climate change, environment), 3.3 (sustainable growth); 3- EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy through implementing its principles of engagement and partnerships; 4- EU Communication Towards a renewed EU-Pacific development partnership; 5- EU Joint Communication on International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans 16,; 6-11 th EDF Pacific Regional Indicative Programme 17 The programme will promote trade and facilitate exports to the EU, as well as promoting investment. It will also result in improved transparency in fisheries information and decision-making, supporting priority 3 (Accountable Governance); 7- European Parliament s Pacific Fisheries Strategy calls "on the Commission to ensure that the 11 th EDF takes this strategy into account and also reflects the possibility of increasing the percentage of sector-specific assistance ; 8- Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and its external dimension which emphasises combatting IUU fishing and supporting science based management through Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. The programme will also be the important EU contribution to operationalise article 30 of the Convention on the conservation and management of highly migratory fish stocks in the Western and Central Pacific, on the recognition of the special requirements of developing states. In this regard the programme will take into consideration the priorities provided by WCPFC's Conservation and Management Measure on the "Special requirements of Small Island Development States and Territories" and SIDS checklist annually tabled by FFA Members during WCPFC regular sessions of the Commission that sets out SIDS specific needs. It will assist in prioritising assistance received from the EU and developed Contracting parties. The EU and the Pacific share many of the objectives of the CFP. Europe s commitment to a common framework for marine spatial planning is also relevant; 9) the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy 18 adopted by the Council in June 2012 which promotes the use of human rights based approach in the area of development cooperation; 10) the EU Gender Action Plan "Gender Equality and Women s Empowerment: Transforming the Lives of Girls and Women 19 through EU External Relations ". The programme is aligned with the EU rights based approach working principles including: i- second principle (participation to decision making process); ii- third principle (non-discrimination and equal access); iii-fourth principle (accountability and rule of law); iv- fifth principle (transparency and access to information). The activities implemented through this programme will contribute to increasing climate change adaptation in selected countries in line with their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). 16 In particular priorities: 1) Strengthening capacity building for better ocean governance and sustainable blue economy; 2) Reducing human pressure on oceans and a sustainable blue economy, and priority 3) International ocean research. 17 In particular priorities: 2) Sustainable Management of Natural Resources; 1) Regional trade and business enabling environment, with fisheries products one of the few commodities produced in the Pacific and for which export values are growing steadily. The programme will promote trade and facilitate exports to the EU, as well as promoting investment. It will also result in improved transparency in fisheries information and decision-making, supporting priority 3 (Accountable Governance) [7]

8 This also contributes to the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, in particular to its goal to increase resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate impacts (Art 7). Overall, this programme will provide a platform to build common understanding and partnership to address issues of governance and transparency. A regular policy dialogue between PACPs and the EU (including other relevant stakeholders) on International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries will take place to promote transparency in the management of oceanic fisheries resources, and strengthening the voice of stakeholders such as local tuna industry bodies Stakeholder analysis In line with the rights-based approach, rights holders and duty bearers comprise key target groups including regional and national agencies responsible for fisheries, maritime surveillance and the environment, domestic small and medium enterprises in the fisheries industry, the social partners and civil society organisations/ngos that will be supported to increase their capacity to raise awareness and empower communities. The strength of regional organisations (FFA, SPC, SPREP and USP) is to serve as the means for delivery to build and supplement national capacities, which, in the case of very small PACPs, is limited by lack of resources. This is a longestablished and successful model in the Pacific. Beneficiaries will be national authorities, indigenous and local coastal communities and social partners, who will benefit from improvements in sustainable management of marine resources essential for food security, increased and improved decent employment opportunities and working conditions (especially for women and youth) and broader benefits from export-led economic growth. The roles of men and women differ across PACP countries and across types of fisheries, but tuna processing has provided thousands of jobs for women, who are otherwise under-represented in formal employment. The countries with rapid population growth are also facing a time-bomb of growing youth unemployment making job creation a priority. The programme will also provide community empowerment, increased equitable access to benefits and involvement in policy and decision making, and better access to information. Capacity building will benefit not only the organisations involved in marine resources management, but many individuals working, or planning to work, in the sector with a focus on youth and women Priority areas for support/problem analysis The overarching problem is the uneven contribution of marine resources to the sustainable social and economic development in a region that is 98.5 % ocean. Over-exploitation of coastal resources threatens food security and biodiversity while reducing the ability of the coastal environment to provide ecosystem services and this is worsening due to climate change impacts and population growth. Inadequate planning, limited capacity (human, administrative, infrastructure, etc.) of SIDS to ensure the sustainable management of their fisheries, and a failure to engage communities, women and youth in particular, more effectively in the economy and decision-making are important cross-cutting issues. Priority areas for support/problems addressed by the proposed actions are: 1) Oceanic fisheries management and development: dominated by large-scale industrial tuna fishing, oceanic fish stocks are a shared resource requiring a regional approach. Despite some successes in developing tuna fishing and processing capacity, some 70 % of catches from EEZs are made by foreign vessels; and over 80 % of the catches are transhipped for processing - [8]

9 mainly in Asia. Key challenges for PACPs include addressing the limited capacity to implement, comply with and enforce national, regional and international legislation and conservation and management measures, while maximizing social and economic benefits from fisheries production and related services. Other challenges for PACPs include meeting market access requirements and facilitating genuine investment to support export-led economic growth. While tuna fisheries for three of the four commonly exploited species 20 are still regarded as healthy by global standards, they are coming under increasing pressure as fishing effort continues to expand. Overfishing is a problem for bigeye tuna, and incidental and directed catches of endangered species are depleting those species, sometimes to critically low levels. 2) Effective systems to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing, in compliance with international law - to ensure sustainability of these globally important resources: recent investigations by relevant services of the European Commission identified deficiencies in breach of international obligations for flag, coastal, port or market States in systems and legislation in six countries 21. While regional systems are quite comprehensive, and provide for an important support to participating countries, the role and responsibility of the countries are pivotal. In this respect, the European Commission has identified the need for more effective enforcement action at the national level. PACPs need in particular to reinforce MCS and traceability systems. A specific challenge is the control of transhipments in the PACPs ports. During the transfer of fish from fishing to transport vessels there are high risks of IUU fish being laundered if port States do not ensure appropriate control. An additional specific gap is in the delimitation of maritime boundaries of EEZs despite good progress in recent years (14 boundaries out of 48 still need to be negotiated mainly for Fiji, Palau, Tonga, Niue and Samoa). 3) Gaps in oceanic fisheries science: include biological/ecological data of key tuna and by-catch species that are needed for accurate stock assessments; Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) to support the elaboration and implementation of comprehensive harvest strategies; mitigation methods for minimising the impacts of fishing on protected/endangered species; mis- and nonreporting of scientific data; understanding the complexities and interactions of multispecies and multi-gear fisheries; implications of climate variability on the stocks; and bio-economic analysis to inform PACPs of the most economically effective ways to improve management and ensure sustainable stocks and viable fishing industries. All 15 Pacific ACPs are concerned by these problems. 4) Coastal fisheries resources and livelihoods: With an increase in harvesting and population growth (expected to double by 2030) pressure on coastal fisheries is increasing. Inadequate planning and over-harvesting of carnivorous fish has resulted in disturbance of trophic relationships and a decline in the health of coral reefs. Ocean acidification, warming and sea level increase, induced by climate change, will further degrade habitats in the longer term and measures are needed to build resilience. Food security is threatened, while products harvested for cash income and export, notably sea cucumbers, have been virtually wiped out across much of the region, and effective enforcement of moratoria is needed to allow their recovery and to restore ecological balance. These problems affect all 15 Pacific ACPs countries. 20 Yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, Skypjack tuna, Albacore tuna. 21 Yellow cards have been lifted for Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands with support provided under the EDF10 DevFish project, but remain in place for Tuvalu and Kiribati. [9]

10 5) Ecosystem based management and biodiversity conservation: Top predators are critical to healthy ecosystem functions. Large marine species are culturally important, attract tourists generating millions of dollars annually for some countries, and provide a flagship for marine conservation. The impact of fishing on endangered species is significant but needs further quantification. Addressing this concern is important to the holistic approach promoted by this Action and requires targeted interventions, coordinated with improved management of coastal fisheries and the coastal environment. These problems affect all 15 Pacific ACPs countries. Taking into consideration points 4) and 5) it becomes evident that the competing demands are threatening both the resilience and the conservation of marine resources. Spatial planning has proved to be a useful tool for promoting sustainable management of resources not only for coastal areas but also for Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). Countries currently developing this approach are Tonga, Vanuatu Fiji and Solomon Islands, with some interest from Tuvalu, Cooks Islands and Palau. 6) Lack of capacity at the national and community levels threatens effective implementation and sustainability of both this and other interventions, hampers more effective participation in policy and decision-making, access to information and improved accountability. Current ad hoc training courses provided in the region (although of high quality) are not accredited or incorporated into internationally recognised qualifications. In addition new, targeted courses required by fisheries professionals in today s complex environment require development. Problems include limited skill in geospatial databases as well as business management; and lack of access to investment finance. Limited capacity for marine research in fisheries related areas such as genetics, ecosystem based management, socio-economics, governance, policy and the design of Marine Protected Areas to maximise conservation benefits (if not properly done in consultation with local stakeholders) is also a problem. A broader whole of business approach is required that caters for community, small business, and national needs, that considers all aspects of improved livelihoods from sustainable development of coastal and marine resources, from production, collection, harvest, storage, transportation and marketing and trade and that provides tangible benefits. Most importantly, a holistic approach needs to be adopted for the conservation of the coastal environment and to support healthy coastal fisheries through an Integrated Coastal Management approach. The diversity of scenarios in the 15 Pacific countries will require a tailored approach. Specific issues related to gender and human rights are addressed in section 3.3 below. 2 RISKS AND ASSUMPTIONS Risks Risk level H/M/ L Mitigating measures [10]

11 Regional support and advice will not be translated into action at the national level. A lack of capacity and ownership at the national level may impede achieving and sustaining results. A failure of the WCPFC process to fully adopt scientific advice in management measures across the range of the tuna stocks Community based management of coastal fisheries and marine biodiversity will not be effective, particularly in areas where community leadership is weak Failure of national administrations to secure political support and devote adequate budgetary resources and capacity to fight against of IUU fishing, as well as governance issues when dealing with offences Reduction of endangered species mortality caused by the fishing industry may be undermined by IUU fishing. Marine spatial planning processes may face differences between stakeholder groups that are difficult to resolve Insufficient uptake of training opportunities to make the programmes viable M Wide consultation with stakeholders (including existing processes 22 ) to identify activities that are necessary and achievable in each PACP member. A demand-driven approach to many programme activities and ongoing mentoring in national service delivery. Links/interaction between the local, national and regional levels and secure national representation and involvement at regional level will be increased. H The programme s emphasis on capacity building at regional, national and community level, including the development of tertiary training and postgraduate research, access to appropriate information and skills by communities and also on the job for fisheries officers. H The PACPs will renew efforts to reach consensus with distant water fishing interests but the majority of the main fisheries occur within their EEZs so they also have the option of adopting compatible measures at the subregional and national levels M High emphasis on public awareness and information, focus on communities with a real will to improve their resource management; work with all stakeholders especially women and youth; provide for stronger enabling environment and enforcement of national management measures through regulations particularly on commercial and export operations. Use tools such as MSP in community consultations H The EU IUU regulation has encouraged PACPs, particularly those that rely on the EU market to tackle the issue effectively and creates synergies between result areas. At least 4 PACPs will secure resources to combat IUU under the World Bank PROP project. M H M Address coastal harvesting under this component as well as by encouraging governments to introduce stronger regulations to protect marine biodiversity where such legislation is currently weak and ensure national awareness and information provision covers integrated management and threatened species. Because of the prevalence of customary resource ownership in the region, the full engagement of communities and their representative groups is essential in planning for sustainability, but ultimately governments have overall responsibility and will need to be supported in working towards consensus between the different stakeholders. Provide a flexible learning opportunity suitable for both short in-service training as well as full time undergraduate studies; on the job training and 22 Including SPC joint country planning, FFA service level agreements and SPREP marine species action plans. [11]

12 Poor communication of programme results and programme visibility A regional agency (FFA or SPC) will not be able to manage a complex multi-agency project of this nature. Assumptions H L mentoring, as well as close consultation with prospective employers through an advisory committee and initial needs assessment Development of a robust communication strategy for the programme The agencies have decades of experience in managing EDF projects, regularly work together on joint programmes, and are convinced that this is the best option. Global economic conditions and national governance will not prevent economic growth Domestic development of tuna fishing and processing replaces foreign effort and provides revenue to replace access fees Positive impacts on the environment are not negated by natural disasters PACPs production of fisheries products is not undercut by emerging processors International market pressure for by-catch reduction maintained Political support for the delimitation of Maritime Zones and implementation of Marine Spatial Planning is maintained 3 LESSONS LEARNT, COMPLEMENTARITY AND CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES 3.1 Lessons learnt Lessons learnt, findings from M&E reports 23 of previous EDF-funded initiatives and from onthe-ground experiences from partners have been integrated into the development of the proposed Action and include: Regional fisheries projects are highly relevant, effective and efficient. While sector specific projects have been well-implemented and delivered strong results, a narrow focus has limited their impact, henceforth the need for a multi-disciplinary and integrated approach, including appropriate policy dialogue, to maximise aid impact; The need for a balance between a demand-driven approach and ensuring equitable benefits for all PACP countries, addressed by a thorough needs analysis while ensuring flexibility and coordination to ensure adequate responses to emerging needs in a fast evolving region to ensure best impact between regional and national initiatives and an effective multi-level approach; A strong emphasis on capacity building for national agencies and the involvement of coastal communities and civil society specifically supported by national information strategies, community networks, appropriate planning processes and refocused government agencies to promote an integrated approach to coastal management amongst agencies responsible for fisheries, biodiversity, water quality and climate change. The importance of having strong working relationships with national counterpart agencies is a factor of success for regional programmes in order to develop tailor-made activities, inclusive approaches and institutional cooperation arrangements; 23 Including Evaluation of the European Union s cooperation with the Pacific Region [12]

13 A longer implementation period, with a mobilisation period to allow recruitment of experts; Synergy with other projects to minimise duplication and enhance sustainability and the value of complementary projects benefiting the Overseas Countries and Territories; The need to address governance issues in fisheries to be addressed by policy dialogue; The need for long-term resourcing of oceanic science, avoiding overlapping and fostering complementarity with activities implemented under WCPFC, and coastal fisheries science, suffering from a limited availability of scientific research and data (considering that coastal aspects are not covered under WCPFC) tailored to PACPs needs; The importance of a rights-based approach and gender equality and the role of women and youth to promote an integrated approach to coastal management, notably, and enhance long term sustainability; The importance of inclusiveness of private sector representation in the programme, building on existing platforms; The implementation through regional organisations favoured alignment and effective implementation, but hampered EU visibility in the region and often beneficiaries have not been aware of the funding source. Therefore it is important to embed strong communications and adequate attention to EU visibility in project design; The importance of adequate resources for operational and financial management and administration, reflected in a substantial allocation of resources for management of this programme. 3.2 Complementarity, synergy and donor coordination The importance of marine resources is recognised by all of the development partners active in the region. The proposed Action will avoid duplication, build on previous results, complement and synergise with existing and planned initiatives in order to catalyse real change in the sector. Particular attention will be paid to add value to other regional and national programmes. A nonexhaustive list includes: i- the World Bank (WB) Pacific Regional Oceans Programme (PROP); ii- the Australian support for national Patrol Boats including a programme of Aerial surveillance; iii- Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Implementation of Global and Regional Oceanic Fisheries Conventions and Related Instruments in the Pacific Small Island Developing States; ivmany national projects for climate change adaptation; v- aquaculture development - supported by Australia and the EU Increasing Agricultural Commodity Trade (IACT) project; vi- Tuna fisheries management - supported by the Global Environment Facility; vii- Coastal fisheries governance and legislation New Zealand; viii- The Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) programme and its regional observatory for protected areas and biodiversity in the Pacific region; ix- Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme United Kingdom; x- EU Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European overseas programme; xi- The Global Island Partnership (GLISPA); xii- the EU's Copernicus programme, [13]

14 targeting the monitoring of oceans from space 24 ; xiii- the GIZ Marine and Coastal Biodiversity management in Pacific Island Countries (MACBIO); xiv- the upcoming 11 th EDF regional Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) programme targeting environmental protection and biodiversity; xv- on decent labour/forced labour issues, FFA is already partnering up with New Zealand and the International Labour Organisation on the duties of Flag and Port States to improve working conditions in the region, whilst the Parties to the Nauru Agreement have developed Social Accountability Guidelines for purse seiner tuna fishing vessels supplying the Pacifical brand. Coordination mechanisms, through the Regional Steering Committee will ensure complementarity of these projects, which in any case mainly involve the same implementing agencies. The programme will also seek synergies with the other regional priority areas under the EDF11, notably on issues related to private sector, trade facilitation, waste management and governance. Moreover, it will contribute to developing a pipeline for the Investment Facility for the Pacific and promote synergies with the EU-International Maritime Organisation pipeline project "Capacity Building for Climate Mitigation in the Marine Shipping Industry". Sweden has developed a new Strategy for Asia and the Pacific structured around resilient and sustainable development through mutual interaction between human rights, democracy, equality, the environment and climate change. Donor coordination mechanisms in the Pacific are well developed. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) is the Duly Mandated Regional Organisation (DMRO) and plays a coordination role through regional mechanisms such as the post-forum dialogue or peer reviews of aid effectiveness at national level. Each agency develops work programmes with their members. They work with donors to ensure that the resources needed are secured without duplication. In the case of Australia and New Zealand (which are also members of the regional agencies) they have formally endorsed the project concept, while others (WB, ADB, UN bodies and NGOs) have been consulted through different channels such as the Marine Sector Working Group Cross-cutting issues The programme will promote international ocean governance through, among others: i- Public debate on marine resource use through increased awareness and marine spatial planning, monitoring and consultations; ii- Empowering local communities to manage their marine resources; iii- Improving effectiveness of government service delivery in support of coastal resource management and conservation of biodiversity; iv- A regular policy dialogue between PACPs and the EU (including other relevant stakeholders) on International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries; this will be promoted with improved transparency in the management of oceanic fisheries resources, and strengthening the voice of stakeholders such as local tuna 24 Regulation (EU) No 377/2014 of 3 April More info and access to Copernicus data and services: 25 The Marine Sector Working Group is a mechanism established between Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific members (FFA PIFS, SPC, SPREP and USP) and other organisations (including UN System, donors, civil society) to enhance cooperation and address work concerned with ocean health and sustainable management of marine resources and ecosystem. The EU has been granted an observer status to this working group. [14]

15 industry bodies; v- Strengthening national action against IUU fishing with support of regional staff for MCS capabilities, legislative changes investigations and prosecutions to enforce the rule of law; vi-establishing jurisdictional rights and responsibilities over maritime zones as per the provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Environment - The programme is designed to have a strongly positive effect on the marine environment, while maintaining the overall focus on the wellbeing of coastal communities. Conservation of biodiversity 26 will be mainstreamed through many of the activities, in line commitments made by P-ACPs under the Convention on Biodiversity, including: a) analysis of impacts of tuna fisheries on non-target species and in particular those that are protected/endangered and designing and implementing measures to mitigate these impacts; b) taking an ecosystem based approach to the conservation and management of coastal and oceanic fisheries; c) marine spatial planning at different scales with due regard for sustainable use of different marine resources, the environment and biodiversity conservation; and; d) targeting conservation of endangered species. Human rights and Gender The Action addresses the need to put gender equality and women and youth, as agents of change, at the core of sustainable development and in particular promote sustainable management of natural resources at national level. Lack of (access to) training and obstacles to effective participation in effective decision-making due to lack of access to information constitute some of the issues affecting the region. The Action will adopt at the outset a rights-based approach, which goes beyond gender to include all vulnerable groups and the indigenous peoples' communities [1]. The Programme will mainstream human rights, with the aim of enhancing accountability, participation, transparency and non-discrimination at regional, national and community levels, since it is one of the prerequisites to improve a long-term sustainable management of fisheries and coastal biodiversity with due consideration for traditional knowledge and equitable benefit sharing. Gender will be mainstreamed throughout the programme in line with the Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration 27 and the new EU Gender Action , and Staff Working Document on Gender Equality and Women s Empowerment. Women make up some 80 % of employees in the tuna processing industry, and a number of initiatives are envisaged to improve their working conditions and opportunities for advancement. Community consultation processes on coastal management will involve women and youth organisations and fully recognise the importance of women and youth in harvesting and marketing marine resources. Greater attention will be paid to empower women and youth to participate in decision making over the management of the coastal fisheries resources. Training opportunities will be specifically targeted to empower and increase participation of women and youth in fisheries careers and biodiversity conservation (with potential ecotourism opportunities) and data on beneficiaries will be gender disaggregated. Climate change adaptation - The Pacific Islands region is the most severely affected by the negative impact of climate change with six of the top twelve most vulnerable countries worldwide being located in the region. The Pacific was the first to undertake a comprehensive 26 Cf. joint commitment to COPs on Biodiversity, i.e. latest COP13 in Cancun, Mexico, in December [1] Cf. in line with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) 2007 and the Right to Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) 27 [15]