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United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development

Disaster Risk Management in the Islands of the Indian Ocean

Indian Ocean Commission
#SDGAction39967
    Description
    Description
    The partnership focuses on strengthening the capacity of the islands of the Indian Ocean member of the Indian Ocean Commission and Zanzibar Island of the United Republic of Tanzania to reduce their vulnerability, exposure and protect the population of the region against loss and damage that result from catastrophic events.
    Implementation of the Project/Activity

    The partnership is implemented through projects. The activities to be carried out are implemented through annual work program and guided by thematic experts recruited by the Indian Ocean Commission. The priority actions to be implemented are driven by country need. Collaboration with national institutions, e.g. Universities, specialised institutions etc…are also established to ensure national commitment and for sustainability of actions. The program is organised in such that countries learn and benefit from the experience of one another. For instance, Madagascar which is not a SID yet vulnerable and the most affected by natural disasters, cyclones in the region, would share its experience and knowhow to the other island nations.

    Capacity

    Capacity building needs are assess at the start of the program. National training on data collection and the tools requires are conducted. Regional training on DESINVENTAR and CAPRA to allow countries to put in place their national databases and undertake national country risk profile are conducted. Collaboration with national Universities such as the University of Seychelles for Training in climate change and the University of Reunion Island for Master Degree Programme in Earth Observation. Regional simulation exercises for preparedness to disasters in partnership with non-States are conducted with regional partners. Data collection and land management training has also been conductedThe application of earth observation data and aerial photograph are also used. These images are made available to the countries and on hands training in the analysis of such data are conducted. The program work in close collaboration with the Civil Protection and Disaster Management Centers in each focus island. All national data, reports, digital maps and information collected are hosted in a national institution identified by the respective country. An electronic information exchange platform is being developed to allow access for continuous updating and interactions among the focus islands.

    Governed

    The partnership is coordinated by the secretariat of the Indian Ocean Commission. Reports on the actions are made available to the partners on regular basis. A national focal point and thematic focal points are nominated in each island State to facilitate coordination of action at national level. A regional program steering committee under the leadership of the IOC is in place to follow up and guide the activities. The steering Committee meets once a year. A dedicated regional platform for financial protection against catastrophic risk comprising of regional experts from the Government and private sector is also in place. This regional platform meets twice a year is chaired by the Madagascar and co-chaired by the Seychelles. The secretariat of the Indian Ocean Commission reports on the activities of the programme to the Governments via the Permanent Liaison Officers meeting twice a year and to the Council of Ministers once a year

    Partners
    Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Reunion Island , Zanzibar/Tanzania, European Union, French Development Agency, Australian Government, UNISDR, World Bank

    Goal 14

    Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

    Goal 14

    14.1

    By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution

    14.1.1

    (a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density

    14.2

    By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans

    14.2.1

    Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas

    14.3

    Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels

    14.3.1
    Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations

    14.4

    By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics

    14.4.1
    Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels

    14.5

    By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information

    14.5.1
    Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas

    14.6

    By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation

    14.6.1

    Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

    14.7

    By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism

    14.7.1

    Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries

    14.a

    Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries

    14.a.1
    Proportion of total research budget allocated to research in the field of marine technology

    14.b

    Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets

    14.b.1

    Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries

    14.c

    Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"

    14.c.1

    Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources

    1. Digital mapping of Moheli Island of Comoros
    2. National Risk Profile for Seychelles
    3. Construction of a fire station in Comoros
    4. Construction of a command centre in Comoros
    In-kind contribution
    The involvement of national institutions and personnel that will include de salaries of national staff. The involvement of the secretariat of the Indian Ocean Commission which will involve, office space for programs and salary of its personnel involve in
    Other, please specify
    External Funding:Projects financed by funding agencies such as EU through the 10th European Fund for development , the French Development Agency, Australian AID
    No progress reports have been submitted. Please sign in and click here to submit one.
    False
    Action Network
    Small Island Developing States
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    Timeline
    01 January 2012 (start date)
    01 January 2017 (date of completion)
    Entity
    COI-IOC
    SDGs
    Region
    1. Africa
    More information
    Countries
    N/A
    Contact Information

    Gina Bonne, Ms