National Oceans Symposium Implementation Plan for the National Guiding Principles to Sustain and be Sustained by Our Ocean and Coral Reefs

Copy of Copy of NOS IP Implementation Plan for the National Guiding Principles to Sustain and be Sustained by Our Ocean and Coral Reefs A P R I L 2 , 2 0 1 8 INTRODUCTION The National Oceans Symposium Implementation Plan (NOS IP) sets out actions to be taken by authorities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands in response to the outcomes of RMI's 1st National Oceans Symposium (3-5 April 2017) as endorsed by the participants and representatives of Local Governments. The Plan identifies the agencies responsible for actions under the four themes of the Symposium (Sustainable Fisheries, Climate Change, Marine Pollution, and Coral Reefs and Marine Protected Areas). For each theme, the Guiding Principles are categorized into six groups as follows: 1) Legal and Regulatory; 2) Human Resource/Capacity Development; 3) Public Awareness and Education; 4) Data Collection, Management, and Information Sharing; 5) New Projects (Conservation, Management, and Livelihoods), and; 6) Networking and Establishing Partnerships. The NOS IP provides for operational delivery of the Guiding Principles of the National Oceans Symposium Outcomes and will be monitored through annual consultations between Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) and the Marshall Islands Mayors Association (MIMA). MIMRA will provide progress through the Annual Report. N O S IP A number of Guiding Principles can be implemented through the existing Reimaanlok process and steps for getting started are attached to this Plan. Reimaanlok processes are implemented through a collaborative approach involving a group of national agencies and stakeholders known as the Coastal Management Advisory Council (CMAC). This collaborative approach ensures that resources are shared and used effectively toward common goals. Geography, human and financial resources, and technical expertise will be ongoing challenges in supporting ocean and coral reef conservation and management efforts in the outer islands, but through strengthened collaboration amongst national stakeholders along with external partnerships with like- minded donors and non-governmental organizations, progress is achievable. Guiding Principles by Category, Implementation Actions, Lead Partners, and Status GUIDING PRINCIPLE HOW WILL IMPLEMENTATION BE ACHIEVED? LEAD PARTNERS STATUS 1.10 Enact strong and effective national laws and regulations and local ordinances. ● Work with AGs Office to review and update relevant and applicable laws to strengthen the sustainability of fisheries resources. ● Consultation with stakeholders, Local Government Councils, communities, Traditional Leaders, industry. ● Ensure Ordinances and legislation drafting etc. abides by local and national processes. ● Prepare Cabinet submission on required National legislation on marine and ocean resources. ● Ensure Ministry of Culture & Internal Affairs receives reviews and disseminates Ordinances to check for consistency with the RMI Constitution and other relevant laws. MIMRA and Local Governments MIMRA in consultation with the AG’s Office currently reviewing Title 51 and related legislations. In addition, a template Fisheries Management Ordinances has been developed for Local Governments to adopt. Expected Completion: Ongoing 1.11 Enact national laws to protect rights of Marshallese seamen/vessel crew working on vessels operating in RMI waters and on nationally- registered vessels. ● Work with AGs Office to review and update relevant and applicable laws ● Consultation with stakeholders, including industry. ● Ensure legislation drafting etc. abides by national processes. ● Prepare Cabinet submission on required legislation. MIMRA MIMRA in consultation with the AG’s Office currently reviewing Title 51 and related legislations. Expected Completion: Ongoing 1.12 Ratify International Conventions focused on protection of human rights and prevention of human trafficking. ● Work with Foreign Affairs and Immigration to prepare Cabinet submission to ratify relevant and applicable international conventions on human rights and human trafficking. ● Consultation with stakeholders, including line Ministries and industry. ● Ensure legislation drafting etc. abides by national processes. Attorney General’s Office Expected Completion: Ongoing 1. Legal and Regulatory 1.13 Enhance monitoring and enforcement efforts via local ordinances. ● Implement through Reimaanlok process in Attachment A. MIMRA As needed / requested. 2 atolls have management ordinances in place as of May 2017 (Bikini and Ailuk). See Reimaanlok Status Attachment B. Expected Completion: 22 atolls remaining. 1.14 Enact strong legislation and regulations to provide effective deterrent to marine pollution. ● Undertake consultation and review and update regulations pertaining to marine pollution. EPA and AG's Office Ban on the importation of Styrofoam and plastic bags enacted; MIMRA to develop WPCFC Conservation Management; Measures to address marine pollution at regional level; 1 MCS meeting in 2016. Expected Completion: WCPFC CMM to be adopted end of 2017. Legislation end of 2018. 1.15 Strengthen mandates of all relevant national agencies and departments (MIMRA, Ports Authority, EPA, Local Governments, Ministry of Justice, Immigration, & Labor) to coordinate and share resources directed at preventing and addressing incidents of ship-based marine pollution. ● Ensure the National MCS Working Group includes developing Standard Operating Procedures to address ship based pollution. ● Look at options including Registry of vessels linked to oil signatures (OIL DNA) and investigate the use of new technologies to investigate and monitor vessels while in port. EPA and AG's Office Ban on the importation of Styrofoam and plastic bags enacted; MIMRA to develop WPCFC Conservation Management; Measures to address marine pollution at regional level; 1 MCS meeting in 2016. Expected Completion: WCPFC CMM to be adopted end of 2017. Legislation end of 2018. 1.16 Ensure national legislation provides for effective deterrents (i.e. heavy fines, prison) and the ability for all stakeholders (i.e. landowners) to take legal action. ● Review and update relevant and applicable laws pertaining to oil spills, ship groundings and marine pollution. EPA and AG's Office Ban on the importation of Styrofoam and plastic bags enacted; MIMRA to develop WPCFC Conservation Management; Measures to address marine pollution at regional level; 1 MCS meeting in 2016. Expected Completion: WCPFC CMM to be adopted end of 2017; Legislation end of 2018. 1.17 Promote and where appropriate, decree a return to use of traditional biodegradable products to replace plastic, paper, and other manmade materials. ● Review the use and import of plastics, paper and other non- biodegradable material and identify opportunities and time frames for phasing out or recycling such materials. ● Undertake consultations. ● Prepare necessary legislation to enforce the phasing out or recycling of those identified materials. EPA Nationwide ban on Styrofoam and plastic bags enacted; MIMRA to develop WPCFC Conservation Management Measures to address marine pollution at regional level. Expected Completion: Ongoing 1.18 Strengthen national legal framework to help deter introduction of marine invasive species. ● Undertake consultation and prepare regulations pertaining to marine invasive species. MIMRA Invasive Species Action Plan 2016- 2021 focus on terrestrial species with generic recommendations for marine; Ongoing capacity building efforts for local governments by CMAC. Expected Completion: 2019/Ongoing 1.19 Enhance local conservation and management efforts, including through enacting of ordinances for open and closed fishing seasons, area closures, size and catch limits. ● Implement through Reimaanlok process in Attachment A. MIMRA See Reimaanlok Status Attachment B. Expected Completion: Ongoing 1.20 Ensure that national laws and regulations adequately incorporate risk reduction and climate adaptation measures. ● Review relevant and applicable national legislation and identify amendments and new legislation required to incorporate risk reduction and climate adaptation measures. ● Ensure consultation in the process. OEPPC and NDMO Expected Completion: Ongoing 1.21 Seek to reduce carbon emissions resulting from Marshall Islands-registered vessels through appropriate national legal frameworks and international conventions (Sustainable Sea Transport). ● RMI to support proposal to reduce carbon emissions and the International Maritime Organization. ● Consult with the shipping industry and environmental NGOs. ● Prepare position papers for IMO meetings. EPA, Ministry of Transportation, Communication, & Information Technology (MOTCI), and USP (Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transportation) The Micronesian Center for Sustaianble Transportation has been established jointly by the RMI and USP and will be completed by the end of 2017. However, the MCST is a long term initiative. Expected Completion: Ongoing 2.10 Ensure that national monitoring, control, and surveillance efforts are properly resourced, supported, and coordinated. ● Formalize the National MCS Working Group. Review mandates and protocols. ● Conduct local and national level MCS trainings. ● MCS SOPs developed. ● Provide appropriate level of financing. ● Hold national judicial seminars to increase the level of awareness for MCS and legal issues. MIMRA and Sea Patrol Regular MCS/Surveillance operations and trainings done with FFA. Coastal MCS 4 have been conducted through PIMPAC and SPC. Yacht permit program with Internal Affairs. Expected Completion: Ongoing 2. Human Resource / Capacity Development 2.11 Strengthen national enforcement and border patrol mechanisms. ● Update/Review relevant and applicable laws. ● Strengthen monitoring of transshipments through increasing personnel and capacity building. ● Increase scrutiny of persons moving through RMI through inclusion of checks on non-fishing vessels. National Human Trafficking Task Force (NHTTF) Regular MCS/Surveillance operations and trainings done with FFA. Coastal MCS 4 have been conducted through PIMPAC and SPC. Yacht permit program with Internal Affairs. Expected Completion: Ongoing 2.12 Support institutional and resource capacity building to support resource management. ● Assess research requirement, facility and funding support for RMI. ● Establishment of research facility and purchase of equipment, (e.g., to assess fish poisoning, Harmful Algal Blooms, coral bleaching, etc). ● Develop resource management curriculum and conduct Resource management training and awareness. ● Liaise with RMIEPA to incorporate their coral bleaching and algae findings from Preliminary Environmental Assessments associated with development permits. MIMRA, RMI-USP and CMI Ongoing training with PIMPAC, IAEA, SPC, One Reef, MCT, TNC and WorldBank. RMI-USP and CMI ongoing curriculum regarding marine resource management and science. Expected Completion: Ongoing 2.13 Develop appropriate mechanisms for sustainable financing to support resource management (PAN) across the RMI. ● Include sustainable financing when developing PAN regulations. ● Explore debt-swap sustainable financing strategies. ● Risk Insurance Financing. OEPPC PAN Legislation adopted in 2015. “Blue Fee” concept has been approved in principle by Cabinet July 2017. Expected Completion: 2018 2.14 Enhance technical assistance to Local Governments to maximize benefits from conservation programs. ● Implement through Reimaanlok process in Attachment A. MIMRA See Reimaanlok Status Attachment B. Expected Completion: Ongoing 2.15 Increase capacity of Local Governments in data collection programs. ● Implement through Reimaanlok process in Attachment A. MIMRA See Reimaanlok Status Attachment B. Expected Completion: Ongoing 2.16 Provide training on the implementation of regulations for managing coastal ecosystems, coastal natural and man-made hazards (such as oil spills) relevant for sustainable development. ● Conduct workshop at the National, Local and community levels relating to address management of coastal ecosystems and hazards such as oil spills. EPA EPA has done water quality test but more needs to be done. Expected Completion: Ongoing 2.17 Engage and empower communities through clean-up and maintenance campaigns. ● Develop, enhance community outreach programs. ● Designate and support cleanup days linked to national and local events. ● Identify resources and incentives such as status or award programs for the cleanest community - for community wide implementation of campaigns. EPA Annual World Oceans Day and International Coastal Cleanups. Expected Completion: Ongoing 2.18 Support Local Governments efforts in developing capacity for regular water quality testing. ● Conduct needs assessment to determine the appropriate level of staffing and training. ● Ensure EPA has adequate budget and support to provide water quality support services to Local Governments/Communities. EPA Expected Completion: Ongoing 2.19 Explore options for establishing cost-effective recycling programs in the outer islands, including provision of necessary training and capacity building. ● Identify appropriate recycling opportunities and conduct cost benefit analysis. ● Develop a management plan that will include arrangements for recycling operations, maintenance, transport, disposal and financing. ● Provide Hazardous Material (HazMat) Training ● Boost awareness on 3R-plus (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). EPA and MAWC Expected Completion: Ongoing 2.20 Strengthen policy and technical capacity for Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) to improve environmental management and reduce vulnerability to climate change and natural hazards, including monitoring and enforcement of regulations, i.e. through Reimaanlok process. ● Implement through Reimaanlok process in Attachment A. ● Strengthen policy for integrated management of coastal systems (JNAP 5.4.1 Action). ● Utilize the Reimaanlok process for a comprehensive Climate Change and Disaster analysis on coastal and marine resources. ● Provide training on regulations for managing coastal ecosystems. EPA and NDMO CMAC retreat in 2016 to initiate review of Reimaanlok to incorporate changes. CMAC reviewing membership to include NDMO. Annual review or process and steps to begin in 2017. See Reimaanlok Status Attachment B. Expected Completion: 2018/Ongoing 2.21 Ensure that necessary resources are available to support climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction activities, as they relate to marine resource conservation and management projects. ● Conduct a needs assessment to ascertain what additional resources are required and how partner agencies will be involved in the process. ● Identify/advise on sources of funding relating to these activities. ● Include NDMO as a CMAC partner. NDMO (and JNAP Unit) and OEPPC CCA and DRR activities are mentioned in Reimaanlok and will be fleshed out during the CMAC retreat in October 2017. Expected Completion: Ongoing 2.22 Build capacity of communities to understand disaster-related risks and contribute to mitigation and adaptation activities. ● Produce and distribute awareness material. ● Build/enhance current community awareness, disaster preparedness activities. ● Incorporate the above into the Reimaanlok Process. NDMO (and JNAP Unit) and OEPPC CCA and DRR activities are mentioned in Reimaanlok and will be fleshed out during the CMAC retreat in October 2017. Expected Completion: Ongoing 3. Public Awareness and Education 3.10 Enhance awareness on availability of national policies, plans, and other relevant documents for dissemination to Local Governments. ● Compile, translate and distribute environmental related policies and regulations. ● Ensure appropriate translation of information material. ● Improve information dissemination mechanism/systems. MIMRA and EPA RMI MC Communications Plan needs to be updated and endorsed through the OEPPC office. See Reimaanlok Status Update Attachment B. Expected Completion: Ongoing 3.11 Promote a “culture of compliance” amongst local communities and visitors such that there is a strong willingness to respect and protect RMI waters. ● Produce awareness material and educate public and visitors on environmental/fisheries rules and compliance. ● For those failing to comply with the rules, initiate enforcement action. EPA and MIMRA MIMRA Turtle Curriculum and EPA Environment Curriculum in 2014. Expected Completion: Ongoing 3.12 Support Local Governments and communities in increasing their participation in RMI fisheries, including through extension of national- level management and development initiatives at the Local Governments level. ● Assist Local Governments with marine related alternative livelihood projects such as FADS, post-harvest activities, etc. within areas of Local Government jurisdictions. MIMRA, MIMA, and Private Sector FADs and Aquaculture Trainings ongoing in Majuro, Ailuk, Likiep and Arno. Expected Completion: Ongoing 3.13 Encourage local communities to commit to Reimaanlok process and become a RMI Protected Area Network (PAN) site. ● Improve Reimaanlok/PAN awareness campaign. ● Update/Endorsement of the Reimaanlok Communications Plan. ● Collaborate with partners to raise awareness on Reimaanlok process and its implementation. MIMRA and MIMA RMI MC Communications Plan needs to be endorsed through the OEPPC office. CMAC monthly meetings and retreat to update Reimaanlok process. Expected Completion: 2018/Ongoing 3.14 Develop early education programs on prevention of marine pollution. ● Curriculum development and teacher training on marine pollution and prevention. ● Consult with PSS on roll out of early education on marine pollution and related issues. ● RMI MC Communications Plan needs to be endorsed through the OEPPC office. EPA and MIMRA MIMRA Turtle Curriculum and EPA Environment Curriculum in 2014. Expected Completion: Ongoing 3.15 Continue to raise awareness in the international community on the adverse impacts of nuclear waste, radioactive and other contaminants, shipwrecks and World War II relics with a view to ensuring that resources are made available to assist with cleanup efforts in the Marshall Islands. ● Attendance and effective participation at international forum. ● Resources secured for cleanup efforts. MOFAT, PSS, and OEPPC USP MISA ongoing awareness in USP Laucala Campus. Expected Completion: Ongoing 3.16 Increase awareness on climate change impacts to coral reef systems. ● Monitoring for impacts of climate change. ● Develop and translate awareness material on the impacts of climate change to coral reef systems. ● Media campaigns and teacher trainings on impact of climate change to coral reef systems. EPA, PSS, and OEPPC MIMRA Turtle Curriculum and EPA Environment Curriculum in 2014. Expected Completion: Ongoing 3.17 Raise public awareness and knowledge of the relationships between climate and ocean health. ● Develop and translate awareness material on climate change. ● Media campaigns and teacher trainings on relationships between climate and ocean health. EPA, PSS, and OEPPC MIMRA Turtle Curriculum and EPA Environment Curriculum in 2014. Expected Completion: Ongoing 4.10 Harmonize development and conservation of coastal fisheries. ● Implement through Reimaanlok process in Attachment A. MIMRA See Reimaanlok Status Attachment B. Expected Completion: Ongoing 4. Data Collection, Management, and Information Sharing 4.11 Improve on the integration of traditional and modern management strategies. ● Traditional Leaders document and inform communities of traditional management options/practices (MO). ● Include appropriate traditional MOs and knowledge in the Reimaanlok management planning and local ordinances. RMI HPO and MIMRA See. Reimaanlok Status Attachment B. Fisheries Management Ordinance Template includes provisions to include traditional Mo. Expected Completion: Ongoing 4.12 Raise community awareness and empower local communities to prevent, monitor, detect, and report marine invasive species. ● Develop and disseminate education material on marine invasive species. ● Develop and establish reporting guidelines for marine invasive species. ● Train Local Governments officials on identification and reporting of marine invasive species and provide advice on best management practices. ● Media campaign to educate the general public on how to prevent, detect, and report marine invasive species. MIMRA and EPA Invasive Species Action Plan 2016- 2021 focus on terrestrial species with generic recommendations for marine. Ongoing capacity building efforts for local governments by CMAC. Expected Completion: 2019/Ongoing 4.13 Continued support to Reimaanlok and ensuring community initiatives related to coastal and ocean management are consistent with Reimaanlok processes and principles. ● Establish a full time CMAC coordinator position within MIMRA to provide secretariat services to CMAC. ● Conduct a review of extent to which coastal and ocean management are consistent with Reimaanlok process. MIMRA CMAC coordinator position has historically been out of MIMRA. Duties are now spread out among other MIMRA Staff. Reimaanlok Review slotted for late 2017. Expected Completion: 2018 4.14 Protect fisheries resource through better control and monitoring of fishing activities throughout the RMI EEZ as well as Local Governments jurisdictions. ● Provide training to national and Local Governments officials. ● Establish MCS reporting framework. ● Establish funds for National and Local MCS activities. ● Equip staff with monitoring equipment. ● 6 monthly/ bi-annual reviews of monitoring and reporting performance. MIMRA Regular MCS/Surveillance operations and trainings done with FFA. Coastal MCS 4 have been conducted through PIMPAC and SPC. Yacht permit program with Internal Affairs. Expected Completion: Ongoing 4.15 Ensure availability and accessibility of information to support management decisions. ● Develop, translate, and disseminate relevant awareness material. ● Secure financing (at least $10k/year) to implement these activities (eg. translation of awareness materials). MIMRA and EPA Not started. Technical expertise needed to be identified. Existing MIMRA website. Allocated slot for MIMRA during annual MIMA conferences to share information. Expected Completion: 2018/Ongoing 4.16 Strengthen information sharing mechanisms between national and Local Governments on fishing activities. ● Improve MIMRA website accessibility and information availability (add more relevant information and translations). ● Effective communication system (radio) to reach local governments and communities. ● Establish a communications/public relations position within MIMRA. MIMRA and EPA Not started. Technical expertise needed to be identified. Existing MIMRA website. Allocated slot for MIMRA during annual MIMA conferences to share information. Expected Completion: 2018/Ongoing 4.17 Commit to Reimaanlok process for management of coastal resources (including addressing fish poisoning events). ● Hold a forum to educate heads of departments and secretaries (and relevant Ministers of CMAC) on the Reimaanlok. ● Seek support/ high level buy-in of the Reimaanlok. ● Consistently apply Reimaanlok processes when accommodating requests. ● Improve, update the Reimaanlok guide to include alternatives so communities are able to harvest safe fish for food (e.g. farming, FAD deployment and use, etc). ● Communities to actively engage in the development and implementation of local management plans and develop local ordinances under Reimaanlok. Identify and secure financing and resources to implement activities. MIMRA and MIMA Memorandum of Understanding between CMAC partners has been drafted and awaiting sign-off. Expected Completion: 2018/Ongoing 4.18 Establish mechanisms to address stockpiles of used oil (or other forms of hydrocarbons), i.e. removal, disposal, etc. ● Develop a plan (including implementation and compliance) for removal and disposal of stored oil and other forms of hydrocarbons. EPA Regulations in place in regards to Oil spills/marine pollution. EPA capacity building efforts underway. Expected Completion: 2018 4.19 Support outer island communities’ efforts to promote and implement responsible removal and disposal of used lead-based batteries. ● Provide appropriate storage containers to communities for the removal of batteries and other hazardous materials. ● Identify local (on island) short term storage/holding facilities. ● Have in place a used lead-based batteries disposal plan when batteries are transported to Majuro. EPA and MIMA Regulations in place in regards to Oil spills/marine pollution. EPA capacity building efforts underway. Expected Completion: 2018 4.20 Ensure consultation between major urban centers and outer islands prior to establishment of new or relocated dump sites in the outer islands, to take advantage of “lessons learned” from waste management in the urban centers. ● Hold a workshop to review lessons learnt and plan for the establishments of landfills as required, and other options (e.g. recycling). ● Decisions to establish or relocate dump sites include Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). ● Identify and secure financing and resources to implement these activities. EPA Framework/regulations in place in regards to Coastal Zone and Waste Management. EPA capacity building efforts underway. Expected Completion: 2019 4.21 Strengthen proactive and long-term waste management planning to avoid the need for costly mitigation measures. ● Develop a waste management plan – covering recycling, sewage, solid waste and hazardous waste disposal. Plans include arrangements for financing. ● Develop position for Urban Planning Officer. EPA Framework/regulations in place in regards to Coastal Zone and Waste Management. EPA capacity building efforts underway. Expected Completion: 2019 4.22 Assist with data collection efforts in all Local Governments on marine invasive species. ● Identify appropriate level of data required from Local Governments. ● Provide trainings, technical and financial support and reporting mechanism. ● Liaise with RMIEPA to incorporate their algae findings from Preliminary Environmental Assessments associated with development permits. MIMRA and EPA Invasive Species Action Plan 2016- 2021 focus on terrestrial species with generic recommendations for marine. Ongoing capacity building efforts for local governments by CMAC. Expected Completion: 2019/Ongoing 4.23 Ensure that herbivorous fish populations are maintained at sustainable levels. ● Promote non-harvesting of herbivorous fish during bleaching events, spawning seasons. ● Establish minimum or maximum size limits for herbivorous species. ● Inform communities on the importance of these measures and their contribution to sustainable fisheries. ● Enhance monitoring/data collection on fish catches and resources surveys. MIMRA and MIMA Fisheries Management Ordinance Template already developed. 2 atolls with FMOs. Regular monitoring of coral reef resources ongoing. Expected Completion: Ongoing 4.24 Strengthen monitoring programs of inshore coastal activities to ensure climate change impacts are accounted for. ● Collaborate with international climate change monitoring agencies. ● Analyze catch against seasonal patterns and look for changes in this, that might be linked to climate change. ● Regularly monitor effects of climate change on ecosystems (e.g. coral bleaching, finfish diversity, species composition, changes in sea water temperature, acidification). ● Continue and enhance the monitoring and regulation of activities such as aggregate mining, dredging, foreshore developments. ● Liaise with RMIEPA to incorporate their efforts at using ocean side reef flat excavation to create new habitat for corals on degraded Majuro reef flats. EPA, MIMRA and National Weather Service (NWS) Regular monitoring of Sea Surface Temperature and swells. EPA ongoing coastal development monitoring (i.e. EIA process). Regular monitoring of coral reef resources ongoing. Expected Completion: Ongoing 4.25 Incorporate known climate impacts and conditions (i.e. El Nino, La Nina) into fisheries management planning. ● Collaborate with international / regional agencies to ensure El Nino/La Nina fluctuations are included in the analysis and management. MIMRA and NWS Scientific advice for the WCPO region from SPC shared to member countries. Information shared in MIMRA annual reports. Expected Completion: Ongoing 4.26 Protect the coral reef environment to enhance resilience against storm surge, sea level rise and other coastal hazards. ● Monitor the coral reef health and instigate mitigation measures where health is declining. ● Establish Management plans and conservation areas (PAN) through the Reimaanlok process. ● Provide monitoring training at the local level and ensure a reporting mechanism is in place to allow for analysis of data. MIMRA See Reimaanlok Status Attachment B. Expected Completion: Ongoing 4.27 Ensure that marine resource management and decision-making incorporates climate change impacts on ocean health. ● Ensure feedback from relevant organizations dealing with climate change when formulating marine resource management planning and decision making through the Reimaanlok process. MIMRA and NDMO CMAC retreat in 2016 to initiate review of Reimaanlok to incorporate changes. CMAC reviewing membership to include NDMO. Annual review or process and steps to begin in 2017. See Reimaanlok Status Attachment B. Expected Completion: 2018/Ongoing 4.28 Ensure that traditional knowledge continues to inform the development of conservation and management initiatives and ordinances at the Local Government levels. ● Traditional Leaders document and inform communities of traditional management options/practices (MO). ● Include appropriate traditional MOs and knowledge in the Reimaanlok management planning and local ordinances. RMI HPO and MIMRA See Reimaanlok Status Attachment B. Fisheries Management Ordinance Template includes provisions to include traditional Mo. Expected Completion: Ongoing 4.29 Acknowledge and support the roles that women play in subsistence activities related to harvesting, preparation, conservation and management. ● Conduct a gender assessment in the fisheries sector to better understand youth, women’s and men’s role in the fishery sector. ● Assess the capacity and opportunities to mainstream gender across key policies and activities in the sector. WUTMI CMAC retreat to update Reimaanlok planned for late 2017. SPC has conducted several gender and fisheries reports for the RMI. Gender consideration already incorporated in the Reimaanlok process - to be updated during CMAC retreat. Expected Completion: 2018 4.30 Ensure that women’s participation in community level fisheries initiatives are promoted and supported, including initiatives such as capacity building, decision making, project development, and education. ● Take recommendations from the gender assessment in the fisheries sector study. ● Share results of the study with Local Governments to promotes/support women’s participation in capacity building, decision making, project development, and education in the fisheries sector. ● Promote and recognize the involvement of women in businesses, decision making, and fisheries activities. ● Identify opportunities for women. WUTMI CMAC retreat to update Reimaanlok planned for late 2017. SPC has conducted several gender and fisheries reports for the RMI. Gender consideration already incorporated in the Reimaanlok process - to be updated during CMAC retreat. Expected Completion: 2018 4.31 Ensure the National Climate Change Policy Framework (NCCPF) adequately covers climate change impacts on oceans. ● Review / update the National Climate Change policy. ● Disseminate to all relevant stakeholders copies of current and any updated versions of the policy. OEPPC and NDMO Expected Completion: Ongoing 5.10 Invest in more research to develop sustainable livelihoods projects and explore market opportunities. ● Conduct applied research in regards to sustainable livelihood projects and identify market opportunities. ● Seek support/identify investment opportunities. ● Identify market opportunities/strategies and conduct cost- benefit analysis. MIMA and Private sector, facilitated by MIMRA and Office of Commerce and Industry (OCI) MIMRA ongoing FADs and Aquaculture programs. Expected Completion: Ongoing 5. New Projects (Conservation, Management, and Livelihoods) 5.11 Explore the establishment of new fisheries projects (i.e. aquaculture, mariculture, FADs and post-harvest activities). ● Conduct applied research in regards to sustainable livelihood projects and identify market opportunities. ● Seek support/identify investment opportunities. ● Identify market opportunities/strategies and conduct cost- benefit analysis. MIMA and Private sector, facilitated by MIMRA and Office of Commerce and Industry (OCI) MIMRA ongoing FADs and Aquaculture programs. Expected Completion: Ongoing 5.12 Establish a RMI Challenge/National Endowment Fund to support Local Governments conservation activities, including provision of scholarships to eligible students. ● Identify funding sources including the option of charges or fees and develop a plan to establish an RMI challenge/national endowment fund. ● Design guidelines for scholarship scheme. ● Identify how the MC endowment fund can support a local government endowment fund/challenge. MIMA RMI Sustainable Financing Plan to be updated. Expected Completion: 2018/Ongoing 6. Networking and Establishing Partnerships 6.10 “Think locally, act locally” to protect vulnerable citizens through identification and reporting of suspicious activities to relevant law enforcement authorities. ● Develop effective awareness programs, highlighting adverse activities leading to the exploitation of Marshallese citizens in fisheries and economic development related activities. ● Ensuring enforcement of relevant legislations/regulations. MIMRA and NHTTF Expected Completion: Ongoing 6.11 Promote awareness of the risks associated with fishing activities in port and focus on prevention programs. ● Develop effective awareness programs, highlighting adverse activities leading to the exploitation of Marshallese citizens in fisheries and economic development related activities. ● Ensuring enforcement of relevant legislations/regulations. MIMRA and NHTTF Expected Completion: Ongoing 6.12 Enshrine human rights protection into national dialogue and fisheries policy to be communicated through regional and international fisheries forums (PNA, FFA, WCPFC). ● MIMRA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade staff briefed and prepared to raise these issues at Regional and International fisheries forum and actively seek resolutions to address these matters. MIMRA and MOFAT Expected Completion: Ongoing 6.13 Strengthen links between national and Local Governments institutions, especially related to monitoring activities within waters under Local Government jurisdictions (5nm). ● All information on permits relayed to Local Governments in a timely manner. ● Implement awareness program so that visitors are aware of procedures. ● Have a mechanism in place for Local Governments to report sightings within respective jurisdictions, including relevant trainings. MIMRA Regular MCS/Surveillance operations and trainings done with FFA. Coastal MCS 4 have been conducted through PIMPAC and SPC. Yacht permit program with Internal Affairs. Expected Completion: Ongoing 6.14 Exercise leadership in regional forums on the development of mechanisms to address vessel-based marine pollution. ● RMI Officials and staff briefed and prepared to raise vessel pollution issues at relevant Regional and International forums and actively seek resolutions to address these matters. EPA, MOTCI, and MOFAT Regular Head of Agencies Meeting conducted by Chief Secretary’s Office. Expected Completion: Ongoing 6.15 Build new and strengthen existing partnerships with relevant institutions focused on understanding and mitigating climate change impacts on coastal resources. ● Collaborate on more Climate Change related research projects. ● Keep informed of advances in climate change research and mitigation technology. ● Policy Alignment to existing strategies and plans. OEPPC and EPA Expected Completion: Ongoing 6.16 Ensure that climate change and disaster risk reduction considerations are central to marine resource conservation and management planning through close coordination with the National Disaster Management Office. All new projects and reviews of existing projects should include input from the NDMO. ● Review the Reimaanlok and expand to include Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction. ● Consult with NDMO on the incorporation of disaster risk reduction in marine resource conservation and management planning and develop procedures in response. ● Officially add NDMO as a CMAC partner. ● Compile data on the fisheries sector that will assist in the planning for natural disasters and climate change disturbances (e.g. number of boats, fish centers, farms, etc.). ● Undertake training on rapid assessment after disasters including social impacts of damages to the fisheries sector. EPA and NDMO CMAC retreat in 2016 to initiate review of Reimaanlok to incorporate changes. CMAC reviewing membership to include NDMO. Annual review or process and steps to begin in 2017. See Reimaanlok Status Attachment B. Expected Completion: 2018/Ongoing 6.17 Strengthen relationship between Local Governments and non-governmental institutions with a view to ensuring support for local community initiatives. ● Clarify roles and services of government and non-government organizations. ● Identify areas needed by Local Governments which NGOs can do and facilitate contact between Local Governments and appropriate NGOs for project development and implementation. ● Establish guidelines for external partners/researchers when working in RMI, the guidelines include; respect / acknowledgement of the traditional knowledge, practices; reporting the research findings and data to relevant RMI Government and Local Government. MOCIA Reimaanlok review in late 2017. Regular CMAC monthly meetings. Reimaanlok Training for CMAC members considered for early 2018. Expected Completion: 2018 Guiding Principles by Category and Cost GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS Estimated Cost Legal and Regulatory 540,000$ Human Resource / Capacity Development 2,642,000$ Public Awareness and Education 200,000$ Data Collection, Management, and Information Sharing 1,115,000$ New Projects (Conservation, Management, and Livelihoods) 1,686,000$ Networking and Establishing Partnerships 100,000$ TOTAL OF ALL GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS 6,283,000$ Costs are structured into the six (6) categories as shown below. See previous table for details of the composition of these cost categories. The costs provide an overall estimate for each major category, taking into account the range of activities that fall on different stakeholders. It is important to note that some of the cost estimates presented in this report are based on costs arising from past activities. Information on financial costs needed to quantify the different cost categories and implementation measures at present are limited by the availability of suitable data, particularly for extensive and new activities. However, MIMRA's annual budget combined with the WorldBank Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP) provide a good reflection of the costs associated with current activities related to coastal and ocean issues as identified in the NOS policy. Since MIMRA costs are available for all components, rather than making assumptions to apportion the total cost for other agencies, these figures will be used as overhead costs. A reasonable estimate of the total cost is about $6.3M (USD).