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UN Caribbean Environment Programme cartagena convention secretariat [POLLUTION PROTOCOL LBS]

JANUARY - APRIL 2018

PROGRAMME COORDINATION

Participants of the Ocean Regional Conference in St. Vincent and the Grenadines pause to share in a final photo together before returning to their respective locations. ©Photo Source: Corbin/UNEPCEP

Implementing and Monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals in the Caribbean- The role of the Ocean Regional Conference

Over 42 participants from 17 countries met at "The Role of the Ocean Regional Conference" in St. Vincent and the Grenadines from January 16-19, 2018. The participants represented a wide range of stakeholders to align on-going efforts to implement and monitor the sustainable development goals in Caribbean Small Island States.

Mr. Christopher Corbin, Programme Officer for Pollution & Communication sub-programmes participated in a panel discussion on the challenges of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. He also co-facilitated a session on data and information needs for SDG 14 - Life Below Water.

Among the outputs of the workshop was a white paper detailing the relevance of ocean observations for the implementation and monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Caribbean Small Island States. The workshop also identified a potential demonstration project on the use of Earth observations in creating ownership of the SDGs in governments and the general public in the Caribbean.

For more information please click here.

The map displays the CLME+ Region covered by the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems shared by 26 countries and 18 overseas territories. ©Photo Source: www.clmeproject.org

Development of the State of the Marine Environment and Associated Economies Report -SOMEE

The Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Project (CLME+) Strategic Action Programme Monitoring (SAP) and State of the Marine Environment & Associated Economies (SOMEE), two workshops were held in Cartagena, Colombia from 30th January to 2nd February 2018.

The objective of these workshops was to jointly develop and support the “formal indicator framework for Monitoring and Evaluation”. The proposed framework will be submitted for approval by the Governments that endorsed the CLME+ SAP. Mr. Christopher Corbin, Programme Officer for Pollution & Communication sub-programmes represented the CEP.

The workshops provided an opportunity to define the expected contents of the SOMEE report, and to agree on plans for the CLME+ SOMEE development and endorsement process as well as for its alignment with other relevant reporting mechanisms.

For more information on the Project, please click here.

During the 6th IMDC, there were also displays of some of the creative artwork used to spread awareness on marine debris. ©Photo Source: Corbin/UNEP CEP

Sixth International Marine Debris Conference (6IMDC)

The Sixth International Marine Debris Conference (6IMDC) was held during 12 - 16 March 2018 in San Diego, California. Mr. Christopher Corbin, Programme Manager of the Pollution and Communication Sub-programmes participated in discussions on the Caribbean Node for Marine Litter and other Pollution/ Marine litter priorities.

The Conference organized by the UN Environment and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tackled the complexity of the marine debris challenge facing the international community, it fostered partnerships and improved dialogue on the solutions.

For further details on the conference, please click here.

Snapshots of the proceedings during the World Water Forum in Brasilia, Brazil. ©Photo Source: UNEP

Eighth (8th) World Water Forum

The Eighth (8th) edition of World Water Forum was held in Brasilia, Brazil during March 18-23, 2018. It is one of the largest water-related events being organized by the World Water Council including over 200 sessions and debates about themes related to water. The forum contributed to the dialogue of the decision-making process on water at the global level, in order to achieve the sustainable use of the resource.

Mr. Christopher Corbin, Programme Manager of the Pollution and Communication Sub-programmes served as panelist on two sessions entitled "Water and Caribbean Small Island Developing States: The Cost of No Action in Climate Change" organized by the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA). The other session organized by the Government of Brazil related to Risk Communication regarding the quality of water for human consumption: seeking population empowerment and the minimization of health risks. Additional support was also provided to the panel focused on Policy Solutions to Manage Water Quality from Ridge to Reef.

For more information, please click here.

©Photo Source:http://manoa.hawaii.edu/7ICEF/

7th International Conference on Environmental Future: Human and Island Environments

The 7th International Conference on Environmental Future – Humans and Island Environments (7ICEF) was held from the 16 – 20 April 2018 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mr. Christopher Corbin, Programme Officer for our Pollution Sub-Programme, presented on the Secretariat's experiences of working in and for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) under the framework of the Protocol on Land-Based Sources and Activities of Pollution. Specific focus was made on the Global Environment Facility funded projects on wastewater (CReW) and Integrated Watershed Management (IWEco & IWCAM).

For more information, please click here.

©Photo Source:Corbin/UNEP CEP

State of the Convention Area Report (SOCAR)

To respond to gaps in monitoring and assessment programmes of patterns and trends in the environmental quality of the Convention area, the State of the Convention Area Report (SOCAR) is being developed. National water quality datasets were submitted by 16 countries and territories, and additional data sets were submitted by Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for five other countries.

The computational steps to derive the national average of each parameter were developed and analysis of all national data sets has been completed. Almost all of the countries have provided comments on their respective SOCAR. The SOCAR Data Sub-group continues to refine cut values and acceptable ranges as well as accommodate other parameters that countries are monitoring.

Approximately 10 countries submitted their feedback on the best practices to address land based sources of pollution in the region. The quantitative assessment of the state of the marine environment of the Wider Caribbean Region is slated to be completed by end of May 2018. A draft of the report will be discussed at the upcoming ‘Fourth Meeting of the Scientific, Technical and Advisory Committee Meeting’ from July 16-20, 2018 in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Trash Free Waters Steering Committee in Jamaica meets at the National Environment and Planning Agency to discuss upcoming plans for the pilot project. ©Photo Source: Corbin/UNEP CEP

Trash Free Waters for the Caribbean

The Trash Free Waters partnership (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Peace Corps, the United Nations Environment – Caribbean Environment Programme (Secretariat to the Cartagena Convention); UN Environment’s Regional Office for Latin America and its Caribbean Sub-Regional Office) is implementing activities in Panama and Jamaica to reduce and prevent land-based trash from entering watersheds, coastal waters, and the marine environment.

The first meeting of the National Steering Committee for the Trash Free Partnership in Jamaica was held March 6, 2018 at the National Environment Planning Agency in which the work plan and role of agencies was outlined and other plastic and waste management issues were discussed.

The implementing agency for Jamaica, Sandals Foundation will be improving solid waste reduction in the towns of Bluefields and Whitehouse, Westmoreland in light of Jamaica’s challenges with solid waste management. Some of the upcoming activities will include public awareness/ Public education activities on proper waste management practices, distribution of garbage bins, livelihood training (recycling) and composting.

For more information, please visit the CEP website.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE REGIONAL ACTIVITY CENTRES FOR THE POLLUTION PROTOCOL

The Center of Engineering and Environmental Management of Coasts and Bays (CIMAB)

The RAC CIMAB participated in the Second Meeting of the Project Steering Committee of the GEF IWEco Project t held in Havana, Cuba from 26 February -1 March 2018.

A meeting was held with Ms. Lorna Inniss, the Coordinator of the Caribbean Environment Programme and the Cuban authorities to discuss the finalization of the Regional Activity Centre hosting agreement between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Government of Cuba. Discussions were also held on the states of Cuba’s ratification of the Protocol Concerning Pollution from Land Based Sources and Activities of Pollution.

The RAC CIMAB is working together with the Pollution Sub-programme in the definition of the activities for the implementation of the Regional Strategy and the Action Plan to reduce the nutrient load in the Greater Caribbean region, under the GEF CLME+ Project.

The Institute of Marine Affairs

Dr. Lorna Inniss, Coordinator for the Caribbean Environment Programme went to Trinidad & Tobago for the official signing of the host agreement for the Regional Activity Centre for the LBS Protocol. There were also meetings regarding the GEF IWEco Project with the Focal Point to discuss the progress of the national project, the Caribbean Trust Fund and the upcoming 2018 Intergovernmental Meeting of the Cartagena Convention and Conference of Parties.

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITY PROJECTS

Participants give a warm Caribbean smile at the 2nd Project Steering Committee meeting in Cuba. ©Photo Source:Southey/PCI Media Impact

Integrating Water, Land & Ecosystems Management in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (GEF IWEco Project)

The Second Regional Project Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Project on 'Integrating Water, Land and Ecosystems Management in Caribbean Small Island Developing States' (IWEco) was held in Havana, Cuba from 26th February to 1st March 2018. This meeting was convened by UN Environment CAR/RCU, which is the lead co-executing agency for the project.

Eight of the ten countries participating in the project (Antigua & Barbuda, Cuba, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago), as well as national, regional and international partners were represented.

Mr. Jan Betlem, Regional IWEco Project Coordinato, Mr. Anthony McKenzie, Manager and Viviene Thompson-Williams, Director and Ms. Donna Henry-Hernandez, Programme Assistant, GEF IWEco Project visit the site of the protected Area in Negril, Jamaica. ©Photo Source:UNEPCEP

IWEco’s objective is to contribute to the preservation of Caribbean ecosystems that are of global significance and to the sustainability of livelihoods. The project will apply proven technologies and approaches best suited for small island developing states in order to improve the management of fresh and coastal water resources, land resources and forests.

Some of the decisions/updates are highlighted below:

• The 2018 Work and Budget Plan for the Project was approved by the Regional Project Steering Committee.

• The creation of National Intersectoral/Inter-ministerial Committees for each country as an important government mechanism for national project implementation.

• In further development & implementation of GEF IWEco Small Grants, adaptive management and flexibility should be encouraged to ensure that Small Grant Programme (SGP) interventions support overall objectives of IWEco at local community level offering opportunities for learning, replication and upscaling.

• Following the approval of the revised budget, preparations have been made to conclude Project Cooperation Agreements (PCAs) with other lead Executing Agencies Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) (mainly for the research and monitoring component and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat for the provision of legal and policy support to participating countries.

For more information, please check the CEP website.

Mr. Christopher Corbin, Programme Officer for the Pollution and Communications Sub-programmes, Caribbean Environment Programme discuss work of the follow up project, Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Project, CReW+. ©Photo Source:UNEPCEP

Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Project (GEF CReW+ Project)

The concept for this full-sized project was approved in November 2017 for US$14,943,938 by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund. Currently, work has begun on the design of the full sized project proposal over the next 18 months through funds provided via the GEF project preparation grant (PPG) modality.

This innovative project will build upon its previous phase “The Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management (CREW)” project 2011-2016, also funded by the GEF, and co-implemented by IDB and UN Environment. Work is on-going to identify intervention sites in each of the beneficiary countries, and activities that align with country priorities and needs while also meeting GEF focal area requirements. Close liaison has begun with all countries to secure their input, endorsement/validation and co-financing for all proposed activities at national and regional levels.

FIRST JOINT HUMAN SECURITY PROJECT

'Strengthening Human Resilience in Northern Clarendon and West Kingston in Jamaica'

Participants being trained in the principles of Human Security for project implementation aimed at '‘Strengthening Human Resilience in Northern Clarendon and West Kingston' in Jamaica ©Photo Source:Foreman/UNEPCEP

The launch of the first human security project on Jamaica aimed at ‘Strengthening Human Resilience in Northern Clarendon and West Kingston’ was held in Kingston, Jamaica from March 12-15, 2018. The project is being jointly implemented by the Government of Jamaica and the following United Nations agencies in Jamaica: Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme, and UN Women. Funding is provided by the Government of Jamaica, the UN agencies and the UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS).

The programme, which is the first human security project in Jamaica, will contribute to enhanced resilience and human security of communities in Northern Clarendon and West Kingston. It will strengthen the local and community governance bodies to design and oversee interventions to address insecurities, enhancing economic, food and nutrition security in selected communities.

UN Environment will be leading activities focused on improving the environmental health and water security at the community, local and national levels and strengthening institutional capacity for integration of the Human Security Approach.

For more information, please check the UNDP Jamaica website.

SAVE THE DATE

Fourth Technical Meeting concerning the Pollution Protocol (4th LBS STAC)

WELCOME TO NEW SECRETARIAT STAFF

The Secretariat to the Cartagena Convention/Caribbean Environment Programme welcomes two new staff to the Wider Caribbean Region and working with UNEP CEP.

Ms. Ileana Catalina Lopez is now working as the Programme Management Officer for our Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife Sub-Programme (SPAW) since March 2018.

©Photo Source:UNEPCEP

Mrs. Clementiene Pinder is working in the capacity of Administrative/ Fund Management Officer since January 2018.

©Photo Source:UNEPCEP

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

World Wetlands Day-2 February 2018

To recognize the international theme '‘Wetlands for a sustainable urban future’ for World Wetlands Day celebrated on 2 February 2018, the Cartagena Convention Secretariat partnered with the Sub-regional Office of the Caribbean, the National Environment and Planning Agency of Jamaica and the University of the West Indies/Port Royal Marine Laboratory for a tree planting activity and clean up of a mangrove seedling plot within the Palisadoes-Port Royal Protected Area in Jamaica.

Representatives from the National Environment and Planning Agency and Ms. Deonne Smith from the Sub-Regional Office of the Caribbean prepare to plant mangroves in commemoration of World Wetlands Day along Palisadoes strip in Jamaica ©Photo Source:UNEPCEP
Ms. Sancha Foreman from the Pollution and Communications Sub-programme plants mangroves for World Wetlands Day along Palisadoes strip in Jamaica ©Photo Source:UNEPCEP

UN Environment celebrates women supporting our work in environmental science- 11 February 2018

Some of the women working at the Caribbean Environment Programme [From left: Coral Fernandez, Lorna Inniss, Sancha Foreman, Jodi Johnson, Clementiene Pinder, Philippa Jackson-Forbes, Donna Henry-Hernandez] ©Photo Source:UNEPCEP

In celebration of International Day for Women and Girls in Science, UN Environment Caribbean Regional Seas Programme featured women at the Secretariat supporting our work in environmental science.

In striving towards this goal, UN Environment Caribbean Regional Seas Programme recognizes the role of women in science in achieving implementation of the 2030 agenda and more particular our work in ocean governance.

These included women working at our Regional Activity Centres (RACs) and institutions which form part of the Regional Activity Network (RAN). These Centres provide technical support to the Contracting Parties to the Cartagena Convention and its protocols.

Oil Spills Protocol: The Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Information and Training Center for the Wider Caribbean (REMPEITC-Caribe) in Curacao.

Pollution/LBS Protocol: The Centre of Engineering and Environmental Management of Coasts and Bays in Cuba.

Pollution/LBS Protocol: The Institute of Marine Affairs in Trinidad and Tobago; and

Biodiversity/SPAW Protocol: The Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW-RAC)in Guadeloupe.

For more information on the Protocols, please check our website on Regional Activity Centres.

World Wildlife Day -3 March 2018

On World Wildlife Day under the theme 'Predators under Threat', the marine wildlife of the Caribbean Sea was highlighted on social media. The #Wild for Life 'Find your Kindred Species Team Challenge' was launched and promoted. It offered the opportunity to raise awareness and protect these endangered species!

World Water Day -22 March 2018

Ms. Sancha Foreman from Pollution and Communications Sub-programmes at the World Water Exhibition in Jamaica discuss ways of conserving water and of our programmes centred on the marine environment. ©Photo Source: UNEPCEP

To mark the global day, the UN Environment's-Caribbean Environment Programme participated in the World Water Day Exhibition coordinated by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation at Girl Guides Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica. The importance of the commodity and the need to protect and preserve the country’s freshwater resources in Jamaica and the region as a whole.

Under the global theme ‘Nature for Water’, fact sheets on the Pollution programme's work were also available at the 8th World Water Forum during the observance of the global day.

Windsor Farmer Group is happy to get promotional material from the Caribbean Environment Programme at the World Water Day Exhibition organized by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation in Jamaica ©Photo Source:UNEPCEP
Ms. Deonne Smith and Ms.Bailey Rosen from the Sub-Regional Office of the Caribbean quiz students on ways to conserve water in the home. ©Photo Source:UNEPCEP

SOCIAL MEDIA

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FOCAL POINTS UPDATES

MEETING CALENDAR

“Working to control, prevent and reduce pollution of the coastal and marine environment from land and marine-based sources and activities thereby enabling countries of the Wider Caribbean to meet their obligations under the Land-based Sources of Marine Pollution and Oil Spills Protocols of the Cartagena Convention.”

To find out more information on the Pollution (LBS) Protocol, please contact Mr. Christopher Corbin, Programme Officer and Sancha Foreman, Programme Assistant, Pollution and Communication sub-programmes, at UN Environment's CEP by telephone: 1(876)922-9267-9, Fax:1 (876)922-9292, Email: rcu@cep.unep.org

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