Capacity building related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Countries – ACP-MEAs Phase III (ACP-MEA III)

African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Countries article on UNEP website
This 4 year (2020-2024) EU funded project.
(USD1,961,264) executed by the Cartagena Convention Secretariat will address the challenges associated with the sound management of chemicals and waste, marine pollution, coastal erosion/protection and steps to curb loss of biodiversity. Phase III of the project began in Spring 2020 and as with previous phases, will promote the sharing of experiences and lessons learned, as well as cross-functional integration with other partners. Specific Secretariat activities will include :
• Reinforcement of Regional Seas Conventions Governance Frameworks and associated protocols
• Development of regionally representative networks of MPAs covering interconnected marine habitats and ecosystems for restoring and sustaining the health of the oceans
• Reduction of the influx of waste (plastics and other forms of human/industrial liquid and solid waste) entering the marine environment of the 4 regions
• Document best practices and lessons learnt in marine litter management at the community level

Outputs to date are linked to the work of SPAW with deliverables focused on developing a plan to facilitate cooperation between the SPAW-listed protected areas and creating a functional network of MPAs in the Caribbean.

These include :
• Continued Evaluation and restructuring of the CaMPAM database
• Steps to establish a SPAW MPAs Networking Group to lead the inter-regional network of MPAs through a coordination mechanism for their management effectiveness and improved networking (including CaMPAM enhancement) – this group has since been integrated with the current working group established for MPAs under the Protocol
• Development of a plan to link SPAW-listed MPAs based on the ecological connectivity between the sites. A report and proposal to form a network to conserve and enhance the connectivity have been drafted and circulated within the MPA working group for further feedback – they will be presented for endorsement at STAC
• A report containing tables, charts and narrative for the 35 SPAW Listed MPAs (including survey/responses)
• A report with an analysis of proposed species for inclusion within the proposed ecological network development for the SPAW Listed MPAs and the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) MPAs
• A SPAW MPA booklet and brochures of protected areas under SPAW and Caribbean MPA Network in the region

Final products will be published and made available in early 2021 – keep an eye out