WWF - Conservation and environmental resources: Eastern Africa

DEVELOPING REGIONAL MINIMUM TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR GRANTING TUNA FISHING ACCESS IN THE WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN

2013-05-22

This document serves as the report for the WWF-‐Coastal East Africa Global Initiative consultancy on 'Developing Regional Minimum Terms and Conditions (MT & Cs) for granting tuna fishing access in the Western Indian Ocean,' (Agreement No CN63), designed to:

(i) Contribute to a sound and coordinated tuna management in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO)

(ii) Empower the WIO coastal and Island States to engage with Distant Water Fishing Nations (DWFNs) in order to develop and secure far greater economic returns from the tuna resources within their jurisdiction, while ensuring their sustainability.

The focal States for the implementation of this contract are; Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, Madagascar and South Africa. The consultancy was initiated on 1st August 2012, and completed on 28th September 2012.

HARMONIZATION OF FISHERIES LEGISLATION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLANS AND RIGHTS BASED MANAGEMENT IN THE SOUTH WEST INDIAN OCEAN

2013-05-22

This report is comprised of eight components, and applies to the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) countries Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania.

A review of fisheries legislation of SWIO countries in the context of harmonising and promoting shared and/or straddling stock management shows that existing legislation is generally weak and outdated, but five countries are currently developing new laws. Indicative legal text is provided for a wide range of legal provisions, including monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS).
A draft fisheries management legal agreement for shared or straddling fisheries resources in the SWIO range States, with bilateral and multilateral options is provided.

A review and assessment of the extent Rights Based Management (RBM) systems have been applied in the SWIO countries, including its practice and level of understanding, was undertaken. Although efforts are being made in some countries and fisheries to implement RBM systems, many concerns were expressed, including the need for better understanding of what constitutes RBM, data collection, training, awareness raising and substantial government commitment. Options for adoption, including piloting, were considered and supporting legislation reviewed. Development of RBM guidelines was also addressed and case studies were presented, including considerations for adopting RBM for tuna fisheries.

The extent of development and implementation of national and regional fisheries management plans was reviewed, including existing plans and those under development. The extent to which the EAF approach has been incorporated in fisheries management plans was described, noting that it depended mainly on support by EAF-‐Nansen which is currently assisting in the development of seven such plans in the region. In many countries, it was thought that EAF-‐Nansen work represents a positive step forward but that a clear basis for implementation was needed. National legislation was considered inadequate for ensuring full and effective implementation of the EAF.

An assessment and recommendations were given relating to the linkages and implications for improved regional fisheries management among the SADC Fisheries Protocol, COI-‐IOC Fisheries Strategy, the SWIOFC and IOTC, with a focus on MCS.

Community-Based Natural Resource Management Stocktaking Exercise in Tanzania

2013-05-20

The Tanzania Natural Resource Forum (TNRF) has embarked on a process to establish a series of dialogues on CBNRM. The aim of this initiative is to provide a platform for multi-stakeholder exchange of information, sharing experiences and agreeing on a common course for the success of CBNRM in the country. The platform will disseminate information on CBNRM successes, challenges and areas needing more focus in the natural resource sector, thereby promoting learning and providing opportunities to influence CBNRM practice and policy in ways that can lead to success. It is against this background that TNRF undertook a national stocktaking exercise on CBNRM (see attached terms of reference). This initiative is also part of the regional Southern Africa CBNRM Forum (SACF) of which TNRF is a focal point for Tanzania.

Shared risk and opportunity in water resources

2012-08-27

Kenya's Naivasha basin involves a broad group of stakeholders including large horticulture companies and their employees, smallholder farmers, local government and basin inhabitants, and those dependent on the broader Kenyan economy and trade.

For an agriculture-based economy that is completely dependent on its water resources for economic production, the social, economic, financial (investment), regulatory and reputational risks associated with a deteriorating bio-physical environment are significant. Given its links to the national economy and the
international export markets, these risks are not localized within the basin, but extend through to the rest of Kenya.

The central aim of this paper is to articulate the risks for each of these groups and to highlight the commonalities between them, or in other words, the shared risks between corporate, government and civil society stakeholders. In so doing, these stakeholders can recognize the incentive for a common path to achieving improved water resource management in the basin and the future economic and environmental sustainability of Lake Naivasha.

JOINT STATEMENT ON THE STATUS OF ELEPHANT POPULATION IN SELOUS –NIASSA ECOSYSTEM

2012-07-17

On the understanding that Mozambique and Tanzania share the same border, WWF facilitated a joint meeting between the two countries to discuss and share information on the status of transboundary elephant population.

The aim of the transboundary cooperation between the two countries is driven by several factors, among others include (i) sharing of experience, (ii) identifying management challenges, (iii) gaining common understanding of the status and distribution of species, elephants in particular (iv) possibilities of future cooperation (v) discussing/sharing survey results.

Both countries conducted aerial wildlife census in the dry season of 2011. In Tanzania, the survey covered 106, 933Km2 in the Selous-Mikumi Ecosystem and Selous-Niassa Wildlife Corridor. In Mozambique, the survey covered 69, 769 Km2 in Northern Mozambique particularly in the Niassa and Cabo Delgado Provinces. The two surveys were done independently, in Tanzania, the survey was conducted by the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), and in the Mozambique side, it was conducted by SGDRN under the supervision of Dr. Colin Craig. The surveys generally followed similar methodology based on universally accepted methods.

In Mozambique side, results revealed that most of the elephants were estimated to be within the Niassa Reserve (12,029, ranging from 9,498 – 14,560 within 95% confidence interval) with few estimates in the West (Sanga) and Quirimbas in the east. The extent of elephant population range to the South of the reserve (Nipepe, Marrupa and Majune) is unknown. The Selous-Mikumi Ecosystem holds a population of 53,488 (range 41,109 – 65867 within 95% confidence interval) of which 75% were found inside Selous Game Reserve.

In Mozambique there has been a four-fold increase in number of carcasses in Niassa Reserve which resulted in approximately 2,667 additional carcasses since 2009; it is suspected that most of these are a result of illegal hunting. In Tanzania, 4,159 elephant carcasses were estimated in the 2011 survey, which is a three-fold increase compared to the 2009 survey the majority of which are suspected to have been hunted illegally.
Evidence from these surveys confirms the alarming increase in the poaching of elephants in both countries, which is unsustainable if not stopped.

Therefore, both parties agreed that, there is a need for future collaboration in conducting synchronized aerial wildlife census and sharing the results. These will be shared with relevant management authorities in curbing transboundary illegal activities between the two countries.

Towards a Green Economy in Coastal East Africa

2012-06-14

The economies of Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique are largely based on natural resource use and extraction (natural gas, oil, minerals, agriculture, tourism, fisheries, timber, etc.). There is an increasing recognition that the "Green Economy" principles are therefore highly applicable to these countries as a basis for stimulating economic growth, well-being and job creation. New revenue to be generated by growing oil, gas and mineral extraction sectors can play a strong role in supporting sustainable development and the transition to a Green Economy. In addition, the potential for renewable energy generation (wind, geothermal, hydro, solar, etc.) in the region is enormous. Various initiatives in this regard are already underway.

Given the similarities of the economies of the three countries including shared resources and cross border trade, the countries have embarked upon a sub-regional initiative geared towards sharing experiences and lessons learned on Green Economy between the three countries and beyond. Partners in this process include UNDP, UNEP, ILO, the African Development Bank, the World Bank, the International Institute of Environment and Development, the Millennium Institute, WWF, Care International, UN-HABITAT and the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED). This partnership was solidified during a sub-regional Conference on Green Economy held in Maputo, Mozambique from the 23rd to 25th April 2012.

Coastal East Africa threatened spaces and disappearing species cause for worry

2011-11-07

WWF's Coastal East Africa Initiative has launched a report that seeks to draw attention to the global importance of East African coastal forests as centres of biodiversity and home to species specifically found only in this region.

Coastal East Africa which runs from the border between Kenya and Somalia, through to Tanzania and onwards to Mozambique contains various threatened spaces and disappearing species that have continually been a cause of great concern for scientists and biologists the world over.

The report which was launched today by Tanzania's Minister for Environment, Dr. Terezya Huvisa, details shocking statistics indicating that a mere 10% of the original coastal forests of Eastern Africa remain, fragmented into 400 patches that cover over 6000 square kilometres in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique.

One of the world's most biologically diverse regions

Coastal forests and landscapes in Eastern Africa are home to thousands of species of plants and animals. In the last 10 years alone, more than 400 new species, including 261 invertebrates, 28 fish, 25 amphibians, 19 reptiles, 10 birds, 7 mammals and 93 plants have been discovered in the region making it one of the most biologically diverse and endemic regions of the world.

Currently, over 20 million people live in and along coastal forests and landscapes in Eastern Africa. The survival of these people is highly dependent on the availability of basic natural resources such as timber, woodfuel and charcoal, which are extracted from forests, causing a serious dilemma; their dependency and consequent exploitation of these resources destroying the very basis of their existence. The pressures are rapidly rising as the population is expected to double by 2030 putting a serious and already present strain on the meagre natural resources present in Coastal East Africa.

According to WWF Coastal East Africa Initiative Leader Peter Scheren, the situation in the region is worrying: "Up to 90% of all timber extracted from forests in the region is illegally logged. A large part of this timber is exported, primarily to China, for prices well below the actual value of the wood. This adds to the local demands for firewood and timber from the growing local population, and large-scale clearing of forests for agriculture and other purposes. The poor communities from the region, those that are depending on these resources for their livelihoods, are the ones suffering most".

Safeguarding the beauty and splendour of Coastal East Africa

Dr. Terezya Huvisa states that "Tanzania is dedicated to preserve its remaining rich forests, which are not only crucial for the day-to-day survival of our growing population, but also as our contribution to the global climate change mitigation strategy. We are actively exploring REDD and other carbon credit mechanisms to support our communities in conserving these forests", said the Minister.

Peter further noted that WWF was serious in its initiative to help safeguard the beauty and splendour of Coastal East Africa and has invested heavily in both people and nature to help secure the future livelihood of a growing population within the region.

"WWF's mission is to ensure that East Africa's valuable natural resources are being effectively conserved and these continue to provide goods and services to more than 20 million people dependent upon them," he said.

By John Kabubu, WWF Coastal East Africa

Assessing Reserve Flows for the Mara River

2010-04-27

This report was published jointly by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission of the East African Community and WWF Eastern & Southern Africa Regional Programme Office (WWF-ESARPO).

The Lake Victoria Basin Commission is a specialized institution of the East African Community that is responsible for coordinating the sustainable development agenda of the Lake Victoria Basin. Its vision is to promote, facilitate and coordinate activities of different actors towards sustainable development and poverty eradication of the Lake Victoria Basin. The Lake Victoria Basin Commission is striving to:

establish a trans-boundary agreement to ensure water flows to sustain the biodiversity of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem
encourage implementation of harmonized river basin management practices and policies.
facilitate cross boundary management of natural resources in the Mara River basin.

WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by:

conserving the world's biological diversity
ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable
promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption

Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for the Mara River Basin

2010-04-27

This report was published jointly by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission of the East African Community (EAC) and WWF Eastern & Southern Africa Regional Programme Office (WWF-ESARPO).

The Lake Victoria Basin Commission is a specialized institution of the East African Community that is responsible for coordinating the sustainable development agenda of the Lake Victoria Basin. Its vision is to promote, facilitate and coordinate activities of different actors towards sustainable development and poverty eradication of the Lake Victoria Basin. The Lake Victoria Basin Commission is striving to:

establish a trans-boundary agreement to ensure water flows to sustain the biodiversity of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem
encourage implementation of harmonized river basin management practices and policies.
facilitate cross boundary management of natural resources in the Mara River basin.

WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by:

conserving the world's biological diversity
ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable
promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption

Patterns of Chinese Investment, Aid and Trade in Tanzania

2010-03-09

The paper provides a short overview of historical relations between China and Tanzania, briefly highlighting key aid, trade and investment features. It also presents views of Chinese investments by representatives of governments, civil society and the private sector in Tanzania, as well as existing evidence of the impact (positive and negative) of Chinese aid and investment on the Tanzanian economy, environment and people's livelihoods.

Patterns of Chinese Investment, Aid and Trade in Mozambique

2010-03-09

The paper provides a brief history of the relationship between China and Mozambique, as well as an overview of China's aid and investment strategy in Mozambique. It also presents views of Chinese investments by representatives of governments, civil society and private sector; and existing evidence of the impacts of Chinese aid and investment on the Mozambican economy, environment and people's livelihoods.

Patterns of Chinese Investment, Aid and Trade in Central Africa

2010-03-09

The paper seeks to outline patterns of Chinese investment, aid and trade in three Central African countries, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Gabon.

The aims of the paper are:

To provide a short overview of the history of the relationship between China and the three respective Central African countries, highlighting key agreements and commitments over the past 40 years;
To give an overview of China's aid and investment strategy in these countries;
To outline the key sectors in which China is currently investing, the nature of these investments and areas for future development;
To present the views of Chinese investments by representatives of governments, civil society (e.g. NGO, media, trade unions) and private sector; and
To outline existing evidence of the impact (positive and negative) of Chinese aid and investment on the economy, environment and people's livelihoods and wellbeing in these countries.

Ivory traffickers held in Central African Republic

2009-10-06

The arrests were the first of their kind in the African nation since it passed a wildlife protection law in the 1980s, said Ofir Drori, director of the Cameroon-based group The Last Great Ape which announced the arrests with WWF.

One woman had 157 ivory objects weighing more than 200 kilogrammes in her home in Bangui, the groups said in a statement.

The other trafficker was detained in a Bangui hotel Friday as he was "trying to sell 14 ivory objects, hippopotamus teeth and a panther skin," said the statement.

The two could face up to a year in jail if found guilty.

"They had several decades of experience between them and were said to be at the centre of an international ivory trafficking network," the statement said.

Illegal poaching threatens the elephant with extinction, animal protection groups say, despite the ivory trade being banned by a 1989 international agreement.

Experts say some 38,000 African elephants are killed each year for their tusks.

WWF report on climate change impacts in East Africa

2006-11-06

WWF review of the scientific literature of climate change impacts on East Africa

Serengeti to Mara Migration Video

2006-02-21

The largely intact rangelands of East African Acacia Savannas support one of the world's most spectacular migration of large mammals. The region experiences a dramatic cycle of seasons with periods of drought alternating with monsoon months.

As the drought approaches, great numbers of grazing wildebeests and zebras migrate north in search of food. Then, when the rains return, the animals alternate between two habitats: the Serengeti and Mara Plains. And the predators follow...

About Coral reefs Video

2006-02-21

Coral reefs are one of the oldest types of living systems on Earth and the variety of life they support rivals that of the tropical forests of the Amazon or New Guinea. In the tropical Pacific, for example, reefs may be home to more than 1,300 species of fish.

Nurseries for biodiversity
Coral reefs are a critical habitat along with related systems such as mangroves and sea grass beds - that serves as a nursery for much of the biodiversity of the entire oceanic system.

These biological wonders have survived tens of thousands of years of natural change, but many of them may not be able to survive the havoc wrought by humankind.

People and corals
This biodiversity of coral reefs translates directly into food security, income, coastal protection and a multitude of other benefits to people. As thousands of communities across the world will tell you, corals are essential not only to ocean health, but also to human health and well-being.

Promotion of Sustainable and Equitable Fisheries Access Agreements in the Western Indian Ocean

2005-10-11

The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) coastal states include; Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros and the French Reunion, all of which have high marine biological diversity with unique habitats and ecosystems. Moreover, the region has the largest number of commercial fish species in the world because of the existence of these highly productive ecosystems. However, besides all these positive aspects regarding this region, habitat degradation and overexploitation of marine resources is today creating a large threat to marine biodiversity than at any other time in the history of our planet.

Fisheries play an important role for the countries in the region, as a major contributor to food supplies and rural employment in foreshore areas, and as a significant foreign exchange earner. In general, the sector plays an important role in the economy of coastal areas, where alternative sources of employment and food supply are often quite limited. It is also important to note that for the Island states, catches of tuna are even more important and steadily increasing. A great majority of fisher folks in this region are in the small-scale artisanal sector, often using a diverse range of small craft-gear combinations for fishing. A significant proportion of this population lives in poverty, and from environmental and socioeconomic points of view, they are among the most vulnerable group in the WIO countries.

On the other hand, the commercial and industrial fishers, commonly represented by distant water fishing nations, harvest the fisheries resources through bilateral and multilateral fishing agreements. These Agreements became necessary after many Coastal States established Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) in the mid-1970s and early 1980s. Although the zones cover only 35% of the total area of the seas, they contain 90% of the world's fish stocks.

It is important to note that relations between coastal countries in the region and fishing fleets from non-adjacent countries changed radically with the onset of the "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" in 1982. This convention enabled the coastal countries to protect their fishing resources by recognizing the right of these states to determine how their waters were to be exploited. The convention also provided a legal basis and economic motivation for the negotiation of access agreements between Coastal States and distant water fishing fleets. Thus, legally, fisheries stocks came under the control of the respective countries closest to them. Therefore, fishing fleets, which had traditionally fished in these waters, no longer had access. In order to regain fishing access to those traditional fishing areas and extend it to new areas, the non-adjacent countries concluded Fishing Agreements with the coastal countries concerned.

In effect, the declaration of EEZs gave all coastal states the option to either harvest the fish themselves or allow foreign vessels to harvest the same.

Marine Protected Areas - providing a future for fish and people

2005-06-27

They also provide services to local communities who depend on the sea and its resources, increasing food security and reducing poverty. MPAs can also benefit local people by opening new opportunities to gain income. Countries with coral reefs attract millions of SCUBA divers every year, yielding significant economic benefits to the host country. Globally, almost USD 10 billion are spent on coral reef tourism annually.

By establishing MPAs, we can restore the balance in the use of our oceans, safeguarding valuable fish stocks and important habitats while providing long-term solutions for local communities.

The challenge

The world's oceans are under more pressure than ever before. From France to Japan, from Senegal to Australia and Chile, fish stocks are overfished and important habitats are being lost or degraded at an unprecedented rate. Sixty per cent of coral reefs are expected to be lost by 2030 if present rates of decline continue. The increasing number of people living on the coasts and the rapid rise in consumer demand for fish threaten marine biodiversity across the oceans.

Inadequate fisheries management and widespread overuse of marine and coastal resources are also eroding the traditional basis of life for millions of people and even entire countries, depriving communities of their main source of vital protein and increasing poverty.

Yet, only a mere 0.5 per cent of the oceans are protected – compare this to 13 per cent of land area under protection. And the large majority of that is inadequately managed, with almost all marine protected areas open to tourism and recreation and 90 per cent open to fishing.

To turn the tide towards healthy oceans, the world's leaders agreed, at the World Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002, to create representative networks of MPAs by 2012.

It's time to put these global agreements into action!

Download the brochure (PDF format) to find out more about the benefits of Marine Protected Areas

:::Video:::
Tracks: an unsual challenge for marine turtle hatchlings

2005-04-20

Sea turtles are endangered.

The main threats are incidental mortality in fishers' nets and hooks, destruction of nesting beaches and feeding habitats, and overexploitation for eggs, meat and shells.

Natural predators take an additional toll, particularly on eggs and hatchlings.

Only about 1 in a 1000 make it to adulthood.

On some beaches, turtle hatchlings face an additional challenge: climbing across vehicle tracks.

Many do not succeed and walk along these deadly traps, failing to find a way out to the sea.

This 3.5 minute video shows these loggerhead hatchlings struggling to cross a vehicle track on a beach in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. (Flash download version also available 7.7MB)

The conservation implications of allowing vehicle traffic on nesting beaches are a concern for WWF´s marine turtle programme.

Production, footage and editing: Carlos Drews - WWF Marine Turtle Coordinator for LAC

Date of filming: 6th February, 2005

Location: Bangha Nek, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Species: Loggerheads (Caretta caretta)

Format: MPEG 4 (readable with Mac)

Duration: 3 min 24 sec

Date of release: 2 April 2005

Soundtrack: no narration, original sound

Note: the video sequence includes footage of hawksbill turtles hatching (filmed in Costa Rica). All shots of hatchlings walking portrait loggerheads in Kwazulu-Natal.

The Eastern African Marine Ecoregion: Towards the Establishment of an Ecologically Representative Network of Marine Protected Areas in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique

2005-04-14

In all three countries, a large proportion of the rapidly increasing coastal population depends on marine resources for their food and income, inshore fisheries are over-exploited and degradation of marine and coastal ecosystems is escalating. MPAs are increasingly recognised as a tool for addressing these problems. In Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique there are 23 MPAs plus a further two areas (Tanga Collaborative Fishery Management Areas in Tanzania and Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary in Mozambique) that are included in this report as they are managed areas.

Individual protected areas are unlikely to be fully successful and the need for networks is now generally recognised. Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique have committed themselves under regional and international treaties to establishing protected area networks and have set ambitious targets for achieving these. Tanzania, for example, has committed to increasing protection of its seas to 10% by 2012, and 20% by 2025.

WWF - Conservation and environmental resources: Eastern Africa

DEVELOPING REGIONAL MINIMUM TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR GRANTING TUNA FISHING ACCESS IN THE WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN

HARMONIZATION OF FISHERIES LEGISLATION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLANS AND RIGHTS BASED MANAGEMENT IN THE SOUTH WEST INDIAN OCEAN

Community-Based Natural Resource Management Stocktaking Exercise in Tanzania

Shared risk and opportunity in water resources

JOINT STATEMENT ON THE STATUS OF ELEPHANT POPULATION IN SELOUS –NIASSA ECOSYSTEM

Towards a Green Economy in Coastal East Africa

Coastal East Africa threatened spaces and disappearing species cause for worry

One of the world's most biologically diverse regions

Safeguarding the beauty and splendour of Coastal East Africa

Assessing Reserve Flows for the Mara River

Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for the Mara River Basin

Patterns of Chinese Investment, Aid and Trade in Tanzania

Patterns of Chinese Investment, Aid and Trade in Mozambique

Patterns of Chinese Investment, Aid and Trade in Central Africa

Ivory traffickers held in Central African Republic

WWF report on climate change impacts in East Africa

Serengeti to Mara Migration Video

About Coral reefs Video

Promotion of Sustainable and Equitable Fisheries Access Agreements in the Western Indian Ocean

Marine Protected Areas - providing a future for fish and people

:::Video:::Tracks: an unsual challenge for marine turtle hatchlings

The Eastern African Marine Ecoregion: Towards the Establishment of an Ecologically Representative Network of Marine Protected Areas in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique

:::Video:::
Tracks: an unsual challenge for marine turtle hatchlings