THE ENTIRE PROJECT DOCUMENT
Context
1. Description of the sub-sector
The BVI is comprised of 60 small islands and islets and has a population of approximately 17 thousand concentrated in the four main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada. With tourism as the main source of income, the gross domestic product, per capita in 1992 was US$10,879. Economic activity in the tourism sector slowed down in the same year, however, when a 3.1 per cent drop in stop-over arrivals, and a 7.1 drop in the cruise ship arrivals were recorded. The downturn was attributable to the recession in North America from where most of the tourists originate. The Offshore banking industry which is another source of income on the other hand continues to experience remarkable success both with the registration of International Business Companies (IBC) and the generation of revenue. In 1992 the industry directly paid the BVI government US$19.1 million in fees, duties and taxes (excluding P.A.Y.E.) which represents 32% of Government revenue. The industry also contributed approximately US$34.5 million to the local economy and paid gross profits and benefits of US$7.8 million in 1992. An appreciable amount of the economic activity in 1992 had to do with the continuing rehabilitation of the islands following hurricane Hugo in 1989. The rapid growth in the first years after the disaster has now slowed down and in 1992 growth was a moderate 2.5 per cent.
As is characteristic of most small island developing states, the marine and coastal resources are significantly more extensive than the land area. Economic and population growth, mainly over the last decade has placed considerable pressure on the territory's natural resources. This is particularly evident in the coastal zones where resources such as beach sand has been depleted for construction purposes. Coral reefs have come under increasing threat from ship's anchors, souvenir collectors, overfishing and sedimentation from land based runoff and dredging, and mangroves have been removed for reclamation and the creation of flat land, particularly for tourism development. With the economy based largely on tourism that is dependent on the natural environment, and international financial services, the Government recognizes that if the country is to continue to develop its economic potential it must institutionalize development planning that is systematic and takes into careful consideration all the social and economic sectors.
Population growth is emerging as one of the most significant and crucial factors in the development of the BVI. During the period 1980 to 1991, in addition to natural increases, there was a large inflow of immigrants consisting mainly of workers accompanied in some cases by their dependents.
As a consequence, at the end of the period a net migration inflow of 3,154 was recorded. In comparison the population growth for the period 1970 to 1980 shows a net outward mitigation of 613.
The current population of 16,108 is comprised of 49.9% foreign born and the future outlook as suggested by projections indicates among other things that the population will continue to grow and that certain variables will change its structure. The key variables are the sex ratio, age structure, birth rate, working age population and the school age population.
One of the greatest constraints to development in the BVI is the relative scarcity of skilled manpower. Deficiencies in the educational quality of the labour force persist and appear to be casually linked to past weaknesses in the education system.
In an effort to achieve balanced and sustainable growth the government of the BVI is in the process of reviewing its overall and sectoral development strategies as part of a programme for diversification into other productive areas, and to reduce the country's heavy dependence on tourism and offshore services.
2. Host Country Strategy
The sustainability of growth and development is of critical concern to the Government
of the BVI and it is this dimension that will be reflected increasingly in the formulation of its policies and strategies for growth and development.
In view of the country's narrow productive base and the susceptibility of the tourism industry to external developments the government is determined to utilize the territory's human and natural resources in a rational, efficient and sustainable manner. Its strategy therefore is to initiate development planning as a pragmatic framework for achieving purposeful goals through harmonized policies. The focus of this approach will be on the formulation of a medium-term development strategy plan will treat economic, social, spatial and environmental elements in an integrated manner. The integrated approach will streamline and co-ordinate planning for all sectors and agencies and facilitate mutual awareness of overall requirements for the territory's development goals and objectives. In this way any adverse effect on the country can be minimized or avoided.
3. Prior and Ongoing Assistance
Between 1966 and 1976, the BVI received assistance from the UN in physical planning
and one output was a Physical Development Plan which is now obsolete.
In 1986 a UNDP/UNCHS project BVI/86/003 - Physical Development Planning was approved. The project assisted the Town and Country Planning Department (TCPD) to revise and update legislation and guidelines for improved planning procedures and partially completed an Outline Land Use Plan. The current follow-up activity is project
BVI/90/001 Town and Country Planning. Its objective is to provide the Government with comprehensive policy guidelines and technical indicators for promoting sustainable spatial development, and to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Town and Country Planning Department so that it may participate fully in broader integrated planning requirements. This phase of the project was scheduled to end in April 1994 but is being extended to further strengthen the land use planning capability and the development of new methodologies for the incorporation of coastal and marine considerations into physical planning. It was decided that the project will be fully incorporated into this Integrated Development Planning Strategy. Assistance is also being provided for the development of a Geographical Information Systems under project (BVI/91/001) which ran concurrently with BVI/90/001. The system which is now in place is facilitating the automated information/data requirements for spatial planning and associated requirements which will now feed into the integrated planning initiative.
From 1977 until 1988 UNDP/DTCD (now DDSMS) provided assistance to the BVI in economic development planning. The first phase was under BVI/77/001 and subsequently BVI/87/001. The assistance was sought to build up a self reliant capability within the Development Planning Unit (DPU) to more efficiently harness the inflow of external assistance for the implementation of the PSIP and to develop an effective central planning machinery. The project helped to establish and maintain a system of national accounts and provided support to improve the database for planning Government expenditures. A periodic monitoring system for the PSIP was also established and the capability of the DPU to prepare Government economic reports was strengthened.
In 1993 DESD (now DDSMS) provided the services of an Interregional Adviser on Development Planning who assisted the Government with developing the framework within which its integrated development process could be undertaken.
The OECS Natural Resources Management Unit (NRMU) provided assistance with the development of techniques for environmental impact assessments. The Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) has provided assistance in respect of water quality testing. Further support in this area is required and will be addressed in this project under the inputs provided by UNEP.
4. Institutional Framework
The overall responsibility for development planning as well as economic and physical planning is within the jurisdiction of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
The CMO has to ensure that all proposals for public and private sector development within the territory conform to Governments policies and priorities. This office is also responsible for the major policy directives and the coordination of activities in accordance with the development policies.
The Development Planning Unit (DPU) serves as the Government focal point for policy and operational matters pertaining to development planning, economic planning, national manpower planning, development aid, statistics and science and technology. It has the responsibility to formulate and prepare comprehensive national development plans and sectoral plans that are consistent with Government policies and priorities. The Town and Country Planning Department (TCPD) has the responsibility for the preparation of physical plans, and the day-to-day requirements with respect to spatial development. The spatial planning process is currently governed by the Land Development (Control) Ordinance of 1969. Updated legislative instruments have subsequently been prepared and are expected to be enacted shortly.
In accordance with the existing Ordinance, a Development Control Authority has been established comprising of a Chairman, and six other members appointed by the Governor. The Chief Town Planner is required to be a member of the Authority. It is this body which considers and grants permission for development applications.
The Conservation and Fisheries Department (CFD) was established in 1990 with responsibility for environmental planning and monitoring, including, inter alia, fisheries management, beach management, environmental education, disaster response and statutory responsibilities as appropriate to these functions.
A Bill is under consideration which will entrust to the Conservation and Fisheries Department (CFD) specific responsibilities for conservation and management of natural resources, the development of coastal lands and waters, and the regulation of development on the coastal zone in collaboration with the TCPD. The overall responsibility for this Bill will be within the parent Ministry of Natural Resources which also has jurisdiction for land surveying and land management.
B. PROJECT JUSTIFICATION
1. Problems to be addressed: The present situation
Integrated development planning in the BVI must be seen against the background of the
current progress in the social and economic sectors, particularly tourism. And, very critically, within the context of a fragile environment and a precariously limited resource base. With the economy expanding and with the impact of complex population growth factors, the improvement of educational and health standards, the need to sustain the natural beauty and serenity of the territory, and to utilize its natural resources of land, water and air in a sustainable manner have become major priority issues for the Government. The aim, therefore, is to integrate economic, population, social, physical and environmental objectives in a coordinated manner to obtain a more sectoral balanced development pattern and sustainable implementation programme.
The BVI with its limited and dispersed land mass, is also experiencing a rapid expansion in housing and building construction and other physical infrastructure. This highlights the critical role that physical planning must play within the integrated planning framework. Physical planning initiatives have made some inroads with the strengthening of the Town and Country Planning Department (TCPD), preparation of local area plans and sector outlines, draft legislation, and inputs towards the finalization of the National Development Plan. There still remain, however, some constraints which need to be addressed to bring physical planning within the mainstream of the development process. At present there are limited intersectoral institutional linkages to foster and facilitate integrated plan preparation and implementation. There is also an inadequate number of skilled support staff in the TCPD and a lack of effective coordination between social, economic, and physical planning.
Considerations on population have been given equal priority among the other social and economic programmes of the country. In view of the important role of population growth in the social and economic dynamics of the territory, high priority is being placed on its integration, as an issue, into the planning process.
The population of the BVI has been growing at the rate of 4 to 5 percent per year since 1980, with the pace accelerating in recent years. In migration has emerged as the most significant factor in the population equation and is responsible for most of the 50% growth experienced in the 1980s. More than half of the labor force in the islands consist of immigrants. The social economic and environmental consequences, especially in terms of the demands being placed on social services, and on national resources require careful planning not only to accommodate the growing population but also to develop appropriate intervention policies to ensure that the population changes are kept in line with the Government’s ability to provide for basic needs and maintain an adequate standard of living whilst at the same time safeguarding the environment.
Another important population-related issue that is closely linked to the development process concerns the impending mismatch between the demand for and the supply of skills, which is expected to materialize within the very near future.
Some of the factors contributing to this situation include: (a) the growing numbers in the youth population aged 15 to 29; (b) the increasing numbers graduating from high school and the community college; and (c) the rising numbers returning from study abroad. Of equal importance are the negative social consequences that could occur as a result of the disillusionment of the youth and the rise in the numbers unemployed as well as underemployed.
The development of a manpower planning system could help to diffuse the potentially explosive nature of this situation through the identification of areas of demand and supply, the development of employment generation and requisite training programmes to fill the gaps, and the provision of adequate career guidance and counseling services to tailor the aspirations of the youth to the real needs of the economy.
2. Expected end of project situation
- A planning mechanism and processes for the coordination and integration of national, sectoral and local level development initiatives will have been provided.
- Decision makers and planning staff will have a conceptual framework within which pertinent and effective policies for environmental protection and sustainable development can be formulated.
- By the end of the project there will be adequate capacity and structure for the design and implementation of policies and strategies in an integrated manner to meet the country's development needs.
- Spatial planning will be fully integrated into the overall planning process and thus based on the understanding of the dynamics of development and effective management of the terrestrial and marine resources.
3. Target Beneficiaries
The primary beneficiaries will be the staff of the Development Planning Unit, the Town and Country Planning Department, Conservation and Fisheries Department and related sectoral agencies who will have improved procedures for planning and whose skills and knowledge will be improved. Policy makers will benefit from having a better appreciation of development possibilities. Within the framework of a holistic, integrated approach to planning and development, developers and individuals will benefit from being able to ascertain before hand the requirements for meeting conditions for approval of development applications. Public and private sector agencies will benefit by being able to co-ordinate their sectoral planning processes in an integrated manner. Likewise, NGOs will be expected to contribute to and participate in development in a structured manner.
4. Project Strategy and Implementation Arrangements
At present there is a lack of adequate capacity and institutional linkages for the design
and implementation of policies and strategies to meet the comprehensive development needs of the BVI.
As a result there are no clear and appropriate sustainable macroeconomic development policies and strategies. The basic strategy of the project therefore will be to initiate development planning as a pragmatic framework for achieving purposeful goals through harmonized policies. A significant feature will be the formulation of a medium term development plan that treats economic, sectoral, spatial and environmental elements in an integrated manner. The development plan would aim at an average rate of growth that is both desirable and feasible and will be followed by vigorous measures to implement it. Tourism will continue to be the pivotal force for economic expansion. The linkages between tourism and material production will be strengthened and the scope for fishing, livestock, agro industry and handicraft production will be fully exploited. Issues of labour force and employment will figure prominently in the policy framework, particularly with regard to the development of human skills of the right quality and quantity; immigration policy; and measures for education, training and health improvement.
The mobilization and allocation of financial resources will be a critical aspect of the planning process while the PSIP will be carefully linked and will be the investment component of the Plan. In this context issues relating to both public and private sector investment will be assessed carefully and objectively. While the Plan's frame of reference will be for a period of five years and will focus on the delineation of development priorities, objectives and the broad spectrum of actions to be taken, implementation will be closely linked with the annual budget and the various macroeconomic policies that usually accompany it.
The five year strategy will be informed by studies already undertaken in respect of physical planning and the capacity of the natural resource base.
The United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UNCHS), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Department for Development Support and Management Services (DDSMS), the UN Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), will all cooperate in providing support for physical, economic, social and environmental planning, preparation of the integrated development strategy plan, the establishment of procedures for and general coordination. This arrangement will mark an innovative modality of international cooperation and supports the institutionalization of development policies and strategies in a holistic and programmatic framework as called for in UN General Assembly resolutions 47/177 ongoing integrated UN system support to national development. Additionally, the BVI has been selected as one of the six islands in the Pilot Phase of the UNDP Caribbean Regional Capacity 21 Project, the principal output of which is expected to be the establishment of Sustainable Development Councils/Commissions on each island.
This coordinating mechanism which is expected to be established by mid 1995 in the BVI will also serve to inform and strengthen this process of holistic planning and implementation.
Adequate mechanisms will be established at the beginning of the project to coordinate the inputs to be provided by the international agencies participating in the project. The initial conceptual framework and implementation methodology will be formulated in consultation with the above agencies.
The strategy to be applied in the project's execution envisages a permanent process of consultation, coordination and collaboration among the various sectors and stakeholders involved in the formulation of the national integrated development strategy (NIDS). Sectoral and global coordinating mechanisms (groups, task forces etc.) will be established for this purpose in close collaboration with the UNDP Capacity 21 Project. Local community based groups and the public in general will be encouraged to participate in the planning, development and implementation process. Additionally, the BVI has been selected as one of the islands in the pilot phase of the UNDP Caribbean Regional Capacity 21 Project, the principal output of which is expected to be the establishment of Sustainable Development Councils on each island. This coordinating mechanism which is expected to be established by mid 1995 in the BVI will also serve to inform and strengthen the process of holistic planning and implementation.
The project will be executed in three distinct phases. In the first phase, a conceptual framework and methodology for the preparation of the NIDS and sectoral plans will be formulated and reviewed through the established consultative mechanisms. Information will be collected, information gaps and priority development issues will be identified; and the focus and orientation of the development strategy will be determined and agreed upon through a consultative process.
The second phase will comprise the further gathering of data on those areas where there are information gaps and where the development strategy will focus; and the formulation and agreement on the strategic options for sustainable development in the BVI.
The final phase will be dedicated to the preparation of the final integrated development strategy, a methodology for its implementation, and a system to generate and evaluate investment projects for its implementation.
While the present project has provisions for incorporating general marine and coastal resources management issues as part of the National Integrated Development Strategy, the formulation of a more detailed integrated plan for the management of marine and coastal resources is included with complementary inputs from UNEP. The UNEP contribution is also detailed in a document that will be annexed to this project document.
Both components will be executed simultaneously as the UNEP component is considered an integral part of the present agreement and will be coordinated under a common project management arrangement.
The UNEP-assisted component will be executed in several phases. The first phase, included in the complementary project document, covers the activities up to the execution of a second consultation/workshop to review the diagnosis of current conditions and trends in the management of marine and coastal resources.
Additional inputs to be provided by UNEP at a later stage will focus in the area of freshwater resources, biodiversity, climate change; environmental law and institutions; management of resource information data base; terrestrial ecosystems; and disaster preparedness and mitigation.
5. Reasons for assistance from the UN System Agencies
UNDP and DTCD (now DDSMS) have been providing assistance to the Development
Planning Unit quite successfully and were specifically requested by Government to bring their collective experiences to facilitate this important development initiative.
UNCHS is also providing assistance with physical planning and is also considered to be a critical resource agency. This agency provides punctual technical support and backstopping through its regional project facility based in close proximity to UNDP in Barbados. Both UNCHS and UNEP shall be collaborating in a series of initiatives to incorporate coastal zone and marine considerations into the development process and the BVI will serve as a pilot scheme in this regard. UNEP will be making a financial contribution towards support of the coastal and marine considerations. UNFPA will be providing in kind support through its regional programme. The Government will, however, reimburse UNDP for the cost of the programme not covered by UNEP and the in kind support of UNFPA and UNCHS. The UNDP Capacity 21 Project will also provide support for establishing intersectoral coordinating mechanisms and institutional capacity building.
6. Special considerations
In recognition of the required linkages between the socioeconomic and ecological
systems which may effect the sustainability of development, environmental issues will be integrated into all components of the programme. Marine and coastal area development in particular will receive special attention due to the thriving tourism industry. Water based activities in particular can have detrimental consequences for the marine environment. Technical cooperation among developing countries (TCDC) will be intensified particularly in the area of physical planning through the attachments of staff from the TCPD to other such departments in the region.
The Government has stated its commitment to gender parity in the society. The programme will therefore address the issues that will ascertain that "the BVI community will be one where women are given equal opportunities to realize their full developmental potential, equal protection and benefits under the law, and enjoy the benefits of comparable worth". Close collaboration will be established with the Bureau of Women Affairs.
7. Co-ordination Arrangements
Owing to the intersectoral nature of the programme it will be coordinated by the Chief
Minister's Office. Very close collaboration will be established with the TCPD, which has responsibility for land use planning and physical development, and the Conservation and Fisheries Department which has responsibility for environmental issues. These three Units will constitute the project's management team under the co-ordination of Head of DPU.
The existing Planning and Projects Review Advisory Committee (PPRAC) comprising Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and other senior officials will serve as the overall Coordinating mechanism providing policy guidance and direction. The PPRAC may co-opt additional members as appropriate in order to address the requirements of this integrated project, and may also designate sub-committees to deal with specific issues. In this connection it should be noted that UNDP and the Caribbean Development Bank will be collaborating to assist the BVI in strengthening its capacity for sustainable development through a sub-regional Capacity 21 project and therefore complementary support will eventually be provided towards the institutionalization of new arrangements in support of integrated planning and development through a restructured PPRAC.
A project technical working group - The Integrated Planning Committee - will be established to function as the planning team for the project. This working group will comprise representatives of the key agencies such as the DPU, TCPD, CFD, Tourism, Communications and Works, Water and Sewerage, Disaster, Health, Education, Housing and Women's Affairs. Other participants will include private sector focal points and NGOS.
The procedures/methodologies established for the effective coordination of the functional linkages of these agencies/focal points will constitute the integrated planning framework to be institutionalized as an output of the project.
The UN inputs will be coordinated by the resident UNCHS Project Manager/Planner who has been assisting with Physical Planning over the past two years and whose assignment has been extended to continue the support to spatial planning and related project implementation.
In her added functions she will be provided with punctual backstopping support from the UNEP Regional Coordinating Unit in Jamaica, the UNCHS multi-island Programme in Barbados, the UNFPA regional office in Jamaica, as well as by consultancy inputs from DDSMS. Additional backstopping support will be provided through UNEP and UNCHS headquarters in Nairobi.
8. Counterpart Support Capacity
PART C DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE
To chart an orderly course of development through the rational, efficient and sustainable utilization of the territory's resources, and achievements in the pursuit of good governance.
PART D. IMMEDITE OBJECTIVES, OUTPUTS AND ACTIVITIES
1. Immediate Objective 1:
To provide the Government with comprehensive policy guidelines, analytical material and technical indicators for promoting sustainable development.
1. 1. Output 1
A conceptual framework and detailed methodology for integrated planning.
Activity I
1. 1. 1. Convene a workshop to determine the scope of the conceptual
framework for the National Integrated Development Strategy.
1.1.2. Convene the first round of consultations/workshops to review the project's framework and methodology
1.1.3. Prepare guidelines within which social, economic, physical and environmental policies will be harmonized.
Output 2
A National Integrated Development Strategy (NIDS) composed of rationalized physical, social, economic and environmental plans.
Activity 1
2.2.1 Review existing coordinating mechanisms including PPRAC and the proposed Sustainable Development Councils, to determine the most appropriate for the co-ordination of the NIDS.
2.2.2. Reconfigure the PRACC as a coordinating mechanism with added responsibilities specifically focused at national level integrated planning for sustainable development.
2.2.3. Prepare a detailed schedule of activities and timetable for the execution of the NIDS.
2.2.4. Establish and operationalize consultative/coordinating mechanisms among public sector agencies, the private sector, NGOs and communities, to facilitate the preparation of the NIDS (in collaboration with the UNDP Capacity 21 Project).
2.2.5. Convene the first round of consultations/workshops to review the project's framework and methodology.
2.2.6. Collect and analyze data and information on all sectors. Conduct
interviews with relevant officials in the line ministries, departments and public utilities to obtain views and inputs on respective elements of the Strategy and to ensure their effective role in the follow-up and implementation process.
2.2.7. Prepare demographic estimates, rates, population related social and economic indicators for description of current situation/trends. Prepare population projections based on different assumptions.
2.2.8. Develop a unified information base for all sectors.
2.2.9. Analyse existing conditions and trends in order to inform the preparation of NIDP.
2.2.10. Convene a second round of consultations/workshops to review the main findings of the analysis.
2.2.11. Identify strategic objectives and goals and examine them for practicality and consistency with the thrust for sustainable development.
2.2.12. Develop policies, strategies and programmes for incorporation into the Strategy, taking into consideration outputs already produced under the earlier physical planning project.
2.2.13. Prepare reports on the status of the preparation of the NIDS for submission to the Executive Council.
2.2.14. Draft Strategy document.
2.2.15. Convene the third round of consultations/workshops to review the draft Strategy.
2.2.16. Prepare final Strategy including a detailed phased work programme scheduling human resources and financial inputs, appropriate time frames and required institutional arrangements to operationalise the strategy. Areas of responsibility should be clearly defined.
2.2.17. Analyse National accounts and balance of payment from 1984 to present.
2.2.18. Analyse previous economic policies and strategies to inform the scope and direction of the Economic Plan.
2.2.19. Appraise methodology for review of NSDP with the first Consultation/ Workshop.
2.2.20. Update information on NSDP and review current conditions and trends in spatial development in relation to social and economic development.
2.2.21 Prepare updated version of NSDP as an integral component of NIDS.
1.2 Output 3
Three (3) local area plans which include Road Town, Anegada and The Valley, Virgin Gorda.
Activities:
3.3.1 Formulate methodology for review of the spatial element of NIDS.
3.3.2 Formulate methodology for execution of designated area plans and obtain prior feedback from PPRAC/Sustainable Development Council.
3.3.3 Identify and give specific consideration to investment requirements both public and private, which will be necessary to give the plans a good chance to be implemented.
3.3.4 Identify possible sources of funding which will facilitate early commitment of resources in support of implementation.
3.3.5 Consult community focal points, private sector, interest groups, NGOs etc., to ensure that local area plans are "user friendly", clearly understood and enjoy general support.
Output 4 A data bank for the formulation and appraisal of development projects (social, economic and environmental) as part of the PSIP.
4.4.1 Prepare a set of criteria and indicators for the formulation and appraisal of development projects within the framework of PSIP.
4.4.2 Design a data management system to gather and process information on
development projects to implement the NIDS. Determine the requirements on equipment, human resources and institutional capacity for its operation.
4.4.3 Test the project information system and introduce corrections as required.
4.4.4 Prepare manuals and procedures for the management of the project information system by the corresponding government agencies.
4.4.5 Design and implement an information dissemination and training programme on the application of the project information system.
4.4.6 Review the GIS being developed under BVI/91/001 and determine linkages and initiatives for expansion.
1.5 Output 5
A Framework/Programme of Action on marine and coastal issues.
ACTIVITIES
5.5.1 Establish a Marine and Coastal Areas Environmental Information Review Working Group to coordinate, supervise and, as necessary, carry out the activities listed below.
5.5.2. Review and evaluate existing environmental data and information as it relates to marine and coastal resources (to be coordinated with relevant UNDP/UNCHS IDP project activities)
5.5.3. Identify, describe and map all marine and coastal resources, including habitats and ecosystems (e.g. beaches, mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds), and provide an inventory of the fauna and flora associated with each habitat/ecosystem.
5.5.4. Identify and describe the present and proposed use of marine and coastal resources associated with the various sectors (i.e. fisheries, tourism, recreation), including all human activities and conflicts.
5.5.5. Describe and assess the status of marine and coastal resources, including water quality, and identify threatened and/or stresses habitats, and rare, endangered and vulnerable species, and the environmental implications of continued development activities which affect marine and coastal resources.
5.5.6. Identify and assess the threat to marine and coastal resources, including socioeconomic impacts, from possible climate change and sea-level rise.
5.5.7. Based on the information collected under tasks 5.5.3 to 5.5.6 above, determine areas and/or habitats and ecosystems that require special management considerations, long-term monitoring programmes and/or the collection of additional data and information for management purposes due to their environmental sensitivity, and/or ecological and development importance.
5.5.8. Assess the adequacy of existing human resource and infrastructure available in the area of environment and natural resources use for the planning and management of marine and coastal areas.
5.5.9. Review relevant reports and/or conduct interviews with representatives of relevant government departments to obtain information on personnel and infrastructure availability.
5.5.10 Determine the adequacy of existing personnel and infrastructure for implementing existing and proposed programmes.
5.5.11. Make recommendations where necessary for strengthening the human resource base and infrastructure for the planning and management of marine and coastal areas.
5.5.12 Assess the adequacy of existing and proposed legislation in the area of environment and natural resources use for the planning and management of marine and coastal areas (to be coordinated with relevant UNDP/UNCHS IDP project activities).
5.5.13 Review existing and proposed laws, regulations and any other instruments which pertain to environment and natural resources use.
5.5.14 Determine the adequacy of these laws, regulations and other instruments and/or the enforcement of these laws, regulations and other instruments.
5.5.15 Make recommendations, as necessary, for the strengthening of legislation for the planning and management of marine and coastal areas.
5.5.16 Assess the adequacy of existing institutional arrangements in the area of environment and natural resources use for the planning and management of marine and coastal areas.
5.5.17 Review the roles, including powers, authority, functions and jurisdictions, of existing agencies/departments within the public administration system which have influence over marine and coastal resources, in particular, their mandates, missions, goals and objectives.
5.5.18 Determine the adequacy of these institutional arrangements for the implementation and/or enforcement of existing and proposed legislation.
5.5.19 Make recommendations, as necessary, for strengthening of existing institutional arrangements for more effective implementation and/or enforcement of legislation for the planning and management of marine and coastal areas.
5.5.20 Convene consultations/workshops to review the findings of the diagnostic study and to agree on a framework/programme of action/blueprint for integrated development planning which includes the management of marine and coastal resources.
2. Immediate Objective 2
To strengthen the capacity of the government agencies responsible for development planning and management.
Output 1
Established consultative/coordinating mechanisms among public sector agencies, private sector, NGOs and communities for sectoral and overall development planning and management of the BVI
Activities:
2.1.1. Prepare a directory of institutional, NGO's private and community stakeholders in the development of BVI. The inventory and relations of the stakeholders will also be identified by sectors of activities (economic, social, environment).
2.1.2. Establish the tasks and functions required for the efficient development planning and management in the BVI.
2.1.3. Design institutional arrangements and mechanisms (this could also refer to the strengthening of existing mechanisms if appropriate) for coordinated development planning and management with the participation of government agencies, private sector and communities.
2.1.4. Prepare final proposal on institutional arrangements and mechanisms for integrated development planning and management based on the comments received from the various stakeholders. Present for the approval of the government the proposal together with a strategy for its application.
Output 6 A strengthened Town and Country Planning Department (TCPD), and Development Planning Unit (DPU) and Conservation and Fisheries Department with a specific structured approach in support of integrated development planning.
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