Beyond the GEF Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project

1. Beyond the GEF Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project • Bali, Indonesia, 28 February 2019 • Donna Kwan, UN Environment CMS Dugong MOU Secretariat

2. Convention on Migratory Species • The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) • Legally binding environmental treaty administered under the UN Environment Programme (UN Environment) • Global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats • CMS Office - Abu Dhabi • Funded by United Arab Emirates Government • Hosted by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) • Provides Secretariat support to: • MOU on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range (Dugong MOU) • MOU on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Birds of Prey (Raptors MOU)

3. CMS Dugong MOU • Non-legally binding instrument • Promotes internationally coordinated actions to ensure the conservation of dugongs and their seagrass habitats • 27 Signatories • 46 Range States • Guided by the Conservation and Management Plan (CMP) • Developed to support the implementation of the Dugong MOU. • Aim is to address the conservation of dugongs and seagrasses, including via awareness and education, cross-cutting issues and enhancing cooperation on national, regional and international scales. • The Secretariat facilitates and coordinates global cooperation for dugong and seagrass conservation, including raising funds for conservation.

4. Dugong, Seagrass and Coastal Communities Initiative • Launched in February 2012 • Framework to support implementation of the CMP: • develop and implement conservation tools • pilot projects that demonstrate how innovative partnerships can combine conservation efforts, sustainable development and financial investment • Main activities include: • Conservation Incentive Pilot Projects(2012 - ongoing) • CMS Dugong MOU Standardised Dugong Catch and Bycatch Questionnaire (CMS Dugong MOU Questionnaire) (2010 - ongoing) • Global Dugong Genetics Project (2010 - ongoing) • GEF-5 Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project (2015 - 2019) • IKI Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project (2019 - 2022)

5. Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit • www.conservation.tools • Decision support tool for research into dugongs, seagrasses and associated human communities. • Developed by Dugong Technical Group. • Audience: marine natural resource managers, decision-makers (government and non-government) and researchers. • Purpose: • to standardise data sets and methods across countries. • to allow for better comparison of global dugong and seagrass conservation status. • to ensure that researchers consider the connectedness of dugongs, seagrasses and human communities.

6. The GEF Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project • Overview of Project Development Timeline and Key Dates • February 2013: • GEF International Workshop June 2013: Solomon Islands joined • June 2012: • Approval of PIF and PPG grant February to June 2011: Developed Project Identification Form (PIF) June 2013: ProDoc reviewed by Project Partners • October-November 2012: • National Meetings September 2013: Submission of draft ProDoc to UNEP September 2012-April 2013: Develop and agree activities July 2011-June 2012: PIF circulated to potential Country Partners October 2013: Revise ProDoc 2014 7 Country Partners 5 November 2013: Submission of ProDoc and CEO ER to GEFSEC 2012 2011 2013

7. GEF Project Legacy: Lessons Learned Realistic and practical objectives which match partner capacity (ie,. technical, resources etc) Conservation of biodiversity AND food security and/or improved livelihoods – conservation incentives must be tailored Forging “partnerships” with local communities is KEY (with national government and other stakeholder /sector support) vanderPloeg 2017 (1223) BDM Provision and uptake of technical guidance needed at all stages of project implementation – ensure ongoing and enduring relationships between local and international expertise Tailored and appropriate education& awareness raising which meets needs of local communities. C3 – Duck farming (Madagascar)

8. Project Legacy: Next steps for Project Partners • Reflect on achievements – Challenge to next level • Share your skills/expertise with others ie., to use appropriate and replicable methods for other contexts • Take appropriate action to ensure conservation & policy outcomes, eg. mobilise support & engagement (local communities, business, science, policy makers) vanderPloeg 2017 (1223) BDM DSCP-Indonesia Implementing Partners EWT– Fish processing (Mozambique) C3 – School book delivery (Madagascar)

9. GEF Project Legacy: Next steps • For Partners • Non-Signatories to sign the CMS Dugong MOU – this project is already implementing the MOU and the CMP. • Use the Tools available to you: • Seagrass-Watch • CMS Dugong MOU Questionnaire • Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit • Remember you are part of the Dugong and Seagrass Community (Secretariat, Technical support, resources) • Keep the National Facilitating Committee functioning and useful • What other enduring actions/lessons from the GEF Project legacy? vanderPloeg 2017 (1223) BDM DSCP-Indonesia Implementing Partners EWT– Fish processing (Mozambique)

10. Global dugong conservation into the future • CMS Dugong MOU Secretariat role • Building on the legacy of the GEF and other projects • Broadening focus from single species/habitat conservation to consider communities and ecosystem based management. • Flagship Project (2019-2022) • Regional project in South East Asia • Community capacity to monitor dugongs and seagrass, and evaluate seagrass ecosystem services. • Implement business models

11. Future priorities – Conservation of seagrass ecosystems Business Models • Sustainable funding for conservation • Ecotourism • Aquaculture Seagrass Ecosystem Services Build local community capacity to protect, monitor, restore and conserve seagrass ecosystem services $$ Sustainable Development Improve livelihoods and create economic opportunity $$ Conservation Tools Community based/participatory Technical Advice Dugong Conservation Minimise bycatch and threats • Dugong Technical Group • Business development Marine Protected Areas • Seagrass-Watch • CMS Dugong MOU Catch and Bycatch Questionnaire • Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit FisheriesManagement Education and Awareness

12. Future priorities • Regional collaboration– promotion and sharing between communities/countries • IKI Project • Bazaruto Archipelago – need resources • Pacific Islands – need resources • Building range state capacity to utilise existing and new tools and resources • Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit (www.conservation.tools) • CMS Dugong MOU Standardised Dugong Catch and Bycatch Questionnaire • Partnerships • Leveraging for new partnerships

13. Questions