Download to Final Report on the Core Elements of a Framework for

PILOTING THE INTEGRATION OF
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
AND CLIMATE CHANGE
ADAPTATION IN TOBAGO
(TT-T1034)
(COASTAL MANAGEMENT
SPECIALIST)
TO DEVELOP THE CORE ELEMENTS OF A FRAMEWORK
FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTEGRATED COASTAL
ZONE MANAGEMENT POLICY IN TOBAGO
June 2015
Final Report on the Core Elements of a
Framework for Implementation of the
National Integrated Coastal Zone
Management Policy in Tobago
Prepared by Jonathan McCue
Englishmans Bay, Tobago west
coast
(taken by J McCue May 2013)
Pigeon Point beach
(taken by J McCue May 2013)
Marine habitats, Buccoo Reef
(taken by J McCue 2013)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose of the Report
1
1.2 Rationale for an ICZM Policy for Tobago
1
1.3 Purpose of an ICZM Policy for Tobago 2
SECTION 2 – INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND STAKEHOLDER VIEWS ON ICZM “CORE ELEMENTS”
FOR TOBAGO .............................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Organisational Structure
3
2.1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1.2 Division of Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing & the Environment ..................................................... 3
2.1.3 The Division of Tourism and Transportation.................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Relevant Powers
4
2.3 Key Issues of Relevance to ICZM Policy Development in Tobago
5
2.3.1 Workshop Discussion Point 1: Linking ICZM with Supporting Strategic Planning Programmes in
Tobago 5
2.3.2 Workshop Discussion Point 2: Institutional Arrangements and Capacity Building for ICZM ................. 6
2.3.3 Workshop Discussion Point 3: Geographic Extent of an ICZM Policy Framework.................................. 7
2.3.4 Workshop Discussion Point 4: Sustainable Development Planning ..........................................................12
SECTION 3 – CORE ELEMENTS OF THE ICMSP POLICY FRAMEWORK....................................................... 14
3.1 Recommended ICMSP Core Elements 14
3.2 Translating “Core Elements” into a Policy Framework for ICMSP
14
3.2.1 Stepped Tasks to achieve the ICMSP Policy Framework...........................................................................14
3.2.3 “Policy Directives” for the ICMSP Policy Framework .....................................................................................17
3.3 Recommended Supporting Guidance 26
3.3.1 Operations and Training Manual (Staff Development) .............................................................................26
3.3.2 Coastal Development Guidance ....................................................................................................................27
3.4 Structure of the proposed ICZM Unit 30
SECTION 4: CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................... 33
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................................. 35
APPENDIX A: ICZM WORKSHOP FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES ................................................................. 37
LIST OF INVITEES
37
APPENDIX B: ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT REPORT ACTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....................... 49
B.1 Overview
49
B2 Report A: Economics of Climate Adaptation in Trinidad and Tobago (IADB 2014)
49
B3 Report B: ICZM Situational Gap Analysis
52
B4 Report C: Public Awareness and Dissemination Programme
54
B5 Report D: Vulnerability Assessment for South West Tobago
55
B6 Report E: Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan (CCARP) for Tobago
58
B7 Report F: Coastal Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Guidelines
60
B8 Report G: Mainstreaming Climate Change Considerations into ICZM for Tobago
62
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APPENDIX C: PROPOSED ICMSP OUTPUT FORMAT ................................................................................. 65
APPENDIX D: INSTITUTIONAL CASE STUDIES ........................................................................................... 68
D1: ICMSP – Institutional Delivery Case Studies
68
D2: Institutional Findings
72
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Executive Summary
Jonathan McCue was contracted by the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) to undertake a consultancy entitled
“Core elements of a framework for implementation of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy in Tobago”.
This represents a key component of the larger IDB funded project entitled “Piloting the Integration of Coastal
Zone Management and Climate Change Adaptation in Tobago (TT-T1034)”.
This report presents a focus on the “Core Elements of a Framework for Implementation of the National
Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy in Tobago”. The “Core Elements” are presented to assist the THA
with future planning in the coastal zone (including sustainable coastal protection and climate change
adaptation approaches). The report’s content is based on a combination of the findings/actions required from
all appropriate technical studies produced for the project TT-T1034, adaptation measures identified under
the IDB funded study on “Understanding the Economics of Climate Adaptation (TT-T1033) and which are
relevant in the Tobago context, stakeholder consultation commentary (Workshop held on 26 May 2015) and
international consultant views and comments (see Appendices A and B for details). A specific section (Section
2) is included to present the findings of a rapid institutional assessment of the Tobago House of Assembly
(THA) focusing specifically on their capacity to deliver coastal planning, economics, project financing and
coastal protection. Section 3 then outlines the way forward with regard to what should be the core elements
of a future ICZM Policy Framework and how these could be formed into a series of ICZM Policy Directives for
Tobago.
The review of all Technical Cooperation documents produced for Project TT-1034 and TT-T1033 produced 26
Recommendations from the 8 separate reports reviewed (see Appendix B). These recommendations
demonstrate a strong policy related structure which fit neatly with the Strategic Objectives set out within the
THA’s Comprehensive Economic Development Plan (CEDP) (2013-2017 – Kairi 2012). From the stakeholder
Workshop event (26 May 2015), the top ten Project (TT-1034 and TT-T1033) recommendations or “actions”
that require focused attention are:
1.
A1) Pursue the formal preparation and acceptance of a National Building Code (TTA1);
2.
A3) Mangrove Restoration in Tobago (TTA18);
3.
A4) Coral Reef Restoration and Protection in Tobago (TTA19);
4.
B2) Effective Institutional Arrangements for ICZM Planning and CC Adaptation;
5.
B3) Establish a Policy Framework for ICZM and CC Adaptation;
6.
C3) Introduce a Variety of Educational “tools” to convey ICZM outcomes;
7.
D1) Initiate New Data Collection programmes;
8.
E1 and E2 (combined) - Build the case for natural coastal protection AND Bring coastal ecosystems
into mainstream decision making processes;
9.
E3) Incorporate proven management interventions;
10.
E5) Formalize Monitoring and Evaluation procedures.
(NB: numbering sequence is taken from the Reports reviewed in Appendix B):
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From the above list (plus an assessment of those recommendations that did not score within the stakeholders
top ten, this consultancy concludes that 9 new “Policy Directive” titles should be adopted to reflect the above
actions and recommendations. These “Policy Directives” (or “Core Elements” of an ICZM Policy) complement
very well with the 12 Policy Objectives already set out for the Draft National T&T ICZM Policy Framework
(ICZM Steering Committee, 2014). These Policy Directives are therefore entitled:
•
Policy Directive 1 - Standards and Procedures;
•
Policy Directive 2 – Improving Economic Potential (Transport and Commerce);
•
Policy Directive 3 – Conservation of Heritage, Food Security and Biodiversity;
•
Policy Directive 4 – Working with Dynamic Coasts and Ecosystems;
•
Policy Directive 5 – Climate and Disaster Resilient Livelihoods;
•
Policy Directive 6 – Focus, Integration and Co-ordination;
•
Policy Directive 7 – Community Participation and Co-management;
•
Policy Directive 8 – Knowledge and Understanding;
•
Policy Directive 9 – Financial Sustainability.
Regarding future implementation, it is proposed that a Multi-Sectoral Committee on ICZM (an “ICZM Unit”)
within the Office of the Chief Secretary be initiated that would coordinate effort amongst the different
departments and divisions. The Office of the Chief Secretary together with the Planning Division should
initially spearhead the initiative. This would then lead to a subsequent stand alone “ICZM Unit” that becomes
fully responsible for implementing the ICZM Policy. The ICZM Unit would need to be properly structured with
appropriately trained staffs and with suitable equipment that is dedicated to the effective
functioning/servicing of ICZM Policy delivery in Tobago. Staffs shall include trained expert with skills in
coastal engineering, marine biology, economists and ecology and project management. Legislation/
regulations may have to be adopted to enable the ICZM Unit to approve and manage all current and future
coastal development and planning initiatives being proposed within a legally defined Coastal Management
Area (CMA) for Tobago. Regarding the spatial extend of a future Policy for Tobago, it is concluded that the
term “Integrated Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (ICMSP)” is considered to better reflect the “Zones” of
influence (T1 and T2 plus S1 for nearshore marine areas) as set out in the Draft National T&T ICZM Policy
Framework (ICZM Steering Committee, 2014).
New “guidance manuals” are also proposed for development to help deliver the coastal policy framework
(e.g.: the Coastal Development Guide and the Environmental Policy Guideline Manual) within the CMA.
Finally, it is recommended (and as based on international best practice on ICMSP from other small island
states) that the future reporting process needs to have a series of Volumes prepared. The ICMSP process for
Tobago is therefore proposed to comprise of 3 main Volumes. This should initially commence with the
production of a new overarching policy framework to help frame the way forward for ICMSP (Volume 1). It
can then be supported by the production of two separate coastal and marine planning documents (Volumes 2
and 3). This is structured in more detail within Appendix C.
NB: This report (contracted Deliverable 4) represents an adapted summary version of a more detailed report
produced as contracted Deliverable 2 – “Draft Core Elements Report”. The project Workshop event was then
implemented to present the draft reports “Core Elements” of a future ICZM Policy Framework.
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SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of the Report
The objective of this consultancy (circa 1 calendar month in duration) is to develop the core
elements of a framework for implementation of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy
that can be utilized by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) in their development planning and
operations as it relates to integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) and climate change
adaptation (CCA) in Tobago.
The purpose of this report is to develop further a draft document (Deliverable 2) produced for this
consultancy and to incorporate any feedback/inputs received during a project specific workshop
held in Tobago on 26 May 2015 (see Appendix A for workshop outcomes) into an updated final
report on the core elements of an ICZM policy framework for future implementation. The intention
of this report is therefore to present to the policy / decision makers in Tobago a very clear and
concise report on the Core Elements to Implement an ICZM Policy in Tobago.
(NB: The key findings of the draft Deliverable 2 report are reflected within this report however, the
reader should refer to that report for more specific details).
1.2 Rationale for an ICZM Policy for Tobago
Tobago is at an early stage of planning for the protection of its coastal areas. The initiative to
move in this direction has come as a result of the recognition of severe degradation of coastal
ecosystems and coastal development pressures. The degradation of specific ecosystems is obvious
in many ways. Key drivers of this degradation are, as is the case with other small islands
developing states (SIDS), global climate change and an ever-increasing coastal population. In
Tobago, however, further stresses on a potentially sustainable coastal zone are associated with the
following:

Limited technical capacity for coastal zone management,

Fragmented data and information collection for sound decision-making,

Insufficient clarity with respect to coastal and marine processes, and

A lack of widespread targeted public education and awareness that helps to control
individual actions and behaviour in coastal areas.
With respect to institutional arrangements for tackling these technical issues, a number of gaps
exist, and in cases where institutional arrangements do exist, and work in a specific area of ICZM
is ongoing, usually it is site- and issue-specific and is not done in the context of comprehensive and
integrated coastal management.
Nevertheless, compared to other small island developing states, many areas of the Tobagonian
coastline and its ecosystems still remain healthy and vibrant. As a consequence, there are
opportunities for sustainable economic development in the coastal zone, but the information
needed to optimize uses and ecosystem conservation, maintain resource health and well-being, as
well as to ensure consistent economic returns from coastal sectors is not readily available. A
proposed ICZM Policy should help to provide a framework to guide the use of the coastal zone in
a way that contributes to maximising national physical protection and social and economic
development benefits.
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1.3
Purpose of an ICZM Policy for Tobago
The main purposes of an ICZM Policy for Tobago shall be to:

establish a vision and principles to guide the future development of the coast with respect
to climate resilient development, disaster and climate proofed land use planning,
management of coastal resources and ecosystems and environmental protection;

guide the future form and development of the coastal area and advise the public,
communities, businesses and government using proven best practice examples from
neighbouring countries/regions;

provide guidelines for public and private works and actions that impact on the social,
environmental, economic and physical well-being of the residents of coastal communities
around Tobago.

foster the socio-economic, environmental and physical well-being of coastal communities.
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SECTION 2 – INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND STAKEHOLDER
VIEWS ON ICZM “CORE ELEMENTS” FOR TOBAGO
2.1 Organisational Structure
2.1.1 Overview
After 1980, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) was formed into seven divisions, each
representing a developmental concern. Today, the THA comprises two main arms, the Legislative
Arm and the Executive Arm, and 10 divisions – nine with particular remits plus the Office of the
Chief Secretary, which oversees the others. The THA was created by Act 37 of 1980 for “making
better provision for the administration of Tobago and for matters therein.”
The Legislative arm (Assembly Legislature) is where all members of the Assembly meet in plenary
and/or in select committees to make policy decisions for the operations of the Assembly. These
functions are supported by the Assembly Legislature Secretariat and headed by the Presiding
Officer. The Clerk of the Assembly is responsible for the efficient discharge of functions of the
business of the Assembly.
The Executive arm of the Assembly is headed by the Chief Secretary in his capacity as leader of
the Executive Council. The Council has individual and collective responsibility for carrying out the
tasks of the Assembly through its divisions. Each division is led by a secretary, with an administrator
serving as the accounting officer responsible for producing the desired results of the division. The
Chief Administrator is the most senior public officer in the administration and is attached to the
Office of the Chief Secretary. Currently the 10 Divisions are:

Office of the Chief Secretary;

Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing & the Environment;

Community Development & Culture;

Education, Youth Affairs & Sport;

Finance & Enterprise Development;

Health & Social Services;

Infrastructure & Public Utilities;

Planning & Development

Settlements & Labour;

Tourism & Transportation.
2.1.2 Division of Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing & the Environment
The Divisions of most relevance to future ICZM delivery in Tobago are the Agriculture, Marine
Affairs, Marketing & the Environment Division and the Planning and Development Division. The
former Division is responsible for the sustainable management of Tobago’s marine resources from
the coastline to a distance of 6 nautical miles off shore. The Division then is further subdivided into
the Department of Natural Resource and Environment (DNRE), Fisheries and Aquaculture, and the
Marine Area Units. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Unit is responsible for the development and
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management of the fishing industry in Tobago. Its duties involve resolving conflicts in the fishing
industry, training fishers, processors, vendors, and other stakeholders in the industry, in new
equipment and techniques in fishing and fish marketing and safety measures and monitoring the
fish resources surrounding the island. The Marine Areas Unit has responsibility for the marine and
coastal resources around Tobago. Some of the duties include developing an integrated coastal
zone management plan that would involve methods of including the community members in the
management of the marine resources and researching ways and means of reducing pollution and
the degradation of the reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. Additional staff training in both
Departments to help deliver climate resilient ICZM is however needed and is proposed in Section
3.4.
2.1.3 The Division of Tourism and Transportation
This Division spans a multiplicity of activities. Tourism and Transportation is charged with the
responsibility of establishing, standardizing and sustaining the island’s tourism product in a manner
consistent with the repositioning strategy for Tobago as a tourist destination. The Division ensures
that there is an adequate supply of Air and Sea transportation to satisfy the needs of both
residents and visitors to Tobago.
2.2
Relevant Powers
The THA has 33 areas of responsibility. Those of direct relevance to the delivery of a future ICZM
Policy are presented below:

State Lands;

Land and marine parks;

Museums, archives, historical sites and historical buildings;

Tourism;

Sports;

Culture and the Arts;

Community Development;

Co-operatives;

Agriculture;

Fisheries;

Food Production;

Forestry

Town and Country Planning;

Infrastructure, including air and sea transportation, wharves and airports, public utilities
and flood defences;

Highway and Roads;

The environment;
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
Licensing;

Statistics and Information;

Housing.
2.3 Key Issues of Relevance to ICZM Policy Development in Tobago
2.3.1 Workshop Discussion Point 1: Linking ICZM with Supporting Strategic Planning
Programmes in Tobago
The Central Government and the THA continue to focus their efforts on improving the quality of life
of citizens and investing in social and economic infrastructure of the island economy. The Public
Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) continues to be the principal instrument that Government uses
to achieve its objectives within the context of national stated policies. The 2014-2016 PSIP is
based principally on the Medium Term Policy Framework (MTPF) 2011-2014 and contains projects
and programmes that are aligned to both the MTPF 2011-2014 and the National Performance
Framework 2012-2015. Interestingly, these strategic priorities are:

Crime and Law and Order;

Agriculture and Food Security;

Health Care Services and Hospitals;

Economic Growth, Job Creation, Competitiveness and Innovation;

Poverty Reduction and Human Capital Development.
The 2014 Tobago PSIP in particular is also informed by Tobago’s Comprehensive Economic
Development Plan (CEDP) 2013-2017, which has as its overall goal “to transform and diversify the
Tobago economy such that it is better able to adjust to rapid changes in the national and international
economies by producing products and services in which it can retain a competitive edge” and which is
based on eight strategic priorities:

Branding Tobago: Clean, Green, Safe and Serene;

Good Governance and Institutional Reform;

Business Development and Entrepreneurship;

Human Capital Development;

Social Development and Resilience;

Physical Infrastructure and Utilities Development;

Enhanced Safety and Security;

Environmental Sustainability.
The updated CEDP document now identifies a vision that includes “sustainable management of its
natural resources through the establishment and implementation of standards, systems and regulations
to ensure sustainable use and protection of the environment”, which importantly is now entirely
compatible with the objectives of mainstreaming of EbA into ICZM for CCA. Indeed this is
encompassed within the CEDP goal to “strengthen environmental capacity and performance,
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consistent with a resilient Tobago that is Clean Green Safe and Serene and meets the standards of a
green Tobago economy.”
As identified above, the key strategic priority (from the CEDP 2013-2017) of relevance to ICZM in
Tobago is Strategic Priority Area (10) which identifies 4 outcomes, namely:
1)
Environment and climate change mainstreamed into Tobago development framework.
2)
The physical planning and development control framework for Tobago strengthened.
3)
Solid waste management system effectively integrated and Tobago’s capacity
strengthened in managing solid waste and reducing environmental and health hazards and risks
associated with hazardous wastes, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and plastics in the domestic,
commercial and industrial streams.
4)
Tobago’s communities, households and residents better prepared for disasters (including in
the planning, response and recovery)
FIGURE 2.1: CEDP (2013-2017) STRATEGIC PRIORITY AREA (10)
This key discussion point was raised at the 26 May 2015 Workshop event with key Tobagonian
stakeholders including the THA (see Appendix A). It was raised that the CEDP (as an adopted
formal strategy document for Tobago) represents an important policy “vehicle” to take forward
ICZM in Tobago and creates the “signposts” needed for the ICZM policy framework. The majority
of stakeholders present agreed that the CEDP is produced to enable a clear separate ICZM Policy
Framework to then be subsequently produced (that embraces both CCA and EbA needs). For it to
be implementable, it must, however, be participatory in its nature with a strong co-management
component inculcated within it.
2.3.2 Workshop Discussion Point 2: Institutional Arrangements and Capacity
Building for ICZM
As stated in Section 2.2 above, the THA, coupled with the Tobago Emergency Management
Agency (TEMA) amongst others, have a mandate to coordinate, support, and advocate sustainable,
efficient, and effective service delivery in Tobago. They are therefore both important institutions to
support cross-sectoral (and synergy with Trinidad) delivery by public institutions and in partnership
with civil society and private sector institutions. This sub-national level is critical to help offer the
comparable advantage of being more closely attuned to having better knowledge of the
development needs of local Tobagonian communities and local stakeholders. This level of
implementation is therefore widely recognised as the most direct and effective area for
development interventions and also as the most appropriate level for planning and implementing
climate change adaptation measures.
Despite the fact that the T&T constitution guarantees the existence of the THA, there are certain
policy directions and targets for Tobago that lie within the responsibility of the central government
(including tourism policy but also this is possible for an ICZM Policy) as well as the size of
budgetary allocations for the island, which it may be argued will and has influenced the pace of
coastal development. These arrangements influence the pace to take forward the development of
Tobago’s coastal management agenda.
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It was raised by stakeholders (Appendix A) that, the THA is deemed the most appropriate lead
body to lead the development of an ICZM Policy in Tobago and to ensure that stakeholders, and
in general Tobagonians, benefit from its intended outcomes. The THA’s role is critical to take this
forward in addition to seeking ways to help facilitate stakeholder views. Horizontal consultation
between Departments on ICZM related issues, at present, appears no more than adequate at best.
Consequently, significant improvements regarding consultation and engagement (within THA and to
other key stakeholders) are therefore needed as there often remains confusion over departmental
responsibilities and capacity resource challenges.
The Workshop event (26 May 2015) clearly agreed that there is a need to transform current
approaches to decision making into a more strategic “science based” management approach in a
similar way to that being adopted in Barbados (Coastal Risk Management Programme – CRMP).
To this end, a significant training and capacity building phase is needed on key topics. This
included ICZM related topics such as:

Coastal development guidance (linked to development control measures along the
shoreline);

Environmental policy regulation and compliance (e.g.: coastal pollution or waste disposal
etc – see Section 3);

Financing ICZM – how to involve the finance /private sector and how to establish private
/public partnerships to deliver ICZM;

Stakeholder engagement and education strategies – how to raise interest in coastal risk
matters within Tobago?
The Workshop event also proposed that it may be appropriate for THA to initiate a multi-sectoral
Committee on ICZM (an “ICZM Unit”) within the Chief Secretary's Office (with support from other
Departments of THA such as Planning and DAMME) to coordinate and spearhead all efforts
amongst the different departments and divisions) The “ICZM Unit” would be fully responsible for
implementing the ICZM Policy.
The ICZM Unit would need to be properly structured with appropriately trained staffs and with
suitable equipment that is dedicated to the effective functioning/servicing of ICZM Policy delivery
in Tobago. Details of this structure are proposed in Section 3.4. Legislation/ regulations may have
to be enacted to enable the ICZM Unit to approve all current and future coastal development
planning and proposals within a legally defined Coastal Management Area (CMA) for Tobago
(see Section 2.3.3 below).
2.3.3 Workshop Discussion Point 3: Geographic Extent of an ICZM Policy Framework
The coastal zone of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), as defined in the Draft ICZM Policy Framework
for T&T (ICZM Steering Committee, 2014), covers all areas of sea extending to the limit of the
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and includes the shoreline and coastal lands, which are inland areas
above the high water mark that influence the quality or composition of coastal waters, or are
influenced in some way by their proximity to coastal waters. The Draft ICZM Policy Framework for
T&T has divided the area into 4 separate “zones” as follows:
a) Terrestrial (Figure 2.2) Zone T1- Immediate and direct impact area. This zone (T1) shall
be the delineated on the seaward side as the line of low-water at mean low-water spring
tides and on the landward side as the five meter contour. The 5 m contour represents the
limit of immediate and direct impact of sea level rise and storm surges.
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b) Terrestrial Zone T2- Area of influence. This zone (T2) shall be the area contained
between the 5 m contour and the 90 m contour. This area and Zone T1 contains most of the
urban, industrial and agricultural areas of the country and influences the marine and
coastal areas through direct and indirect impacts.
c) Sea (Figure 2.3) Zone S1 – Immediate and direct impact area (3 nautical miles) This zone
(S1) shall be delineated on the landward side from the low-water at mean low-water
spring tides and shall extend to a distance of three nautical miles offshore parallel with the
mean high water mark, consistent with the outer limit defined for the coastal nearshore in
the Water Pollution Rules, 2001.
d) Sea Zone S2- Territorial Sea This zone (S2) shall extend outward from the three nautical
mile seaward boundary of zone S1 to the outer limits of the territorial sea, not exceeding
12 nautical miles from the archipelagic baselines described in section 6 of the Archipelagic
Waters and Exclusive Economic Zone Act, 1986.
FIGURE 2.2 MAP SHOWING TERRESTRIAL BOUNDARIES OF COASTAL ZONE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (FROM IMA 2014)
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FIGURE 2.3 MAP SHOWING SEA WARD BOUNDARY OF COASTAL ZONE FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (TAKEN FROM ICZM STEERING
COMMITTEE (2014))
FIGURE 2.4: MAP SHOWING TERRESTRIAL BOUNDARIES OF COASTAL ZONE IN SOUTHWEST TOBAGO (TAKEN FROM ICZM STEERING
COMMITTEE (2014))
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FIGURE 2.5 MAP SHOWING TERRESTRIAL BOUNDARIES OF COASTAL ZONE IN NORTHEAST TOBAGO (TAKEN FROM ICZM STEERING
COMMITTEE (2014))
In a similar way to that outlined in Figure 2.2 to 2.5 for the whole of T&T, it is proposed that the
THA consider taking forward the whole issue of coastal and marine management under the new
proposed banner of “Integrated Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning” (ICMSP). This is an
adaptation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) by creating a larger geographic
remit that covers both a defined Coastal Management Area (CMA – or collectively Zones T1 and
T2) as well as immediate impact marine space (Zone S1) plus marine space out to the T&T
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ – or Zone S2). It is also a process that goes beyond the traditional
ways of planning and managing activities on an individual basis.
NB: the term ICMSP is proposed as a possible replacement term for “ICZM” in Tobago. This is a term
used by the International Consultant for the purposes of this report and was raised for discussion at the
Workshop scheduled for 26 May 2015.
There is therefore a need to ensure that all coastal and marine issues are encapsulated within any
future policy framework to be taken forward for Tobago. To this end, it is proposed that THA
consider that any future work should have a broad policy framework remit. The international
consultant proposes that this may be re-defined as ICMSP through with priority attention being
given to activities within a defined CMA and more offshore (marine) issues following on at a later
date. Considering both coastal and marine together is deemed important, though it is realised that
to implement this broader area within policy may take more time to achieve and so, focusing on
land based coastal issues should be the first priority (with marine issues at a later date possibly in
conjunction with the Draft ICZM Policy Framework for Trinidad and Tobago (ICZM Steering
Committee 2014).
ICMSP is a recommended way that THA can achieve both its economic and social goals alongside
its aspirations of sustainable and environmentally sensitive development (mirroring the approach
set out clearly within the CEDP 2013-2017). ICMSP shall (if undertaken correctly) provide Tobago,
Page 10
for the first time, a framework that facilitates integrated strategic and holistic planning in relation
to all activities within its coastal and marine areas in order to:
•
Provide greater certainty about where and how future economic, social and national
important infrastructural developments shall take place;
•
Avoid and resolve planning disputes, thus helping to “fast track” important decision making
and thus helping economic development and diversification;
•
Help safeguard important marine biodiversity, community settlements and the Tobagonian
culture and identity as an “island” nation.
Potential benefits of ICMSP with regard to economic activity include:
•
Facilitating sector growth;
•
Optimizing the use of the sea; and
•
Reducing costs.
These benefits arise through:
•
Strategic planning;
•
Conflict resolution;
•
Sustainable resource use;
•
Provision of development of space;
•
Promoting appropriate uses;
•
Supporting the environmental economy;
•
Improving stakeholder involvement;
•
Information efficiency; and
•
Regulatory efficiency.
ICMSP helps also to examine the cumulative and in-combination impacts that many different
industry sectors have on seas and coasts. It does this by presenting an overview of all human
activities and developments in a defined “area”.
This key discussion point was raised at the 26 May 2015 Workshop event with key Tobagonian
stakeholders including the THA (see Appendix A). It was raised that ICMSP could (for Tobago)
provide the framework that facilitates ICZM (for a defined CMA such as Zones T1 and T2 as
defined by the National T&T ICZM Policy Framework (ICZM Steering Committee, 2014) whilst also
setting strategic and holistic planning rules for all activities within marine areas. This process
thereby helps to ensure that:
•
Future coastal and marine developments (and uses) in Tobago are considered across
existing policies and regimes.
•
There is connectivity between the various authorities responsible for individual coastal and
marine activities.
It was agreed by the majority of stakeholders that the concept of ICMSP is relevant for the THA to
consider when preparing the policy framework for Tobago and that the CMA “zones” identified
Page 11
have relevance to the situation in Tobago using the output of the Coastal Vulnerability index work
completed by Halcrow in 2014 (IDB 2014b, c).
2.3.4 Workshop Discussion Point 4: Sustainable Development Planning
Within the PSIP, the sum of $0.5 million was utilised in 2013 for the commencement of the
development of the Tobago Spatial Development Strategy (TSDS) by the THA. Conceptually, the
TSDS seeks to further support the land development policy issues and prescriptions as outlined in
the National Spatial Development Strategy (NSDS) which was completed by the Ministry of
Planning and Sustainable Development, after extensive consultations with all stakeholders. While
the NSDS provides the overarching framework that will spatially represent the socio-cultural,
economic and environmental development priorities for both T&T, the strategies and policies of the
TSDS, aim to articulate the Assembly’s vision for sustainable development for Tobago. The TSDS
certainly should be the pivotal framework document to help take forward ICMSP on the island.
The environment as an economic asset is a new concept in economic accounting within THA. It is also
a key component of the development strategy for Tobago as outlined in the CEDP 2013-2017
and is closely aligned to the areas of Branding Tobago as Clean, Green, Safe and Serene, and to
Environmental Sustainability. Apart from the sea defence work conducted at Petit Trou in 2013, a
number of other coastal related initiatives continued to be rolled out including the following:
•
Improvements to Reefs at Buccoo and Speyside;
•
Ecological Monitoring Reef Check;
•
Oil Spill Contingency and Pollution Management;
•
Watershed Management Pilot Project.
To this end, and to help deliver the requirements of the PSIP, the following tasks need to be
completed:
• Comprehensive assessment of available baseline marine related data to support an
integrated planning process:
• Use participatory processes and techniques to set clear ICMSP objectives and associated
core principles that are accepted by all national and local stakeholders:
• Agreement on setting a planning and management framework for all Tobagonian coastal
and marine waters: and
• Establish workable procedures and standards to help support the future implementation of
the ICMSP (to include institutional arrangements, clear advice for marine regulation
enforcement, future research programmes and marine data management frameworks
etc).
Figure 2.6 outlines an approach which may be embraced by THA, to enable lessons to be learnt
and new information to be gathered over time.
Page 12
FIGURE 2.6: ICMSP PROCEDURAL “PHASES” RECOMMENDED FOR TOBAGO
To ensure successful completion of Stages 1 and 2 (Figure 2.6), the following “rules” need to be
embraced by THA:
•
Raise Awareness – of the value, vulnerability and importance of coastal and marine
resources;
•
Co-operation – amongst different sectors to achieve common objectives;
•
Coordination – to develop policies, standards and arrangements to measure performance;
•
Integration – implement and monitor policies to ensure objectives are being met.
Each of these rules needs to be included within any future ICMSP Policy Framework for Tobago to
ensure that any proposed local actions are both practical today and sustainable for the future.
International donor funds (e.g. IDB) now need to be sought to help achieve this and to lead into
delivery of Stages 3 and 4.
Page 13
SECTION 3 – CORE ELEMENTS OF THE ICMSP POLICY FRAMEWORK
3.1
Recommended ICMSP Core Elements
This consultancy has embarked on some preliminary consultation with THA to determine a workable approach
(see Workshop findings in Appendix A). The following “Core Elements” have been established which should
now be considered within the design of any future ICMSP related Policy Framework for Tobago:
a) Need to consider both coastal and marine issues as opposed to spending effort on just one of these
“areas” (Core Element 1 – “Spatial Planning”);
b) Future implementation of any policy in these areas will only work if the local community are engaged
and contributing to the policy delivery and action plan (Core Element 2 – “Engagement and
Education”).
c) Consistency at a national level is needed to reflect and complement the ICZM policy objectives set
nationally (ICZM Steering Committee, 2014) (Core Element 3 – “Integration and Coordination”).
3.2
Translating “Core Elements” into a Policy Framework for ICMSP
3.2.1 Stepped Tasks to achieve the ICMSP Policy Framework
In order to implement the above Core Elements, the following key tasks are recommended to be
followed by THA when creating a new ICMSP policy document.
a) Task 1: Issue Identification and Vision Setting: this has already been undertaken as part of this and
previous consultancies as outlined in Section 2 of this report. This has not been set within the National
T&T ICZM Policy Framework and so may prove to be a useful exercise for Tobago (THA) to agree
upon. Table 3.1 outlines a possible draft Vision Statement for initial consultation.
a) Task 2: Objective and Principle Setting: this has partly been undertaken as part of the consultancy
though would benefit from broader consultation with local island and national stakeholders to gather a
clear consensus (i.e.: extra work required. Objectives are addressed in Section 3.2.2. The most
appropriate draft guiding principles, are presented as follows:

Principle 1: Sustainability of the Coastal Management Area, to be achieved through effective coastal
zone management, heightened environmental awareness, and community stewardship.

Principle 2: Application of the Precautionary Principle in the management of the coast and marine
areas. The precautionary principle holds that, faced with the threat of serious or irreversible damage,
lack of scientific certainty should not constitute a reason for not taking action to protect coastal
resources and ecosystems.

Principle 3: Good Governance and Enforcement, reflecting transparency in management
(governance), participation (community governance) and regulatory enforcement to avoid user
conflicts and to improve the understanding of the value of Tobago’s coast.

Principle 4: Equity as manifested by transparency and fairness in decision making and provision of
access to island coastal and marine resources.
b) Task 3: Options Appraisal: it is recommended that a Working Group be convened on this issue. This
consultant is recommending that THA should undertake research and evaluation of these options.
c) Task 4: Public Consultation: this has partly been undertaken though broader consultation with local
island and national stakeholders is recommended to help gather a clear consensus (i.e.: extra work
required);
d) Task 5: Analysis of Policy Options: this has not been undertaken due to time constraints on the
consultancy. The proposed policy directives set out below need to be more fully analysed (i.e.: extra work
required).
e) Task 6: Consultation on Findings; this has briefly been raised at the 26 May 2015 Workshop event.
The proposed policy directives set out needs to be more fully consulted upon (i.e.: extra work required).
f) Task 7: Making Policy Official: this stage cannot be completed until stages c, d and e have been
completed.
At a practical level the ICMSP Policy Framework (Volume 1 – see Appendix C) seeks to set the criteria
and goals for the Coastal and Marine Plans (Volumes 2 and 3 respectively – see Appendix C) that
address key issues and challenges faced by Tobago in its future planning and development of the
coastal and marine space, namely:

A lack of centralised coastal and marine planning;

Fragmented regulatory powers for authority tasked with managing activities within the coastal
and marine environment;

Technical knowledge deficiencies and the need for ICMSP related training;

Coastal ownership and the need to improve public access to the shoreline;

Need for the management of multiple conflicting activities.
3.2.2 Setting Draft Strategic Objectives
A set of draft ICMSP Policy framework strategic objectives for Tobago, are presented below. These
are designed for future review and consultation. Two draft strategic objectives have been formulated
that take into consideration the “Core Elements” of an ICZM Policy as agreed by stakeholders and
presented in Section 3.1:

Strategic Objective 1 “Sustainable use of the Coastal Management Area (CMA) and offshore by
implementing policies which maintain and, where possible, enhance environmental quality and safety
standards while enabling economic development” (SUSTAINABILITY):

Strategic Objective 2 “An effective legal, institutional and administrative structure in line with best
international practices to implement integrated coastal and marine spatial planning” (EFFECTIVE
FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION).
These two Strategic Objectives have been designed to complement and reflect the current CEDP
2013-2017 policy document which is of relevance to the THAs strategic vision for the island. This
therefore includes aspirations for the economy and society whilst providing guidelines for Tobago to
offer its citizens even better livelihood security standards as a result of increased employment in a
safe and secure living environment. Together they provide the strategic objectives for the delivery of
ICMSP in Tobago.
Page 15
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 1 – SUSTAINABILITY
“Sustainable use of the Coastal Management Area (CMA) and offshore by implementing policies which
maintain and, where possible, enhance environmental quality and safety standards while enabling economic
development”
This strategic objective is set to ensure the future sustainable use of coastal resources in Tobago that
fall within the defined Coastal Management Area (CMA) and offshore (Zones T1 and T2 on land and
Zone S1 offshore). It is designed to embrace a “science based” approach to taking forward coastal
risk management planning in a similar way to that being adapted by the CZMU in Barbados. This is
an approach which seeks to benefit the present island population whilst at the same time maintaining
the potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. An essential component is to
ensure that environmental issues are viewed alongside social and economic needs. Achieving
sustainability is no easy task, however, a number of techniques are available to guide those charged
with its implementation:

The precautionary principle which was advocated and supported in the Rio Declaration of the
1992 Earth Summit;

The polluter pays principle, an incentive to reduce environmental impacts; and

The idea of environmental limits, whereby the environment's capacity to absorb impacts are not
viewed as infinite.
Specific draft ICMSP policy “directives” that need to be implemented to achieve the overall objective
of sustainability for the Tobagonian coastal environment are set out in Table 4.1.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2 – EFFECTIVE FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION
“An effective legal, institutional and administrative structure in line with best international practices to
implement ICMSP”
There are two main components to successful coastal management programmes. The first is the design
of a “blueprint” for future actions (to be developed for Tobago). The second is an effective
institutional framework to enable the effective implementation of coastal risk management in Tobago
(i.e.: appropriate capacity building and training). The GoTT lies at the centre of this framework with a
number of departments and Ministries (including THA) having responsibilities to support or to deliver
the services, advice and information necessary for successful ICMSP. In addition, the local
representatives/members have responsibility to ensure that its citizens comply with any
recommendations that the ICMSP Policy proposes.
Specific draft ICMSP policy “directives” that need to be implemented to achieve the overall objective
of sustainability for Tobago’s coastal and marine environment are set out in Table 3.1 which also
outlines the relationship between the draft Vision, Objectives and Coastal Policies for Tobago.
From a national perspective, a Draft ICZM Policy for T&T already exists (ICZM Steering Committee,
2014). This policy is designed to help facilitate an integrated approach to coastal zone management
aimed at maintaining and where necessary, enhancing, the functional integrity of the coastal resource
systems while enabling sustainable economic development through rational decision-making and
planning. In pursuing this policy, it shall be the responsibility of all government agencies, including
Municipal Corporations and other State entities, to instil public awareness about the dangers of the
degradation of environmental conditions in the country's coastal zones and encourage active
Page 16
participation of the people in all undertakings to conserve and enhance the country's coastal zones.
Management and development decisions will be taken coherently across sectors
The following 12 Policy Objectives are taken from Section 6 of the 2014 Draft ICZM Policy
Framework for T&T (see also Table 3.2).

To promote a dedicated, cooperative, coordinated and integrated approach to coastal zone planning
and management

To design and manage developments in the coastal zone to be in harmony with the aesthetic,
environmental, and cultural attributes of the islands

To alleviate poverty in the coastal zone through pro-active development initiatives that generate
sustainable livelihood options

To plan and manage development in the coastal zone so as to avoid increasing the incidence and
severity of natural hazards and to avoid exposure of people, property and economic activities to
significant risk from dynamic coastal process and impacts from climate change (e.g. coastal flooding);

To conduct planning and management activities in the coastal zone in a manner that promotes learning
through continuous research, monitoring, review and adaptation

To ensure continual meaningful public participation and to promote partnerships between the State
(national and local government), the private sector and civil society in order to foster co-responsibility
in coastal management

To promote public awareness and build capacity amongst coastal zone managers and other
stakeholders to ensure more effective coastal zone planning and management;

To maintain the diversity, health and productivity of coastal and marine processes and ecosystems for
the benefit of current and future generations

To rehabilitate damaged or degraded coastal ecosystems and habitats, and establish and effectively
manage a system of coastal zone protected areas

To promote and enhance pollution control and waste management activities to ensure that they have
minimal adverse impact on human health, and on coastal ecosystems and their ability to support
beneficial human uses;

Fulfil international and trans-boundary responsibilities as it relates to coastal zone management.
3.2.3 “Policy Directives” for the ICMSP Policy Framework
Whilst the National ICZM Policy Objectives for T&T cover all aspects of a successful ICZM Policy, there
is the opportunity to streamline the number of policy objectives and their wordings used and make this
slightly separate (yet totally complementary) for the Tobago situation. To this end, a series of nine (9)
“Policy Directives” are proposed specifically for Tobago to help deliver the two proposed Policy
Objectives set. These 9 Policy Directives can be interpreted as the “strategies” that are put forward
in the National ICZM Policy Framework (ICZM Steering Committee, 2014).
Page 17
They are designed to remain strategic in nature, yet relevant to the specific issues of Tobago. It is
proposed that each Policy Directive will contain a clear statement of intent and a series of measurable
targets to help monitor ICMSP progress over agreed timescales. (NB: for each Policy Directive, human
capacity development and training will be required to ensure long term sustainability).

Policy Directive 1 - Standards and Procedures;

Policy Directive 2 – Improving Economic Potential (Transport and Commerce);

Policy Directive 3 – Conservation of Heritage, Food Security and Biodiversity;

Policy Directive 4 – Working with Dynamic Coasts and Ecosystems;

Policy Directive 5 – Climate and Disaster Resilient Livelihoods;

Policy Directive 6 – Focus, Integration and Co-ordination;

Policy Directive 7 – Community Participation and Co-management;

Policy Directive 8 – Knowledge and Understanding (Scientific Research);

Policy Directive 9 – Financial Sustainability.
Each of the above Policy Directives will need to be elaborated on in more detail within the Draft ICZM
Policy Framework. For this consultancy, Table 3.1 sets out the draft Vision, Policy Objectives and the
above ICMSP Policy Directives for Tobago. Initial discussion of these at the 26 May Workshop event
generated initial support with regards to their over-arching headings. The table also sets out a series
of draft “targets” for each Policy Directive that maybe developed further (through consultation with
key stakeholders) to define what is expected out of any future ICMSP Policy for Tobago.
Table 3.2 is prepared to set out a cross comparison of the 12 ICZM Policy Objectives defined for T&T
and the 9 Policy Directives drafted for possible adoption in Tobago.
Table 3.3 outlines the shortlisted recommendations and actions as defined with the Technical
Cooperation documents produced for Projects TT-1034 and TT-T1033 which has produced 26
Recommendations from 8 separate reports reviewed (see Appendix B). The top ten recommendations
or “actions” that Tobagonian stakeholders feel require focused attention are listed below (NB:
numbering sequence is taken from the Reports reviewed in Appendix B):
1.
A1) Pursue the formal preparation and acceptance of a National Building Code (TTA1);
2.
A3) Mangrove Restoration in Tobago (TTA18);
3.
A4) Coral Reef Restoration and Protection in Tobago (TTA19);
4.
B2) Effective Institutional Arrangements for ICZM Planning and CC Adaptation;
5.
B3) Establish a Policy Framework for ICZM and CC Adaptation;
6.
C3) Introduce a Variety of Educational “tools” to convey ICZM outcomes;
7.
D1) Initiate New Data Collection programmes;
Page 18
8.
E1 and E2 (combined) - Build the case for natural coastal protection AND bring coastal
ecosystems into mainstream decision making processes;
9.
E3) Incorporate proven management interventions;
10.
E5) Formalize Monitoring and Evaluation procedures.
The above recommendations (selected by the Workshop stakeholders) have a strong policy related
structure to them and fit neatly with the Strategic Objectives set out within the THAs CEDP (20132017).
Page 19
TABLE 3.1: DRAFT VISION, POLICY OBJECTIVES AND POLICY DIRECTIVES FOR TOBAGO
DRAFT VISION FOR TOBAGO
“A coastal and marine
environment that is resilient to
future natural and man induced
change, that exploits the
uniqueness of Tobago, which is
safe, valued and appreciated as
a place to live, work and relax;
a place where development and
use of resources will be
sustainable, and where the
natural environment is protected
and enhanced to keep its
essential place in Tobagonian
heritage.”
DRAFT POLICY OBJECTIVES
DRAFT ICMSP POLICY DIRECTIVES FOR TOBAGO
“Sustainable use of the
Coastal Management Area
(CMA) and offshore by
implementing policies which
maintain and, where possible,
enhance environmental quality
and safety standards while
enabling economic
development”
Policy Directive 1: Standards and Procedures - Apply
standards and procedures to avoid degradation of
the environment and to reduce the risk of long term
or irreversible effects upon it.
(SUSTAINABILITY)
DRAFT TARGETS
1A) No inappropriate and/or unsustainable development in the defined CMA;
1B) Establish workable and implementable standards and procedures are established to
ensure ICMSP principles are adopted by decision makers and society in general
Improve enforcement of existing legislation that addresses the coastal and marine
environment through increased inspection and stronger regulatory management processes.
Policy Directive 2: Improving Economic Potential
(Transport and Commerce) - To seek improvements to
transport, infrastructure and commerce in Tobago
whilst ensuring compatibility between economic
activity and environmental interests."
2A) Maintain the islands road and sea transport networks to ensure livelihood security is
protected and is designed in a way that future proofs the transport network through
compliance to the ICMSP process
Policy Directive 3: Conservation of Heritage, Food
Security and Biodiversity - To conserve, enhance and
where possible restore character and quality of the
coastal and marine environment.
3A) All future development applications to conform to ICMSP policies and procedures.
2B) Provide alternative materials (to beach sand) for road maintenance or construction use
3B) All existing and new regulation and enforcement procedures (set by THA or ICZM Unit)
to support protection and enhancement of environmental quality in Tobagos’ CMA.
3C) No inappropriate and/or unsustainable development in the CMA.
3D) Ensure that management decisions are better informed by new and regularly updated
scientific information.
Policy Directive 4: Working with Dynamic Coasts and
Ecosystems - To allow the coast to function as
naturally as possible and to ensure that the dynamic
nature of the coastal and marine environment is
recognised in management decisions.
4A) All future development applications to conform to ICMSP policies and procedures.
4B) All existing and new regulation and enforcement procedures (set by THA or ICZM Unit)
to support protection and enhancement of environmental quality in Tobago’s CMA.
4C) No inappropriate and/or unsustainable development in the CMA.
4D) Ensure that management decisions are better informed by new and regularly updated
scientific information
Policy Directive 5: Climate and Disaster Resilient
Livelihoods - To ensure all livelihood activities are
resilient to climate and disaster risks.
5A) Conformity to ICMSP plans, policies and procedures, including that all reclamation &
dredging is in conformity with relevant Plans.
5B) Improved enforcement of existing legislation and regulations to support protection and
enhancement of environmental quality.
5C) No approval to inappropriate and/or unsustainable development in the CMA and
offshore areas.
5D) Ensure that climate and disaster planning decisions are better informed by new and
regularly updated scientific information
“An effective legal,
institutional and administrative
structure in line with best
international practices to
implement integrated coastal
and marine spatial planning”
Policy Directive 6: Focus, Integration and Coordination - To provide a focus for ICMSP in Tobago
and to provide effective links with other parts of the
public and private sector to create more consistency
and respond more effectively to management
issues.
6A) Improved governance coordination is accepted by THA and key bodies on
environmental matters
(EFFECTIVE FRAMEWORK
FOR IMPLEMENTATION)
Policy Directive 7: Community Participation and Comanagement - To raise awareness and actively
encourage community participation in all stages of
the ICMSP process.
7A) Ensure gender and disability issues are considered on all planning decisions made by
THA (ICZM Unit)
Updates to the CEDP (2013-2017) take into consideration environmental management
and sustainable development of the coast
7B) ICZM Unit prepares specific coastal actions for Tobago by beginning of 2016.
7C) Introduce specific environmental management, climate change and disaster risk
“topics” into the school curriculum for Tobagonian schools
Policy Directive 8: Knowledge and Understanding
(Research) - To promote research, education,
training and participation across all governmental
levels on matters linked to the coast and marine
environment. The collection and management of
data related to coastal processes and ecosystems,
therefore, is a critical aspect of this Coastal Zone
Management Policy.
8A). To acquire, through appropriate research and data collection, a full understanding of
the natural processes at work in the coastal zone, including parameters such as beach and
sediment dynamics; sand transport processes and sources; wave, current and wind
circulation patterns; and changes in sea level.
8B). To ensure that there is accurate and up-to-date, science-based information on the
state of all ecosystems in the coastal zone of Tobago as well as information on shoreline
bathymetry and beach profiles.
8C). To contribute to the effective management and sustainable use of coastal ecosystems,
while ensuring that they can continue to perform ecosystem functions that are critical for
sustaining livelihoods and protecting the coastal zone.
8D). To facilitate optimal conditions for ecosystem restoration, rehabilitation and recovery
including the monitoring and management of nearshore water quality.
8E). To ensure consistency with the policies guiding the management of Marine Protected
Areas.
Policy Directive 9: Financial Sustainability - To secure
adequate financial resources to sustain successful
ICMSP in Tobago and to use these resources
effectively.
9A) Conformity to ICMSP policies and procedures for all new future development
9B) Adopt a range of financing instruments to help fund future interventions.
TABLE 3.2 IS PREPARED TO SHOW THE CROSS COMPARISON BETWEEN THE EXISTING DRAFT ICZM POLICY OBJECTIVES SET OUT WITHIN THE T&T POLICY FRAMEWORK (IMA 2014) WITH THE NEW
“POLICY DIRECTIVES” THAT ARE NOW PROPOSED TO BE ADOPTED WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO TOBAGO. IT DEMONSTRATES THAT A STREAMLINING OF POLICY TITLES (AS POLICY DIRECTIVES) IS
POSSIBLE FOR TOBAGO TO ENABLE IT TO DEFINE ITS OWN SPECIFIC IDENTITY YET BE COMPLEMENTARY TO THE NATIONAL ICZM POLICY FRAMEWORK (ICZM STEERING COMMITTEE, 2014).
Page 21
TABLE 3.2 CROSS COMPARISON OF THE 12 ICZM POLICY OBJECTIVES DEFINED FOR T&T AND THE 9 POLICY DIRECTIVES DRAFTED FOR POSSIBLE ADOPTION IN TOBAGO
2014 Draft
ICZM Policy
Framework for
T&T
1)
To promote a dedicated,
cooperative, coordinated
and integrated approach to
coastal zone planning and
management
2)
To design and manage
developments in the coastal
zone to be in harmony with
the aesthetic,
environmental, and cultural
attributes of the islands
3)
To alleviate poverty in the
coastal zone through proactive development
initiatives that generate
sustainable livelihood
options
4)
To plan and manage
development in the coastal
zone so as to avoid
increasing the incidence
and severity of natural
hazards and to avoid
exposure of people,
property and economic
activities to significant risk
from dynamic coastal
process and impacts from
climate change (e.g. coastal
flooding);
5)
To conduct planning and
management activities in
the coastal zone in a
manner that promotes
learning through continuous
research, monitoring,
Policy
Directive 1:
Standards
and
Procedures
Policy Directive
2: : Improving
Economic
Potential
(Transport and
Commerce)
Policy Directive 3:
Conservation of
Heritage, Food
Security and
Biodiversity
Policy Directive
4: Working with
Dynamic
Coasts and
Ecosystems
Policy Directive 5:
Climate and
Disaster Resilient
Livelihoods
Policy Directive
6 : Focus,
Integration and
Co-ordination
Policy Directive
7 : Community
Participation
and Comanagement
Policy Directive 8:
Knowledge and
Understanding
Policy Directive 9:
Financial
Sustainability
Page 22
review and adaptation
6)
To ensure continual
meaningful public
participation and to
promote partnerships
between the State (national
and local government), the
private sector and civil
society in order to foster coresponsibility in coastal
management
7)
To promote public
awareness and build
capacity amongst coastal
zone managers and other
stakeholders to ensure more
effective coastal zone
planning and management;
8)
To maintain the diversity,
health and productivity of
coastal and marine
processes and ecosystems
for the benefit of current
and future generations
9)
To rehabilitate damaged or
degraded coastal
ecosystems and habitats,
and establish and
effectively manage a
system of coastal zone
protected areas
10) To promote and enhance
pollution control and waste
management activities to
ensure that they have
minimal adverse impact on
human health, and on
coastal ecosystems and
their ability to support
beneficial human uses;
11) Fulfil international and
trans-boundary
responsibilities as it relates
Page 23
to coastal zone
management.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE 3.3 IS DESIGNED TO ADOPT THE NEWLY PROPOSED POLICY DIRECTIVES HIGHLIGHTED IN TABLE 3.2 ABOVE AND CROSS CHECK ALL THE “RECOMMENDATIONS” FROM THE
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECTS HIGHLIGHTED IN SECTION 2 OF THIS REPORT. THE TABLE DEMONSTRATED SHOWS THERE IS A GOOD FIT AND SPREAD OF RECOMMENDATIONS AGAINST THE
DRAFT 9 POLICY DIRECTIVES PROPOSED.
Page 24
TABLE 3.3: ASSESSMENT OF TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS AGAINST PROPOSED NEW ICMSP POLICY DIRECTIVES
Policy
Directive 1:
Standards
and
Procedures
Policy
Directive 2:
Improving
Economic
Potential
(Transport
and
Commerce)
Policy
Directive 3:
Conservation
of Heritage,
Food
Security and
Biodiversity
Policy
Directive 4
– Working
with
Dynamic
Coasts and
Ecosystems
Policy
Directive 5:
Climate
and
Disaster
Resilient
Livelihoods
Policy
Directive 6
– Focus,
Integration
and Coordination
Policy
Directive 7
–
Community
Participation
and Comanagement
Policy
Directive 8:
Knowledge
and
Understanding
Policy
Directive 9:
Financial
Sustainability
A1) Pursue the formal preparation
and acceptance of a National
Building Code (TTA1)
A3) Mangrove Restoration in Tobago
(TTA18)
A4) Coral Reef Restoration and
Protection in Tobago (TTA19)
B2) Effective Institutional
Arrangements for ICZM Planning and
CC Adaptation
B3) Establish a Policy Framework for
ICZM and CC Adaptation
C3) Introduce a Variety of
Educational “tools” to convey ICZM
outcomes
D1) Initiate New Data Collection
programmes
E1) Build the case for natural coastal
protection AND E2) Bring coastal
ecosystems into mainstream decision
making processes
E3) Incorporate proven management
interventions
E5) Formalise Monitoring and
Evaluation Procedures
Page 25
3.3
Recommended Supporting Guidance
3.3.1 Operations and Training Manual (Staff Development)
It is recommended that consideration be given (for Tobago and at a national level) towards producing a clear
and transparent draft Operations Manual for the effective implementation of ICMSPC in Trinidad and
Tobago. This needs to set out the process for mainstreaming the principles and Policy Directives into current
working practices. The work on Mainstreaming Climate Change has set out a clear path for this approach
which can be elaborated upon in more detail to address coastal risk management in more detail (IDB, 2014
f). The staff training requirements associated with this can also be more clearly defined.
At this juncture, it is recommended that individual packages of institutional strengthening needs are prepared
for key stakeholder sectors and entities in Tobago (including planning and sustainable development, housing,
and environment, public utilities, finance; social development, local government and community
development, information and education; agriculture; health; energy; public utilities; telecommunications; and
works and drainage etc). Based on the above and using the guidelines for proposals outlined in the GORTT’s
Public Sector Transformation Program (PSTP) financed by the Inter-American Development Bank, a project
proposal for institutional strengthening of the national ICZM approach is needed for implementation. The
proposal should include deliverables, responsible parties, budget; and a monitoring and evaluation system to
measure the results of implementation.
3.3.2
Coastal Research Plan
A formal “science based” research plan should be formalised to take forward a risk based approach to ICZM
delivery. The Research Plan should not be defined as a “wish list”, but should be aligned with the key
recommendations for additional work as set out in the project reports (summarised within the actions set out in
Appendix B). The indicative research tasks that need to be included within such a research plan (for Tobago)
are set out below for consideration:

The coastal area of Tobago should be remapped to capture the changes due to beach erosion,
reclamation of lands, forest cover and various coastal processes over the years. The remapping should
include all valuable ecosystems and other natural assets in the coastal zone, with an overlay of
economic and social activities.

Establish programmes for monitoring coastal ecosystems, the impacts of extreme events, the effects of
human activities as well as all eco- and hard engineering solutions implemented for shoreline
stabilisation.

Develop a phased programme to progressively study, monitor and compile a database on the natural
dynamics (wave, currents, water circulation, sea level rise, wind etc.) at work along Tobago’s coasts.
This should be based on the work of Halcrow (IDB, 2014b) plus other studied categorisation of coastal
areas based on exposure, vulnerability and associated risks, including risks from natural processes
(sea level rise, storm surge etc.) as well as human-induced risks (beach sand mining, quarrying,
pollution etc).

Conduct a study of sediment budgets and transport that are the sources of sand on beaches as well as
offshore sand sources, and analyse their relationship to changes in beach profiles.

Map showing the bathymetry of the shorelines off Tobago.

Develop and implement a system to consistently monitor the impacts of extreme events such as
hurricanes, storm surge, and prolonged sea swells, thereby identifying the most vulnerable areas. The
information gathered should be used to categorise coastal areas in terms of their vulnerability and
inform the types of strategies and coastal defences needed to protect these areas.

Establish a mechanism for involving local communities and interest groups in monitoring coastal
ecosystems, including provision for training in ecosystem monitoring and management.

Facilitate access to the information gathered from the foregoing activities, ensure the conversion of the
data into information that can be used to manage the ecosystems, and provide coastal science
education to CZM personnel in order to make optimal use of the information for decision making for
the orderly and sustainable use and development of the coast.

Develop and implement strategies to identify and manage or eradicate invasive species such as the
lion fish (Pterois spp.).

Implement a system for routinely monitoring coastal water quality, including inputs of pollutants from
both marine and land-based sources.
3.3.2 Coastal Development Guidance
With specific reference to Policy Directive 1 (Standards and Procedures), it is recommended that guidance is
prepared in the form of an island specific Coastal Development Guideline, an Environmental Policy Guidance
(EPG) Manual etc), a new national Planning Manual (see below) and “climate proofing” updates to existing
Building and Roads Codes (plus adoption of a new building standard to marine structures). These documents
(when produced) need to be incorporated into existing or revised legislation which may (for example) clearly
specify that inappropriate development should not be permitted in the CMA if it does not conform to the
standards and guidelines on land use, physical development, and environmental management contained within
them.
It is therefore recommended that effort is made to produce a bespoke set of guidelines, rules and policies for
the management of development within the CMA. In Tobago, this means both developments that currently
exist or are planned on the landward side of the coast. The guidance will enable regulators and government
to ensure that new coastal developments are designed in an appropriate sustainable manner and that they
are consistent with policies, laws and regulations. It will help to reduce the possibility of new developments
having adverse effects on the coastal environment and other users of the coast and marine area. It also will
provide consistency and transparency for decision makers and enables them to support their decisions with
auditable evidence (assuming a monitoring system is established for the ICMSP process being recommended
for Tobago).
The guidelines will need to address the current and future different coastal characteristics found (or to be
found – such as piloting renewable energy from ocean currents or wind energy etc) around Tobago (see
Figure 3.1) and will consider the setting of appropriate “rules” or “standards” for coastal development within
the CMA boundaries. It will also provide technical and practical advisory guidance on how to protect access
to and along the coast and how to provide sustainable protection for existing developments in areas that may
be at risk from change at the coast caused by sea level rise and climate change. It also needs to consider
development seaward of the coast and to help identify a final line of reclamation limit beyond which
reclamation from the existing shoreline should not take place.
Page 27
FIGURE 3.1: PROPOSED COASTAL BEHAVIOUR UNITS FOR TOBAGO (PILOT SW COASTAL AREA ONLY).
The outcome of the guideline will be to establish a set of development controls for the CMA. It also needs to
be written in partnership with all Departments (under the management of the newly proposed “ICZM Unit”) as
well as the specific responsibilities being placed on developers. Future policies within the CMA need to help
advice on the following:
 Setback – the distance behind (landward) the current coastline before any new development should
occur. This must reflect the CVI findings to take into account sea level rise and storm surge inundation
risk (IDB, 2014b).
 Reclamation line and limits – defining where new development seaward of the existing coastline
should or should not take place (possibly as a consequence of THA pursing a new offshore renewable
energy policy etc).
The Guidance shall also provide clear advice on how to complete a climate change risk assessment as part of
existing environmental regulations or EIA procedures. This should include identification and modelling of water
flow paths (for example). Development that could be considered vulnerable to flooding because of the nature
Page 28
of the users (e.g. young people, older people, people with illnesses / injuries) or because the services they
provide are considered vital to health and safety (e.g. fire service, police facilities, etc.) should not be located
in areas at risk (IDB, 2014b).
3.3.3
Environmental Policy Guidance (EPG) Manual
This EPG manual shall take forward the already produced Ecosystem Based Adaptation Guide for Tobago
(IDB, 2014e and f) and seek to provide wide-ranging guidance on how environmental best practice can be
included into the design of new development both within the CMA and further offshore (marine planning
area). The guidance shall provide advice not just on environmental (or ecosystem based adaptation factors EbA), but others such as safety/security, resources, heritage, hydrodynamics and other physical constraints,
that must be considered for development to be balanced, sustainable and thus in the long term interests of
present and future generations of Tobagonians. Advice on regulatory actions, mitigation, data collection and
environmental monitoring will also be provided. The outcome is a manual that assists strengthening links
between environmental mitigation (including EbA) and sustainable planning decision making. The EPG manual
shall also present general targets that need to be applied to all types of development in the coastal and
marine area and outline clear indicator to help monitor performance.
Once the above two guidance documents are created, it will be very important to raise the awareness of
these potential developers, regulators and other people to allow them to understand the rationale behind the
guidance and to buy in to the approach. Education, participation and communication will be key future
activities that THA (and GoTT) shall need to undertake following completion of any future ICZM Plan project.
Figure 3.2 is designed to help conceptualise the cross sectional ICMSP proposed planning framework and
what plan or guidance report applies to which part of Tobago.
Page 29
Tobago reef
edge
Tobago EEZ
limits?
Marine Zone
Low Water
Mark
Near-shore Zone
“Coastline”
as mapped
by Lands
and Survey
Intertidal Zone
CMA inland
boundary (+5m to
+90m contour)
Terrestrial Zone
Coastal and Marine Management Area
Integrated Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning Framework Limits (ICMSP)
Marine Area
Coastal Management Area (CMA)
Volume 3 - Integrated
Plan for areas beyond
the Coastal
Management Area
(Marine Spatial Plan).
Volume 2 – Integrated Plan for the Coastal Management
Area (CMA)
Environmental Policy Guidance (EPG)
(including the Tobago EbA Guide)
Coastal Development Guidance
CEDP Tobago Land
Use Policy (20132017)
FIGURE 3.2: GEOGRAPHIC DEFINITIONS OF THE VARIOUS ICMSP PLANS, ZONES AND GUIDANCE REPORTS.
Page 30
3.4
Structure of the proposed ICZM Unit
Appendix D presents a range of possible institutional arrangements that have been adopted around the
world in order to set up ICZM. The Appendix excludes the type of competencies that would be needed within
such a unit. Using the Barbados CZMU “model” as an example, it demonstrates the likely staffing needs for
such a unit.
The CZMU comprises three technical sections, namely the Coastal Resource Management section, the
Engineering section and the Marine Research section. Within in each of these sections there are dynamic
individuals of high calibre who undertake the various assigned tasks with a sense of responsibility and
diligence. This includes a range of trained experts, including coastal engineers, physical scientists (including
coastal geologists), marine ecologist, coastal planners, regulators and disaster/ risk managers etc. The
qualifications for the technical staff are listed below:
Coastal Resource Management Section
Position
Indicative Qualifications
Coastal Planner
B. A. Geography; M. Sc. City and Regional Planning
Legal Advisor
Law Degree
Environmental Economist
B.A. Economics. Natural Resource Management; M. Phil Biology
Research Officers
B. Sc. Marine Biology; Dip. Natural Resource Management; M. Phil Biology
Outreach Community
Advisor
B.Ed Geography or Community Development; Community experience advisors.
Engineering Section
Position
Indicative Qualifications
Coastal Engineers
B. Sc. Civil Engineering; M. Sc. Coastal Engineering
Hydrographer
Advanced Diploma Hydrographic Surveying
Draughtsman and
Chainsmen
Associate Degree; Building and Civil Engineering
Marine Research Section
Position
Indicative Qualifications
Marine Biologists
B. Sc. Marine Biology; M. Phil
Water Quality Analyst
B. Sc. Marine Biology; M. Sc. Marine Environmental Protection
Field Inspector
AGRRA Certification; First Aid Certification; Small Boat & Engine Maintenance; Maritime Law; Coxwain Certification;
Radio Communications Certification
Page 31
The structure of the proposed ICZM Unit will require a detailed assessment in institutions which has not been
carried out for this consultancy. The recommendation made in Section 3.1 for the creation of individual
packages of institutional strengthening needs is seen as a priority action from this point onwards. It is likely
that the structure of the ICZM Unit shall then be more easily deduced. Appendix D is, however, included to
help outline the possible options based on some interesting global examples being adopted.
Page 32
SECTION 4: CONCLUSION
The following represents the key findings, observations and outcomes from this rapid consultancy exercise
including the recent Workshop event held on 26 May 2015. The generic “Core Elements” of any future Policy
Framework should consider and include the following aspects:

Core Element 1 – Spatial Planning - Need to consider both coastal and marine issues together as
opposed to spending effort on just one of these areas;

Core Element 2 – Engagement and Education - Future implementation of any policy in these areas will
only work if the local communities are engaged and contributing to the policy delivery and action plan;

Core Element 3 – Integration and Coordination - Consistency at a national level is needed to reflect
and complement the ICZM policy objectives set nationally (ICZM Steering Committee, 2014 2014).
A review of all Technical Cooperation documents produced for Projects TT-1034 and TT-T1033 has produced
26 Recommendations from 8 separate reports reviewed (see Appendix B). These recommendations have a
strong policy related structure to them and fit neatly with the Strategic Objectives set out within the THAs
CEDP (2013-2017). The top ten recommendations or “actions” that Tobagonian stakeholders feel require
focused attention are listed below with those Core Elements of relevance (listed above) included for
reference. (NB: numbering sequence to the left is taken from the Reports reviewed in Appendix B):
1. A1) Pursue the formal preparation and acceptance of a National Building Code (TTA1); (Core Element
3)
2. A3) Mangrove Restoration in Tobago (TTA18); (Core Element 1,2,3)
3. A4) Coral Reef Restoration and Protection in Tobago (TTA19); (Core Element 1,2,3)
4. B2) Effective Institutional Arrangements for ICZM Planning and CC Adaptation; (Core Element 2,3)
5. B3) Establish a Policy Framework for ICZM and CC Adaptation; (Core Element 1,2,3)
6. C3) Introduce a Variety of Educational “tools” to convey ICZM outcomes; (Core Element 2)
7. D1) Initiate New Data Collection programmes; (Core Element 1,2,3)
8. E1 and E2 (combined) - Build the case for natural coastal protection AND Bring coastal ecosystems into
mainstream decision making processes; (Core Element 1,2,3)
9. E3) Incorporate proven management interventions; (Core Element 3)
10. E5) Formalise Monitoring and Evaluation procedures. (Core Element 3)
From the above list (results of which are taken from Appendix A), this consultancy also concludes that in terms
of “Core Elements” for an ICZM Framework, Tobago, 9 new “Policy Directives” should be adopted to reflect
above actions and recommendations and help with its implementation. These “Policy Directives” (or “Core
Elements” of an ICZM Policy) complement very well with the 12 Policy Objectives already set out for the
National T&T ICZM Policy Framework (ICZM Steering Committee, 2014). These Policy Directives are therefore
entitled:

Policy Directive 1 - Standards and Procedures;
Page 33

Policy Directive 2 – Improving Economic Potential (Transport and Commerce);

Policy Directive 3 – Conservation of Heritage, Food Security and Biodiversity;

Policy Directive 4 – Working with Dynamic Coasts and Ecosystems;

Policy Directive 5 – Climate and Disaster Resilient Livelihoods;

Policy Directive 6 – Focus, Integration and Co-ordination;

Policy Directive 7 – Community Participation and Co-management;

Policy Directive 8 – Knowledge and Understanding;

Policy Directive 9 – Financial Sustainability.
Regarding future implementation, it is proposed that a Multi-Sectoral Committee on ICZM (an “ICZM Unit”)
within the Office of the Chief Secretary (with support from other Departments of THA such as Planning and
DAMME)be initiated that would coordinate and spearhead all efforts amongst the different departments and
divisions). This would then lead to a subsequent stand alone “ICZM Unit” that becomes fully responsible for
implementing the ICZM Policy. The ICZM Unit would need to be properly structured with appropriately
trained staffs and with suitable equipment that is dedicated to the effective functioning/servicing of ICZM
Policy delivery in Tobago. There may need to be legislation / regulation set up to enable the ICZM Unit to
enable suitable consenting or all current and future coastal development planning and proposals being
proposed within a legally defined Coastal Management Area (CMA) for Tobago. Regarding the spatial
extend of a future Policy for Tobago, it is also concluded that the term “Integrated Coastal and Marine
Spatial Planning (ICMSP)” is considered to better reflect the “Zones” of influence (T1 and T2 plus S1 for
nearshore marine areas) as set out in the National T&T ICZM Policy Framework (ICZM Steering Committee,
2014 ). This issue would be addressed under Policy Directives 1 and 6.
Building on the Core Element 1 recommendation, it is also concluded that the term “Integrated Coastal and
Marine Spatial Planning (ICMSP)” is considered to better reflect the “Zones” of influence (T1 and T2 plus S1
for nearshore marine areas) as set out in the National T&T ICZM Policy Framework (ICZM Steering Committee,
2014 ).
The recommended series of new “guidance manuals”, to help deliver the coastal policy framework (e.g.: the
Coastal Development Guide and the EPG Manual), are just two proposed new planning documents that need
to be prepared to help achieve this. It is important that whilst this EPG Manual has to be produced through the
EMA (with support from the IMA) and tailored for relevance to Tobago, over time, and following updates,
(and when new information on the marine environment is available) the Manual should be adopted and
referenced within existing or revised legislation, so that a common understanding of the ICMSP process (which
should ultimately be embedded within new physical planning laws for T&T) is achieved. All relevant parties
shall subsequently be aware of this EPG Manual and made cognisant of its purpose.
Finally, it is recommended (and as based on international best practice on ICMSP from other small island
states) that the future reporting process needs to have a series of Volumes prepared. The ICMSP process for
Tobago is therefore proposed to comprise of 3 main Volumes. This should initially commence with the
production of a new overarching policy framework to help frame the way forward for ICMSP (Volume 1). It
can then be supported by the production of two separate coastal and marine planning documents (Volumes 2
and 3). This is structured in more detail within Appendix C.
Page 34
REFERENCES

Burke. L. M., Greenhalgh, S., Prager, D. and Cooper, E. (2008) Coastal Capital - Economic Valuation
of Coral Reefs in Tobago. World Resources Institute.

Coral Cay Conservation (2011)” Tobago Coastal Ecosystems Mapping Project” – Final Report: Results
of Community and Scientific Work, April 2007 – June 2011.

Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 2011. National Climate Change Policy.

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) (2013) “Gap Analysis for Piloting the integration of Coastal
Zone Management and Climate Change Adaptation in South West Tobago”. Prepared for Institute of
Marine Affairs as part of an IDB Technical Cooperation

IDB (2014a), “Piloting the Integration of Coastal Zone Management and Climate Change Adaptation in
Southwest Tobago, Public Awareness and Dissemination Programme Desk Review of Similar or
Complementary Awareness Assessments / Awareness Raising Projects - January 2014. Washington, DC,
United States: Inter-American Development Bank. License (CC-IGO BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO).

IDB (2014b), “Piloting the Integration of Coastal Zone Management and Climate Change Adaptation in
Tobago - Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Final Report”. Washington, DC, United States: InterAmerican Development Bank. License (CC-IGO BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO).

IDB (2014c), “Piloting the Integration of Coastal Zone Management and Climate Change Adaptation in
Tobago - Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Workplan”. Washington, DC, United States: Inter-American
Development Bank. License (CC-IGO BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO)

IDB (2014d) Understanding the Economics of Climate Adaptation for Trinidad and Tobago (IDB
PROJECT #: TT-T1033).

IDB (2014e) “Design and Implementation of a Coastal Ecosystem based Climate Change Adaptation Plan
and Guidelines for incorporating an Ecosystem Based Approach (EbA) to Adaptation into a National
Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy”. Work Plan and Methodology Washington, DC, United
States: Inter-American Development Bank. License (CC-IGO BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO).

IDB (2014f) “Design and Implementation of a Coastal Ecosystem based Climate Change Adaptation Plan
and Guidelines for incorporating an Ecosystem Based Approach (EbA) to Adaptation into a National
Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy. Mainstreaming Climate Change into ICZM Washington,
DC, United States: Inter-American Development Bank. License (CC-IGO BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO).

ICZM Steering Committee (2014) “Report on Pre-policy Consultations – ICZM Policy Framework
Trinidad and Tobago

ICZM Steering Committee (2014) ICZM Policy Framework Trinidad and Tobago.

Kairi Consultants Limited (2012). Comprehensive Economic Development Plan, 2013-2017.

O’Brien-Delpesh, C. 1997. Effects and Implications of Beach Sand Mining in Tobago. Proceedings of
the UNESCO/IOC/UPR/SGCP Workshop on “Integrated Framework for the Management of Beach
Resources in the Smaller Caribbean Islands”, pp. 77-86.
Page 35

Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Planning and Development, Central Statistical Office. 2013. First
Compendium of Environmental Statistics. Trinidad and Tobago. 2007. Chapter 9, Coastal Areas.

Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), 2013, A Guide to the Beaches and Bays of
Trinidad and Tobago. 2013. Second Edition.
Page 36
APPENDIX A: ICZM WORKSHOP FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES
LIST OF INVITEES
“Climate Change Adaptation and Coastal Zone Management in Tobago”
Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort, Tobago; Tuesday 26th May, 2015, 9:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m.
The Honourable Orville London; Chief Secretary; Tobago House of Assembly; Administrative Complex; Calder
Hall
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 639-2696
Attended
Assemblyman Godwin Adams; Secretary of Agriculture, Marine Affairs and the Environment; Tam Building;
Glen Road; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 635-0188 (Lystra Kerr) / 639 – 2570
REP: Mr. Reyon John Attended
Ms. Wendy Austin; Secretary / Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association; Environment Tobago; #11 Cuyler
Street; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 660-7467, 660-7462
Attended
Assemblyman Handel Beckles; Assistant Secretary of Infrastructure and Public Utilities; Old Government Farm
Road; Shaw Park; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tel.: 639-3126/1287 ext. 4006
Did not attend
Mr. Ken Biscombe; Environment Tobago; #11 Cuyler Street; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 660-7467, 660-7462
Did not attend
Mr. Oscar Braithwaite; Administrator; Division of Tourism and Transportation; 12 Sangster's Hill; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tel.: 660 – 7057 (Ms. Jerry – Assistant) 639-2125, 639-0509
Attended
Mr. Linford Beckles; Director; Division of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE); Tam Building; Glen Road;
Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tel.: 639-2273
REPS: Mr. Howard Robin and Mr. Richard Hinds Attended
Dr. Ellis Burris; Permanent Secretary; Ministry of Tobago Development; Administration Building; Jerningham;
Street; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 639 – 3507 (Ms. Sharon Melville, Assistant) 639-2657, 639-3502
Did not attend
Assemblyman Tracy Davidson-Celestine; Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Tourism and Transportation
12 Sangster's Hill; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 660 – 7057 (Mr. Oscar Braithwaite) 639-5126
REP: Mr. Oscar Braithwaite, Administrator
Ms. Renee Gift; Environment Tobago; #11 Cuyler Street; Scarborough
Page 38
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 660-7467, 660-7462
Did not attend
Ms. Claudia Groome-Duke; Secretary of Health and Social Services; Tam Building; Lot No. 2 Glen Road;
Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tel.: 635-1751
Did not attend
Ms. Diane Hadad; Chairman; Tobago Chamber of Commerce; 2nd Floor, ANSA McAL Building; Milford Road;
Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 639-2669 / 2273
REP: Mr. David Wong attended
Mr. Darren Henry; Environment Tobago; #11 Cuyler Street; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 660-7467, 660-7462
Did not attend
Councillor Deon Isaac; Secretary of Settlements and Labour; Department of Settlements; Bobtail Building;
Smithfield; Milford Road; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 660-7473
Did not attend
Assemblyman Joel Jack; Secretary of Finance, Enterprise Development, Consumer Affairs and Cooperatives
Victor E. Bruce Financial Complex; 14-16 Wilson Road; Scarborough
TOBAGO
Page 39
[email protected]
Tel.: 635-1203
REPS: Mr. Carlos Hazel (Junior Consultant) and Ms. Giselle Small (PPP Coordinator) attended
Mr. Christopher James; Chief Executive Officer; Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association; P.O. Box 295;
Scarborough,
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 639-9543
Did not attend
Mr. Gerard Mac Farlane; Director; Buccoo Reef Trust; Cowie’s Building; Carnbee Junction; Carnbee
TOBAGO
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tel.: 635-2000, 660-8250
Did not attend
Councillor Gary Melville; Secretary of Infrastructure and Public Utilities; Old Government Farm Road; Shaw
Park; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 639-3126/1287
Did not attend
Mr. Garth Ottley; Director (Ag.); Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries; Tobago House of Assembly;
Tam Building; Glen Road
TOBAGO
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tel.: 639-4446 (o) / 639 – 4354; Cell: 471-1029; Cell: 760-5694
Did not attend
Ms. Wendy Guy-Hernandez; Administrator; Division of Planning and Development; Janis Solomon Building;
Orange Hill Road; Scarborough
TOBAGO
Page 40
[email protected]
[email protected] (683 – 1992) ; Tel.: 639-3265; 639-5373
Attended
Mr. Umslopagaas Job; Administrator; Division of Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing and the Environment
Tam Building; Glen Road; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 639-2234 ext. 3507, 3508
Did not attend
Mr. Raye Sandy; Chief Administrator in the office of the Chief Secretary; Administrative Complex; Calder
Hall
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 660-7511
Letter forwarded to Agriculture, Marine Affairs and the Environment
Ms. Cherryl-Ann Solomon; Administrator; Division of Settlements and Labour; CLICO Building; Rockley Vale;
Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 639-3559
REP: Ms. Marisa Gordon-Thornhill attended
Assemblyman Hayden Spencer; Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, Marine Affairs and the Environment; Tam
Building; Glen Road; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 635-1383
Did not attend
Mr. Allan Stewart; Director; Tobago Emergency Management Agency; Fairfield Complex; Bacolet Street;
Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 660-7657
Page 41
REP: Ms. Melaura Agbeko attended
Mr. Paul Thomas; Administrator; Division of Finance and Enterprise Development; Victor E. Bruce Financial
Complex; 14-16 Wilson Road; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 660-7533
REPS: Mr. Carlos Hazel (Junior Consultant) and Ms. Giselle Small (PPP Coordinator) attended
Ms. Patricia Turpin; President; Environment Tobago; #11 Cuyler Street; Scarborough
TOBAGO
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tel.: 660-7467, 660-7462
Attended
Mr. Aljoscha Wothke; Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville (ERIC); Northside Road; Campbleton;
Charlotteville
TOBAGO
[email protected]
Tel.: 788-3550
Attended
IDB PERSONNEL
Mr. Gerard Alleng Climate Change Sr. Specialist
Mr. Dale James Operations Senior Associate
Ms. Sarah Valero-Freitag
PRESENTERS
Dr. Lorna V. Inniss Director (Ag) Coastal Zone Management Unit, Barbados
Ms. Charmaine O’Brien-Delpesh Lecturer; Coastal Engineering and Management; The University of the West
Indies
Professor John Agard; Department of Life Sciences; The University of the West Indies
Dr. Rahanna Juman; Principal Research Officer; Biodiversity and Ecology; Institute of Marine Affairs
MEDIA
Page 42
Mr. Earl Manmohan; Media Consultant; Office of the Chief Secretary; Information Division, Tobago
Ms. Giada Mayenda; Tobago Channel 5.
Page 43
The following table represents an amalgamation of all the views of the Workshop attendees to Handout 1 (list of all preferred Project
Recommendations and Actions” coupled with which stakeholders need to be involved in its implementation and finally, the challenges/opportunities
that face the implementation of that recommended action. (NB: the stakeholder views on Handout 2 are presented within Section 2 of the main
report).
Project Recommendations
and Actions
Top 10 (place a
“x”)
Stakeholders to be Involved to Implement
Challenges to address and Opportunities to develop in order to implement effectively
TC No./Grant No.
ATN/OC-L3321-TT
A1) Pursue the formal
preparation and
acceptance of a National
Building Code (TTA1)
A2) Programme of Beach
nourishment in Tobago
(TTA12)
A3) Mangrove
Restoration in Tobago
(TTA18)
XXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXX
XXXXXXXXX

Town and Country Planning
Challenge 1: Enforcement

Architecture Association and Building Inspectors
Challenge 2: Insurance

Division of Planning and Development
Challenge 3: Political buy-in

Tourism

Fire and Health Services (HSS)

WASA

IMA and EMA

TEMA

Bureau of Standards

Housing

IMA and EMA
Challenge 1: Finance needed to implement

Division of Agriculture Marine Affairs and Marketing
Challenge 2: Capacity and training is lacking

Schools; DEYAS
Challenge 3: Lack of data

Developers including THA

Donor Organizations

Env Tobago

EMA
Challenge 1: Environmental conditions/ suitability to facilitate this process.

IMA
Challenge 2: Easier to maintain than replant

Division of Agriculture Marine Affairs and Marketing
Challenge 3: Finance needed to implement
Challenge 4: Capacity and training is lacking
Challenge 5: How to retrofit existing improper infrastructure and development
Opportunity1: Education of the population.
Opportunity2: Incentivise career paths and promote career fairs etc.
A4) Coral Reef
Restoration and
Protection in Tobago
(TTA19)
B1) Incorporating ICZM
and CC Adaptation into a
Legal Framework
XXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXX

Schools; DEYAS
Challenge 4: Capacity and training is lacking

Developers including THA
Challenge 5: Lack of data

Donor Organizations
Opportunity1: Division of Agriculture, Education and CEPEP can be utilized to plant
mangroves.

DNRE

EMA and IMA
Challenge 1: Environmental conditions/ suitability to facilitate this process.

Fisheries
Challenge 2: Finance and insurance needed to properly implement

Tour Operators
Challenge 3: Capacity and training is lacking

Private dive associations

DNRE

Marine /Environmental NGOs

DNRE
Opportunity2: Education in schools
Challenge 4: Lack of data
Opportunity1: Fisheries and Education
Challenge 1: Legal process can be prohibitive and enforcement issues are the greatest
challenge.
Opportunity1: Try to amalgamative legal items as opposed to separating them out (ie:
consolidate and amalgamate)
B2) Effective Institutional
Arrangements for ICZM
Planning and CC
Adaptation
XXXXXXXX
B3) Establish a Policy
Framework for ICZM and
CC Adaptation
XXXXXXXXXXX
Opportunity 1: need to introduce institutional mechanism that help to share responsibilities
between agencies
Opportunity 2: Introduce a new “ICZM Unit” under the responsibility of the Chief Secretaries
Office as the overarching coordination unit.

Government
Challenge 1: Lack of expertise in the area and training is subsequently needed

Civil Society
Opportunity 1: Collaboration with those who have been able to make some head way eg:
Barbados CZMU and donor organisations

Meteorological Office

Planning Depts

Finance and Legal Depts

OCS

Donor organisations
Page 45
C1) Avoid consultation
“fatigue” wherever
possible
X
C2) Develop consultation
programmes in the future
that move the ICZM topic
forward
X
C3) Introduce a Variety of
Educational “tools” to
convey ICZM outcomes
XXXXXXXXXXX
D1) Initiate New Data
Collection programmes
(Met-ocean data)
Opportunity 1: Target student courses to gear them towards filling capacity needs (eg:
coastal engineering and oceanographic services).
Opportunity 2: need to realise the “nexus” between different sectors (eg: agriculture and
water/ water and tourism etc
XXXXXXX

DNRE

DAYAS

NGOs

Civil Society

Media (ICT)

Schools
Deemed a “Core element” in its own right
Opportunity1: need targeted educational programmes that are needs related and help to
focus /create targeted capacity building programmes accordingly.
Opportunity 2: packaging of new social media techniques.
Opportunity 3: Use existing “tools” that other sectors already use and “piggy back ICZM onto
those.
Opportunity 4: Incentivise career paths clear career guidance in CCA/ICZM related topics.
Actions proposed in Section 3.4.
D2) Initiate New Data
Collection programmes
(Physical Environment
data)
D3) Initiate New Data
Collection programmes
(Receptors)
D4) Initiate Improved
Quality Assurance
checking
D5) Initiate New Research
Studies
D6) Update the CVI
(weighting/screening and
addition of natural
ecosystems and other
Page 46
climate/hazard variables)
E1) Build the case for
natural coastal protection
E2) Bring coastal
ecosystems into
mainstream decision
making processes
E3) Incorporate proven
management
interventions
XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXX

EMA and IMA
Challenge 1: Convincing both policy makers and those who are charged with implementation

Tourism Industry
Challenge 2: Need to determine if policy would be implemented by Govt.

Private Sector
Opportunity 1: Introduce tools for ICZM awareness

Government(THA) (multi-disciplined Committee)

Civil Society and those affected

Civil Society
Challenge 1: Participation

Government Organizations (multi-disciplined
Committee)
Challenge 2: Implementation

Private Sector

Media

Tertiary Education (UWI)

External Technical Advisors through IMA

Media
Challenge 1: Participation

All Divisions of THA (Office of Chief Secretary)
Challenge 2: Creating a message that is easily understood

Civil Society
Opportunity 1: The use of the social media to get the information in the public domain

Multi-disciplined Committee

Barbados CZMU
Opportunity 1: Civil Society could be part of the process
Opportunity 2: Strong selling point for engagement (impact)
Opportunity 2: link to the recurrent programme “CAPE” which outlines a list of priority
areas/career guidance. This programme should be “apolitical” and roll over regardless of
any change in government.
Opportunity 3: Work experience job swaps with Barbados CZMU.
Opportunity 4: Integration with CEDP.
E4) Financing options to
Sustain the CCARP
XXXX
E5) Formalise Monitoring
and Evaluation
Procedures
XXXXXXXX
Opportunity 1: Pursue the Tobago Financial Aid programme

Civil Society

Government Organizations (multi-disciplined
Page 47
Committee)

Private Sector

Meteorology Dept

TEMA

Planning
F1) Adopt a simple
glossary of terms and
keep the message simple
F2) Adopt a simple EbA
“screening” process to
assess which climate
change adaptation
responses need
employing
G1) Adopt
Mainstreaming Good
Practice
XXXX
G2) Improve Governance
Mechanisms
XXXX
G3) Introduce a Variety of
Climate Finance Models
Page 48
APPENDIX B: ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT REPORT ACTIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
B.1
Overview
The following documents have been analyzed with specific focus on presenting the key findings from the
technical studies completed under this Technical Cooperation1, as well as those arising from the recently
completed IDB funded study on the Economics of Climate Adaptation in Trinidad and Tobago (2014). The key
findings and recommended actions of each document are now reviewed and are presented as separate sub
sections within this Section:

Report A: Economics of Climate Adaptation in Trinidad and Tobago (IDB, 2014d);

Report B: ICZM Situational Gap Analysis (IDB, 2013);

Report C: Public Awareness and Distribution Programme (IDB, 2014a);

Report D: Coastal Vulnerability Assessment (IDB b, 2014);

Report E: Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan (CCARP) (IDB, 2014f);

Report F: Design and Implementation of a Coastal Ecosystem Based (EBA) (IDB, 2014e);

Report G: Mainstreaming Climate Change Considerations into ICZM for Tobago (IDB 2014f).
For each report, where appropriate, separate tables have been produced to address both “gaps and
observations” and “recommendations” presented in each respective report. Findings are then compiled and
“mapped” against a series of draft core elements (or draft “Coastal Policy Directives”) for consultation at a
workshop event, scheduled for 26 May 2015. Agreement on these core elements shall then be put forward
for consideration within a new ICZM Policy Framework for Tobago.
NB: Some of the above reports have provided actions and recommendations that cover both Trinidad and Tobago
(T&T) whilst others are specifically focused on Tobago only. As the focus of this consultancy is to prepare the core
elements of an ICZM Policy for Tobago only, and hence, where appropriate, attention in placed on
recommendations that are of relevance specifically for Tobago.
B2 Report A: Economics of Climate Adaptation in Trinidad and Tobago
(IADB 2014)
Report A Overview
In this report, the potential hazards due to climate change are presented, the economic effects of climate
change in Trinidad and Tobago are calculated, the actions to mitigate the losses caused by climate change
are proposed, and their economic costs and benefits are analysed (NB: all monetary values presented in the
report are in current US Dollars).
The report states generically that in terms of climate hazards, Trinidad and Tobago will, presumably, undergo
higher tropical storm (TS) frequency and the effects derived from them: coastal flooding, wind and rainfall.
Additionally, T&T will likely experience sea level rise and more frequent and intense droughts. Since the
Namely the Gap Analysis, Coastal Vulnerability Assessment and Design and Implementation of a Coastal Ecosystem Based
(EBA) Climate Change Adaptation Plan and Guidelines.
1
effects of climate change and, particularly, the hazards observed for T&T affect different sectors, the actions
identified are designed to deal with this factor, as stated in the prioritization stage. When possible, actions
were designed in order to obtain a widespread impact. The report concludes that the impacts of climate
change are most likely to affect the coastal zone of Tobago in the following ways:

Sea level rise will lead to increased inundation, increased erosion, loss of wetlands, loss of ecosystems,
and displacement of coastal communities.

High temperature will result in loss of coral reefs and reduction in fish stock.
Report A Gaps and Observations
Figure 2.1 below, outlines specific adaptation actions for Tobago.
Figure 2.1: Specific Possible Actions of relevance to the Coastal Zone in Tobago
When organized by sector, the measures for “Coastal Zones” (as a specific “theme”) and the measures for
Human Settlements have relatively high benefits. Coastal Zone measures average a benefit equivalent to
0.426% of GDP and Human Settlements measures average a benefit equivalent to 0.618% of GDP. That
being said, these two groups of measures also have the largest costs. Coastal Zone measures average cost is
equivalent to 0.586% of GDP and Human Settlements measures average cost is equivalent to 1.854% of
GDP.
Report A Recommendations
The report stresses that “No regret” strategies are those in which the project can be justified in economic
terms, even without climate change, however its benefits increase even more with climate change. With
specific reference to the actions outlined in Figure 2.1, the National Building Code (TTA 1) falls into the
category of High Impact and “No Regret”. Mangrove Restoration in Tobago (TTA 18) falls into the category
Page 50
of Low Impact and “No Regret”. Beach Nourishment in Tobago (TTA 12) falls into the category of Low Regret
whereas Coral Reef Protection and Restoration in Tobago (TTA 19) falls into the category of “Potential High
Regret”.
Consequently, it may be concluded that actions TTA1, TTA12 and TTA18 may be pursued as effective actions
as part of a future ICZM Policy and Management Plan process (see below).
RECOMMENDATION
(REPORT A)
TITLE
COMMENTARY
A1) Pursue the formal preparation
and acceptance of a National
Building Code (TTA1)
The objective of this intervention is to develop and implement a code that establishes the building
specifications needed in Trinidad and Tobago in order to provide new constructions that are resilient to
tropical storms, floods, earthquakes, landslides and rainfall. Even if there was a Draft for a Small
Building Code, in Trinidad and Tobago, currently, there is not a legal framework regarding building
codes. Additionally, once the National Building Code is finished, it would need to be passed into a law.
Otherwise, the objectives expected with the building code would not be met; when not mandatory,
building codes are rarely put into effect.
A2)
Programme
of
Beach
nourishment in Tobago (TTA12)
The objective of this intervention is to replenish beach areas with sand in order to avoid the beach
erosion caused by the sea level rise and storms. The beach nourishment would take place in three
different areas: Buccoo Bay (5 km), Store Bay (6.65km) and Little Rockley Bay (2.5km). These three
areas are the most vulnerable to beach land erosion in Tobago. The development of the project would
be divided into ten annual phases, carrying out progressively the nourishment of the selected areas.
More detailed local information needs to be provided. Furthermore, for every selected area, the
coastal dynamics would need to be assessed to define the sand nourishment areas, the regeneration
phases, the beach stability, and so on. An additional assessment on the adequate sediment to be used
will need to be done. Additionally, the sand stocks or the possibilities or using imported sand would
need to be analysed. It would be necessary to develop a Coastal Zone Development Plan, with welldefined actions, which would need to be implemented, if necessary, developing a strict legal
framework to ensure that the objectives are fulfilled.
A3) Mangrove
Tobago (TTA18)
The objective of this intervention is to maintain and where necessary rehabilitate and plant mangrove
forests that are able to attenuate wind and swell waves in order to improve resilience against coastal
erosion and infrastructure losses. Many of the measures regarding coastal management, including the
restoration of mangroves (described here) and the protection of coral reefs (TTA 19), will have
improved results if jointly implemented. These measures should therefore be looked at holistically and
strategically when deciding which activities to implement, ensuring that possible mutual and reenforcing benefits are captured. For the mangrove restoration to work, it is necessary to ensure that
there is no water pollution and that the ecosystem is able to restore itself. Therefore, the selected
areas need to be analysed first to find out whether restoration is viable or not. Otherwise, other
coastal strips more suitable to the sites would need to be analysed.
Restoration
in
The technique proposed for the mangrove restoration is hydrologic restoration, rather than planting.
Hydrologic restoration consists of connecting impounded mangroves to normal tidal influence. Instead
of planting mangroves, the efforts would be focusing on restoring the previous state of the coastal
areas, restoring the tidal schemes previous to the human influence. That way, if the environmental
conditions are adequate, mangroves are restored without the need of planting, but rather just by the
natural diffusion process which takes place due to the coastal tides. The development of the action
would focus at first on achieving natural restoration.
Mangrove Restoration in Tobago is slightly complicated in terms of legal capacity for several reasons.
The State has control of the land below the high water mark which includes most mangrove areas. The
Buccoo Reef Marine Park is managed by the Marine Resource and Fisheries while all other wetlands
including mangroves are managed by the Department of Natural Resource and Environment.
A4) Coral Reef Restoration and
Protection in Tobago (TTA19)
The objective of this intervention is to develop a social awareness program to sensitize the local
community, fisherfolk, and tourists about sustainable coral reef management.
A project called the Speyside Marine Area Community-based Management Project involving the
Tobago House of Assembly, UNDP, GEF small grants program, Buccoo Reef Trust, and Coral Cay
Conservation worked to promote awareness about coral reef protection in the Speyside marine area
within the local community from 2008 to 2009 was proven to be relatively successful in promoting
CBOs dedicated to the protection of Speyside and providing education on marine life. Learnings from
this project should be considered in the development of this project, and Community Based
Organizations that came from this project, including the Speyside Eco-Marine Park Rangers (SEMPR)
Page 51
should be consulted for their experience and knowledge.
In rehabilitating coral reefs in Tobago, there is the urgent need to address the land-based sources of
pollution, which is critical to the conservation of the reefs. Coral reef protection occurs in the southern
Tobago, specifically BRMP, and the Coral reefs around Rockley Bay. The Department of Marine
Resources and Fisheries has a staff of Reef Patrol Officers who are in charge of patrolling the marine
park at Buccoo; however, it has not been successful at deterring illegal practices. This measure will aid
this department by increasing the local community´s participation in coral reef protection. Local people
will be offered the opportunity to help raise awareness among their community, fisherfolk, and tourists
by being part of a voluntary group of eco-awareness raisers, or eco-monitors in southern Tobago.
The “mapping” of the above recommendations against proposed “Policy Directives” is presented in Section 4.
B3
Report B: ICZM Situational Gap Analysis
Report B Overview
A very comprehensive Situational Analysis was produced in November 2013 by a consultant hired by the IMA
under the IDB funded technical cooperation project TT-T1034 entitled “Gap Analysis for Piloting ICZM and
Climate Change Adaptation in Southwest Tobago”. The work involves a review of the legislative, policy,
institutional and capacity arrangements related to coastal zone management and climate change at the
national level. It also covers technical areas that specifically may be related or relevant to Tobago.
The work includes an assessment of current data gaps with respect to coastal and marine ecosystems, their
health, economic uses, and risks. It also assesses current accessibility to data in relation to Tobago. The key
findings of relevance are presented below (taken from Ramlogan 2013) (NB: for exact details, the reader
should refer to the actual report as this is not replicated in this report).
Report B Gaps and Observations
The following gaps and observations were put forward by the consultancy to cover SW Tobago.
Legal Gaps/Observations
Commentary
Absence of Specific Legislation
There is an absence of specific legislation, save and except the Environmental Management (EM) Act,
dealing with adaptation to climate change. There is no such framework legislation in Trinidad and
Tobago.
Absence of Specific Policies
While it is acknowledged that many policies touch and relate to aspects of an ICZM plan, there is no
comprehensive or specific policy that seeks to integrate components of the myriad policies.
Furthermore, there is almost a total absence of a policy dealing with specific aspects of CC
adaptation; even the NCCP fails to provide specific guidelines on CC adaptation. In situations where a
policy names several organisations with responsibility to implement, the absence of specific provisions
on ICZM and CC adaptation can translate into non-action.
Lack of Specificity in Policies
The policies reviewed showed a tendency towards the statement of generalisations and an absence of
specificity as to how general objectives or aims would be achieved. Therefore, there is little in existing
policies that can point to exactly how the policies are to be used as part of an ICZM plan or for CC
adaptation as it relates to the coast. While it is felt that sufficient laws exist in Trinidad and Tobago to
deal with coastal areas, an additional dimension to the perception of the adequacy of laws lies in the
making of regulations or the use of existing legal norms to create more effective legal powers in the
fight for better management of coastal areas. It is accurate to say that most of the laws are worded in
a general manner, with the intent being the passage of regulations to provide for specificity. This
method of passing legislation can be used successfully to update laws and stipulate new standards, as
may be required by changing modern conditions. Unfortunately, it would seem that there is a
reluctance to use such regulatory powers and this has resulted in some laws being largely
unenforceable.
Multiplicity of Legislation Dealing
There are several pieces of legislation that affect coastal areas in Trinidad and Tobago. For example,
there are twenty pieces of legislation that can potentially deal with coastal ecosystems issues. This
Page 52
with Coastal Areas
state of affairs unfortunately does not always result in better management but rather in “law gazing”.
This term refers to situations where different entities responsible for different laws each look to the
other to take action with the result being legal paralysis.
Limited Right of Private Action
An important weapon in the general protection of the environment in many developed countries is the
right to bring private actions in environmental matters. The exception can be found in the EM Act where
section 69 creates a right in private persons to initiate legal action with respect to the breach of an
environmental requirement. Thus, the EM Act is unique in that it permits private persons to seek to stop
unauthorized acts unlike other laws where no such authority is given. Direct private party actions can
be used to facilitate enforcement of statutory measures for implementation of an ICZM plan.
Temporary
Designation
Emergency Areas
of
A useful legislative tool for the protection of coastal areas is that of temporary protection orders
(TPO). TPOs can be used to preserve the status quo of a coastal area while steps are taken to
investigate the suitability of longer term measures or to facilitate taking emergency actions to protect
coastal areas. This type of power is not present in existing legislation in Trinidad and Tobago.
Institutional Gaps/Observations
Commentary
Insufficient Resources
and Financial)
(Human
The most debilitating problem confronting state entities with responsibility for aspects of coastal zone
management is the lack of access to sufficient resources, the most important being financial resources.
The problem of inadequate financial resources can be correctly interpreted as being the root of all
difficulties with human, mechanical, technical and research resources. Access to a national tax-based
fund, called the Green Fund, can be hard for accessing financial resources needed for some aspects of
coastal zone management, such as ecosystems protection and management. The Green Fund was
established in 2004 by the Miscellaneous Taxes Act Ch. 75:01. According to Section 64, “The purpose
of the fund is to financially assist organisations and community groups that are engaged in activities
related to the remediation, reforestation and conservation of the environment”.
Multiplicity
of Governmental
Entities with Responsibility for
Aspects
of
Coastal
Zone
Management
The second most critical factor confronting enforcement agencies in Trinidad and Tobago is the sheer
number of enforcement agencies. This creates problems associated with multiple agencies, such as
overlapping jurisdiction, the independence syndrome, and a lack of proper co-ordination of the work
of enforcement agencies. Theoretically, overlapping jurisdiction should not prove problematic in itself
as it should afford greater scope for coastal zone management; however, the result has not always
been satisfactory. What has emerged is an informal rationalisation of activities that has not managed
to serve the interest of the environment.
Another problem associated with multiple agencies can be described as the independence syndrome.
This is reflected in an overly aggressive sense of independence exuded by some agencies. The Forests
Act gives jurisdiction over forest matters in Trinidad and Tobago to the Forestry Division. However,
Section 21(2)(b) of the Tobago House of Assembly Act Ch. 25:03 gives the THA authority over forestry
matters in Tobago. To avoid conflict, the Forestry Division has, in the main, ceded control to the THA.
The result is what is perceived to be some reluctance on the part of the THA to seek advice from the
Forestry Division, in spite of having very few resources to deal with forest matters.
By far the most significant problem caused by the multitude of enforcement agencies and overlapping
jurisdictions is the lack of co-ordination. Effective coastal management should follow certain synergistic
patterns and efficient co-ordination is vital in the battle to protect coastal resources and communities.
This co-ordination is even more important in the case of a country like Trinidad and Tobago where
resources for activities such as coastal zone management tend to be in rather short supply.
Limited
Public
Programmes
Education
Another institutional impediment to the proper management of coastal areas is the presence of little or
no public awareness of the importance of coastal areas to the society. Public education programs are
often limited and sporadic and have generally failed to transform attitudes in Trinidad and Tobago
towards coastal areas. There has however been a few public education programme by both
government (Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, IMA) and non-governmental
entities (Environmental Tobago, Save our Sea Turtles, Buccoo Reef Trust) on the environment, not
specifically ICZM. The effectiveness of these programmes has never been really assessed. There is an
obvious need for programmes that education the decision makers.
Report B Recommendations
Page 53
The following “Recommendations” were put forward by the consultancy to cover both Trinidad and Tobago.
Slight updates are now presented in the Commentary column to ensure this focus reflects the required situation
in Tobago only.
RECOMMENDATION
(REPORT B)
TITLE
COMMENTARY
B1) Incorporating ICZM and CC
Adaptation
into
a
Legal
Framework
One option here is to initiate a single comprehensive piece of legislation, following in the footsteps of
Barbados. This would see enactment of a single comprehensive piece of legislation, covering all
aspects of an ICZM plan. An easier second approach would be to amend existing and proposed
legislation to ensure proper incorporation of the different elements of an ICZM plan for Trinidad and
Tobago.
B2)
Effective
Institutional
Arrangements for ICZM Planning
and CC Adaptation
There is need to vest in a single institution the statutory authority and jurisdiction to ensure that all other
institutions charged with legislative authority over ICZM elements perform their statutory duties. With
respect to Tobago, the institutional responsibility for the Tobago component of implementation of an
ICZM plan for Trinidad and Tobago should reside completely with the relevant division / department
of the THA.
The institution with responsibility for CC adaptation strategies should be the EMA, if it is agreed that
the EM Act should be used as the basis for providing the statutory power for the implementation of
such policies. With respect to disasters, this can be done in conjunction with the THA and TEMA (with
oversight and direction as appropriate from IMA and ODPM in Trinidad).
B3) Establish a Policy Framework
for ICZM and CC Adaptation
B4
Such a policy is now needed to address all relevant aspects of a future ICZM plan and would mandate
the multiple institutions to properly perform their individual roles. This policy for Tobago should be
mirrored by a similar National ICZM Policy which is already drafted for Trinidad and Tobago (ICZM
Steering Committee, 2014) and, therefore, should have compliance by the THA. Additionally, the
policy should set out the legal roadmap to be followed in amending the different pieces of legislation
required for the implementation of an ICZM plan. The policy should further mandate the TEMA to
specifically address the disaster component of an ICZM plan for Tobago. The ICZM Policy must
address CC adaptation strategies for the coastal areas of and direct the relevant institution in the
development and implementation of such CC adaptation strategies.
Report C: Public Awareness and Dissemination Programme
Report C Overview
Eco Project Ltd (2014) embarked on a “Public Awareness and Dissemination Programme”. This consultancy
involved the design and implementation of a public awareness program on coastal zone management and
climate change adaptation for local communities in Southwest Tobago. It included a desk review on projects
and was designed specifically to assess, analyse and develop strategies to address gaps in key stakeholders’
current levels of awareness of one or more of the following:
•
the current state of the coastal zone and the impact of human activities on the marine and coastal
ecosystems in S.W. Tobago;
•
the actual and anticipated impacts of climate change on the coastal zone in S.W. Tobago and on the
livelihoods that depend on the marine and coastal ecosystems;
•
actual and potential strategies for building resilience and adapting to climate change in S.W.
Tobago.
Report C Recommendations
The following “Recommendations” were put forward by the consultancy to cover SW Tobago.
Page 54
RECOMMENDATION
(REPORT C)
TITLE
COMMENTARY
C1) Avoid consultation “fatigue”
wherever possible
One of the key findings of the consultancy is that there is a high risk of “consultation fatigue” amongst
stakeholders unless future activities are designed to tell people “something new”.
C2)
Develop
consultation
programmes in the future that
move the ICZM topic forward
There is good consensus amongst local stakeholders of the surrounding issues for ICZM. The focus of
future ICZM activity (involving stakeholders) should therefore be more on acknowledging/validating
existing knowledge and then, identifying strategies designed to influence attitude and practice,
including possibly increasing the capacity of non-governmental actors to influence policy through
advocacy.
C3) Introduce a Variety of
Educational “tools” to convey
ICZM outcomes
It is likely that several of the existing educational and visualisation tools, and particularly the P3D
model and some of the videos, could be leveraged into any future ICZM policy.
B5
Report D: Vulnerability Assessment for South West Tobago
Report D Overview
This consultancy (Halcrow 2014) focused on the development of climate-related hazard vulnerability and risk
assessments of the coastal zone area of Southwest Tobago based on climate variability (existing climatic
events) and climate change scenarios.
Halcrow was commissioned in 2014 to produce a Vulnerability and Risk Assessment report to help the
delivery of the future ICZM Policy for Southwest Tobago. That work did not collect/create new data and the
pilot study proceeded using the ‘best available’ data and manually filling any remaining gaps.
The Halcrow report describes in some detail the climate change predictions calculated for Southwest Tobago.
This work fed into the production of clear maps outlining the outcomes of the Coastal Vulnerability index (CVI)
which is critical to review before any ICZM policy can be set. The assessment is applied to better understand
the risk of climate change to the region so that educated decisions can be applied at policy and planning
levels. Importantly the focus of this study, and consequently this report, is on the development, testing and
refinement of the risk assessment and CVI methodologies, rather than on discussion of the specific outcome
implications for SW Tobago.
A critical consideration in the definition of the methodology adopted was to define a consistent repeatable
process that can be readily applied in a larger scale follow on project (and potentially in other locations). In
order to achieve this, the approach employed a GIS based ‘model’ to generate the risk and CVI outputs
based on a framework that applies the user-defined input data specific to both the forcing mechanism and
the environmental description within the coastal zone.
Report D Gaps and Observations
The following gaps and observations were put forward by the consultancy to cover SW Tobago.
CVI Related Gaps/Observations
Commentary
Lack of Data (availability)
A key gap from the pilot study is the relative lack of transparency of data existence/availability.
Ahead of any future ICZM or CVI analysis it is recommended that relevant Trinidad and Tobago
government agencies co-ordinate to identify existing available datasets, and define meta-data
related to source, resolution, date and format.
Inclusion of Natural Assets
Consideration of natural environment assets (habitats and species) was outside the scope of the pilot
study however it is clear that the many environmental assets of SW Tobago (and indeed the wider
Caribbean) are potentially highly vulnerable to the effects of future climate change. In particular, the
Page 55
delicate marine habitats of coral reefs, etc. may be especially vulnerable. As such, it is recommended
that consideration be given to extending this pilot analysis to consider the incorporation of
environmental assets.
Report D Recommendations
The following Recommendations were put forward by the consultancy to cover SW Tobago.
RECOMMENDATION
(REPORT D)
TITLE
D1) Initiate New Data Collection
programmes (Met-ocean data)
COMMENTARY
The approach developed through this pilot study has set out to be consistent and repeatable to
demonstrate its versatility and applicability in other areas. The defined approach is deliberately a
simple, transparent mechanism to represent risk, avoiding the need for complex ‘black box’ analyses,
to ensure the results are readily understood by the range of stakeholders of integrated coastal zone
management. In order to achieve this outcome it is vital that subjectivity is kept to a minimum and the
analyses are objective, based on defined inputs. However, a key lesson from the pilot study has been
that consistent, complete datasets are not available for many of the key features required to be
defined for the full CVI analyses. The key data gaps and recommendations for filling them ahead of
full CVI implementation elsewhere are presented. These datasets will be required to be collected,
validated and quality checked to inform future application of the risk assessment and CVI in Trinidad
and Tobago.
Tide data – this should continue to be collected and validated at locations around Trinidad and
Tobago. Tidal data is being collected at Scarborough and Charlotteville on Tobago. This essentially
provides data at each 'end' of the island. The project recommends that the deployment of an
additional tidal gauge on the north west side of SW Tobago could offer an improved understanding
of tidal variations between here and Scarborough. This could potentially be located in Mount Irvine
Bay. Existing and future data is required to be collated to provide a long time series of tidal data. The
data, existing and future, should be collated into a single format and time series and quality checked
appropriately, in order to develop a greatly improved dataset in the future.
Review and collate any existing available wave data. Consider deployment of wave buoy to collect
continuous wave data. Real time reporting can also provide for operational use by ports, marine
facilities, coastal construction performance, environmental applications, etc. Recommend that data
recorders are sited to capture conditions along the various coastal orientations in SW Tobago. There
are essentially 4 orientations present (working clockwise): Scarborough to the Petit Trou. Lagoon area
is SE facing; the south facing to Crown Point; E facing to Pigeon Point; then NW facing to Plymouth. As
such, deployment of 4 met-ocean devises to capture multiple data, each cited centrally along these
sections of coast would provide a good overall understanding of conditions to inform and validate
future coastal modelling.
D2) Initiate New Data Collection
Programmes
(Physical
Environment data)
Bathymetry - Build on the existing available bathymetry survey for Buccoo Reef area, to provide a
better representation of the nearshore of Trinidad and Tobago. Recommend undertaking cross-shore
profiles to fill gaps between existing surveys areas and to collect bathymetric LiDAR as a mechanism to
capture improved data.
Topography - LiDAR data has been collected for Trinidad & Tobago. This data should be processed
and quality assured to provide a ‘bare earth’ digital terrain model for Trinidad and Tobago. Develop
the terrain data at highest resolution possible as GIS packages can sample from the data to develop
grids at scales appropriate to analyse.
Beach Profiles - Continue to monitor beach locations as part of the ongoing IMA programme. Extend
the beach profile survey programme to include:
• twice yearly surveys (winter and summer profiles) to capture typical performance
• pre- and post-storm surveys as appropriate to capture extreme event performance
• surveys extending landward to end of active profile and seaward to below MLLW
• surveys every 1 km alongshore Ensure collected profiles are quality checked and stored in a
Geodatabase with previous profiles.
Ensure collected profiles are quality checked and stored in a Geodatabase with previous profiles.
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Future beach profile collection should also extend past wading depth to depth of closure, in order to
describe nearshore behaviour.
Coastal Protection Structures - Develop complete mapping of the location of coast protection and
flood defence structures. Include details such as structure form, height, design standard of protection
and condition. A status report on the 'structural integrity' of these engineering works should be carried
out with some agreed regularity, e.g. every year, every two years or some interval that the IMA may
wish to determine. This would essentially provide a basis for mandating the owner of the structure
(whether the Crown or an individual) to undertake any necessary maintenance that may be required.
Aerial Photography - Collection of continuous aerial imagery, at lower low water, would enable
checking of all other terrestrial datasets, including intertidal characteristics.
D3) Initiate New Data Collection
programmes (Receptors)
Property Data - Update existing building datasets to include all properties, with addition of type/use
classification. Check against recent aerial imagery (plus field verification) to ensure complete coverage
and accuracy.
Infrastructure Data - Develop complete mapping of all infrastructure classes, including water,
transportation, telecommunication and energy related infrastructure, both linear and area assets.
Include details such as road classes, etc. Create GIS layers with full feature attribution.
Agricultural Land and other open spaces - Develop comprehensive GIS mapping of agricultural
areas and other open space type land uses, including data layer attribution.
D4) Initiate Improved Quality
Assurance Checking
Quality Assurance will be a key element of the proposed data collection tasks. It is vital that collected
data is downloaded and checked soon after its capture. Ongoing, regular, review of data will ensure
errors are identified and corrected. This improves the data value for future analysis and also ensures
that and errors in the collection process are quickly identified and can be rectified. Appropriate data
management processes should be put in place by agencies responsible for data collection.
D5) Initiate New Research Studies
D5a) Storm Surge Analysis – given the limitations in available wave and water level data for the
study area, development of future extreme water levels has very high levels of uncertainty. Once
improved observed wave and tidal data is available, it is recommended that this be used to validate
a longer time series of hindcast wave/tidal data as the basis for development of extreme water levels
around Trinidad and Tobago. This output could inform the full IZCM process and be used by multiple
agencies in the planning, design and operation of marine and coastal infrastructure. Section 3.3
discusses the water levels used in this analysis. The accuracy and reliability of storm surge modelling is
greatly enhanced with the use of high resolution bathymetry. Therefore, recommendations made above
to build on the existing bathymetry survey and to collect bathymetric LiDAR will therefore also help to
reduce uncertainty and increase reliability of future storm surge modelling.
D5b) Coastal Erosion Analysis – study to consider the best approach to develop long term erosion
projections considering the complexities of coastal areas fronted by reefs and how to integrate
existing coast protection structures into the analyses. This is needed because there has been much
discussion of the Bruun Rule (a modified version of which has been used here), in the academic
literature. This has included recommendations for further variations/modification to improve its
potential for application, such as integrating alongshore considerations (Rosati, et al, 2013), general
critiques of its applicability to calculate shoreline retreat under rising sea levels (Cooper and Pilkey,
2004) and new applications, such as the Probabilistic Coastal Recession (PCR) Model, have been put
forward as alternative approaches (Ranasinghe et al, 2012). The proposed study would provide an
opportunity to consider different approaches, such as the PCR Model, to assessing long term coastal
erosion under rising sea levels for Tobago.
D6)
Update
the
CVI
(weighting/screening and addition of
natural ecosystems and other
climate/hazard variables)
Given the importance of the marine and coastal environment of Trinidad and Tobago, this addition
would be considered to provide a more comprehensive representation of the potential impacts of
climate change to the islands. Inclusion of Natural Assets (coral reef and wetland ecosystems) must
therefore be included in future revisions/updates of the CVI methodology.
Incorporation of other hazards that may be affected by climate change, such as temperature and
rainfall. While it is certain that sea level rise and storm surges will be the greatest single impact of
climate change for Trinidad and Tobago, the addition of other climate change variables would
provide for a more comprehensive impacts analysis. The benefits of this addition would need to be
balanced against the additional analysis and uncertainties that these further variables would
generate.
Finally, it is important to consider further screening and/or weighting of the receptor data to reflect
‘scale’ of potential impacts. The property dataset supplied for this analysis had many relatively small
‘building’ polygons for which there were no attribute details. With better resolved data in future it
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may be appropriate to apply additional filters and/or weights to the receptor data to account for the
relative level of impact to some of these smaller assets.
B6 Report E: Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan (CCARP) for
Tobago
Report E Overview
A Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan (CCARP) was produced and tested as a Pilot for South West
Tobago, to help mainstream sustainable intervention measures, policies and actions for the future at a national
level for Tobago (McCue 2014a). The draft CCARP presents a set of Adaptation Response Options for
coastal ecosystems (including those to be set for south west Tobago) that seek to inculcate EbA approaches
and principles. These are:
1.
Adaptation Response A: Maintain/restore wetlands and mangrove ecosystems;
2.
Adaptation Response B: Maintain sediment transport;
3.
Adaptation Response C: Preserve coastal land/development (including infrastructure);
4.
Adaptation Response D: Maintain shorelines utilizing “soft” measures;
5.
Adaptation Response E: Maintain shorelines utilizing “hard” measures;
6.
Adaptation Response F: Preserve Habitat for Vulnerable Species;
7.
Adaptation Response G: Maintain water quality.
Report E Gaps and Observations
For the CCARP to operate effectively there are ten “implementation risks” that are presented that need to be
addressed carefully for southwest Tobago as follows:
CCARP
Gaps/Observations
Related
Commentary
Absence
of
adequate
administrative and institutional
capacity
All adaptation measures come with administrative and institutional challenges. For example, when a
measure requires regulatory decisions or when it must be implemented through agencies that share
jurisdictions and responsibilities, difficulties can arise. Implementation may reveal jurisdictional gaps. In
such cases, it cannot be assumed that there will be effective coordination and communication between
the players.
Absence of a legal framework
and enforcement.
Judicial systems may not support rigorous enforcement of some measures such as zoning and setbacks.
Lack of personnel capacity
Many personnel in both government and private organizations are not well versed in climate change
issues. Often, they also do not understand how they could contribute to climate change adaptation.
Lack of appreciation of the cost of
“doing nothing”
Often, at the point when agreement to move forward with coastal adaptation is being sought there
has not yet been a determination of the costs of implementing those measures. Nor has there been a
projection of the costs of doing nothing. This lack of cost information makes it difficult to reach
agreement on moving forward.
Absence of sustainable financing
Even the simplest of measures requires funding and effort to first put it into action and then to maintain
it.
Absence
Many adaptation measures are “no-regret” measures. In other words, there are net benefits, including
some positive externalities. These can create new opportunities. On the other hand, adaptation
of
planning
for
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externalities
measures may also generate unplanned-for negative external effects in the short term.
Absence of a scientific basis for
policy and monitoring
Sustained, long-term implementation requires scientific credibility. What is needed is good,
comprehensive, science-based information that includes long-term trends
Absence of a participatory process
Nearly all the adaptation responses are best selected, developed, and implemented with active
stakeholder involvement.
Absence
appropriate
measures.
Measures need to be appropriate for the area and its issue(s). They must also be effective i.e., they
must achieve their intended goals
of
and
technically
effective
Prepare for the unexpected
In preparing for climate change, one needs to keep in mind the possibility of non-linear, abrupt
changes or step functions which can alter the state of a coastal ecosystem quickly once a threshold has
been reached. These uncertain but high consequence events (such as alteration of oceanic currents)
need to be acknowledged and social resilience to cope with such changes developed as a
consequence
Report E Recommendations
A more coherent and holistic utilization of natural coastal protection within the framework of climate
adaptation is needed for Tobago. The CCARP provides some interim information on approaches /steps that
could be used as a precursor to developing site specific and relevant coastal adaptation options for southwest
Tobago.
The following Recommendations were put forward by the consultancy to cover SW Tobago.
RECOMMENDATION
(REPORT E)
TITLE
COMMENTARY
E1) Build the case for natural
coastal protection
E2) Bring coastal ecosystems into
mainstream decision making
processes
1.
Advance coastal protection science - Understanding of ecosystem based coastal
protection is advancing rapidly, but there is a continuing need to build on this research,
synthesize existing literature and build better models. Such models must incorporate the
complexity of natural environmental variation, including the influence of both the abiotic
and ecosystem variables. THA need to clearly understand how much protection a given
ecosystem will provide to the communities and infrastructure that lie behind it.
2.
Quantify ecosystem services in addition to coastal protection - Natural systems provide
a host of additional benefits alongside coastal protection e fisheries and recreation being
key amongst those. Understanding and quantifying this full suite of benefits will help to
“make the case” for maintaining and managing coastal ecosystems. Economic analyses
comparing hard (or “grey”) and green infrastructure should account for long-term
maintenance and potential co-benefits/losses of ecosystem services. These analyses should
be simple and accessible to all levels of decision makers, and relevant to decisions that
engineers and planners have to make. Non-monetary values should also be examined,
including considerations of food security, livelihoods, vulnerability and culture.
Often, ecosystems are considered only within the limits of environmental planning and decision-making.
In order to account for the full potential of these systems to protect coastlines, and to maximize their
ability to support human communities, one must avoid compartmentalization between sectors, and find
ways of integrating these considerations into mainstream development planning processes. Specific
recommended tasks are:
1.
Consider ecosystems in vulnerability assessments of coastal communities;
2.
Develop scenarios and tools that model complex combined risks;
3.
Build decision support systems to help communities visualize impacts of and solutions for
coastal adaptation
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4.
Engage stakeholders
5.
Enact policies to ensure environmental integrity
E3)
Incorporate
proven
management interventions
Many proven management tools, if applied in the context of adaptation planning, can be put into
place quickly to bolster and maintain coastal protection. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) aim to protect
habitats and biota in situ, and thus can serve to protect the structural components of habitats critical for
coastal protection purposes. MPAs are less effective at controlling ex situ and climate change impacts,
but even here there is some evidence of increased resilience of corals, with more rapid recovery in
MPAs following climate disturbance. Improving the design and management of MPAs and MPA
networks for increasing the resilience of coastal communities and maintenance of natural coastal
protection services in Tobago is urgently needed.
E4) Financing options to Sustain
the CCARP
There will be a renewed need to consider new approaches and partnerships to help finance the long
term delivery of risk resilient ICZM in Tobago. An essential requirement for ICZM is financial
sustainability to help fund capital improvements on the coast and to operate and maintain them
effectively. One key aspect of ICZM for Tobago‘s southwest coast is ensuring public access and
“windows to the sea”. As ICZM in most countries is primarily a Government function, its “running costs”
are funded by general tax revenues and there now a need, where possible, to incorporate private
sector or partnership based resource taxes, levies, user charges and joint ventures. Developers and
landowners of coastal access sites need to be “incentivised” to initiate a framework to help “climate
proof” their assets and the shoreline frontage they lease which should help to make more resilient and
improve coastal edge treatments and enable public access to the waterfront, providing recreational
opportunities and protecting biodiversity and natural features of the coastal foreshore.
One interesting model that has been adopted in the Middle East (Tobago) for large waterfront
developments (adopted by the Government) is the use of Technical Interface Agreements (TIAs) as an
attempt to manage the complexities arising from large scale Private Sector Master Plan investment
projects (Atkins 2011). To help implement TIAs, Tobago enacted legislative decrees to help provide a
viable means of procuring public infrastructure as part of large infrastructure projects as a PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP). A combination of TIA and PPP could be utilised to develop Tobago specific
Waterfront Access Agreements (WAA) in the future. These could form part of the planning
contributions legal agreement between the THA and the private developer. This would effectively be a
‘no-cost’ option for the THA as the developer would stand the cost and maintenance of the coastal
development. Whilst the scale of likely interventions in Tobago is different to Tobago, a key feature of
the TIA is that it manages the development of mixed private and public infrastructure within a
masterplan area and this could be extended to include the nature and access features of the
waterfront.
Globally, with regard to ICZM, there are hardly any examples of PPP’s being delivered effectively.
There are nevertheless significant benefits for GoTT by setting up partnerships (among several
organisations, ministries, stakeholders) with regards to partitioning risk as well as financial support on
ICZM issues. The domestic sectors within T&T (i.e. the government and private sector) bear most of the
responsibility through self-financing or borrowing. Part of the risk may, however, be transferred to
domestic and international insurers (within an agreed partnership “model” with the private sector) or
possibly as part of future addendums to major contracts, or set as “conditions” within existing (or new)
marine permits for developments. New tools such as Environmental Performance Bonds, as part of the
permitting regime for developers, may complement traditional approaches by covering the highest
layers of environmental risk. These instruments allow the government and domestic private sector to
transfer risk.
E5) Formalise Monitoring and
Evaluation Procedures
Evaluation is a formal or informal process of reviewing and analysing a project to determine whether
it is effective. Because most climate change effects occur over time, and adaption measures show
results over years, it is difficult to do a meaningful evaluation after just a brief period. However,
planning for evaluation should begin immediately, and some measures may be evaluated for early
effectiveness soon after implementation.
The “mapping” of the above recommendations against proposed “Policy Directives” is presented in Section 4.
B7
Report F: Coastal Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Guidelines
Report F Overview
A number of separate initiatives embraced this aspect of the TC as follows:
ENHANCEMENT OF A LONG-TERM WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM
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This monitoring program was started to help provide new data to identify and analyze the stressors from
land based sources of pollution including nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, soluble
reactive phosphates, chlorophyll A, total dissolved solid, total suspended solids, total organic carbon and
faecal coliform) as well as climate change related stressors -water temperature and acidity.
INSTALLATION OF A CORAL REEFS EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS (CREWS) ON BUCCOO REEF
The CREWS contains a set of meteorological and air-based sensors which measure air temperature, wind
speed and direction, barometric pressure, photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) and ultraviolet
radiation (UVR). In addition there is a suite of oceanographic sensors which measure salinity, sea temperature,
PAR and UVR.
General guidelines for incorporating an ecosystem based approach to adaptation into a national ICZM
Policy.
A Coastal EBA Guidance Document was produced by McCue (2014b). This activity produced guidelines that
incorporate climate change adaptation into an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy, including
identification of best management practices for adapting coastal economic activities to risk.
The report outlines a series of guidelines for the incorporation of an EbA into an ICZM Policy for T&T. It
outlines the approach being taken to prepare the Guidelines for EbA and their inclusion within future ICZM
policies and planning. It also identifies how climate resilience can (and should) be included into the design of
EbA approaches at a national planning level and on the ground interventions. It then provides clarity on how
to apply EbA principles into ICZM policy framework for T&T. The body of the report (Section 3) presents a
logical stepped approach to help decision makers to incorporate EbA principles into ICZM and CCA decision
making. It also identifies a series of “Courses of Action” that make the EbA principles more meaningful and
digestible for all stakeholders (national decision makers to local community leaders etc.). This is then used to
focus specifically on Southwest Tobago using the outcomes of recent work (e.g.: Halcrow 2014) to identify a
series of Coastal Behaviour Units (CBUs) which then are assessed against future climate predictions and social
vulnerability understanding to help identify the most appropriate Adaptation Responses (identified within the
Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan for each CBU (taking into consideration EbA as appropriate).
This Guidance concludes that a simple approach towards linking EbA principles with ICZM Policy Objectives is
needed. This has been achieved by recommending a screening process that asks 5 simple EbA related
questions that relate directly to the internationally accepted Convention of Biological Diversity EbA Principles.
The guide also concludes that every effort is made to make the intended outcome clear for all stakeholders.
The risk of “losing” stakeholders in the process, due to a lack of clarity of ultimate message is very high in T&T
if this simple message is not adhered to.
Report F Gaps and Observations
No specific new gaps were presented in the report. The observations made have already been reflected in
CCARP report.
Report F Recommendations
The following Recommendations were put forward by the consultancy to cover SW Tobago.
RECOMMENDATION
(REPORT F)
TITLE
F1) Adopt a simple glossary of
terms and keep the message
COMMENTARY
The key recommendation for the delivery of EbA as part of an ICZM Policy for Tobago is that
whatever principle, approach or concept is to be pursued, that every effort is made to make the
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simple
intended outcome clear for all stakeholders. The risk of “losing” stakeholders in the process, due to a
lack of clarity of ultimate message is very high in T&T if this simple message is not adhered to.
F2)
Adopt a simple EbA
“screening” process to assess
which climate change adaptation
responses need employing
A screening process is recommended that asks 5 simple EbA related questions which relate directly to
the internationally accepted Convention of Biological Diversity EbA Principles. The outcome of this
process is that EbA principles have been used to demonstrate which adaptation responses are the most
appropriate to employ and implement.
B8 Report G: Mainstreaming Climate Change Considerations into ICZM
for Tobago
Report G Overview
This report (McCue 2014c) focuses specifically on introducing a clear methodology for mainstreaming climate
change adaptation into ICZM for T&T, taking into consideration recent strategic work completed (IADB 2013)
for Government of Trinidad and Tobago on mainstreaming climate change into development planning for
T&T.
Report G Gaps and Observations
The following gaps and observations were put forward by the consultancy to cover SW Tobago.
CC
Mainstreaming
Gaps/Observations
Institutional
Leadership
“Championing” Delivery
Related
and
Commentary
Experience has shown that finding the right person, a champion who has both gravitas and respect
from government and the wider audience, to lead the above approach often results in greater traction
and impact. In addition to this, designing how the mainstreaming into ICZM approach will be
presented, who presents, the right audience, publicity around the study, etc., are all contributing factors
to how well mainstreaming programmes will be taken up by the T&T government. International
evidence has shown that often strong leadership drives mainstreaming and getting this leadership at
the right hierarchical level to drive change is critical.
Need for Financing Mechanisms
Financing for climate change is a complex but serious issue for promoting mainstreaming of climate
change into the governance, planning and management of coastal zones. Mainstreaming for
adaptation to climate change does not come at no cost, revenues are required to establish the interagency linkages and to demonstrate the requirement and efficacy of adaptive measures. Funding has
been widely held to be a limiting factor, but Benson et al (2014) state that because mainstreaming is
effectively a lobbying exercise backed by evidence and analysis, it is an inexpensive and much can
be achieved with relatively modest amounts of money. Often once governments realise the value of
mainstreaming, it becomes part and parcel of government’s own work and hence can become a zeroexternal cost.
Need for Clear Implementation
Strategies
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) coupled with the Tobago Emergency Management Agency
(TEMA) amongst others, have a mandate to coordinate, support, and advocate sustainable, efficient,
and effective service delivery in Tobago. They are therefore important institutions to support crosssectoral (and synergy with Trinidad) delivery by public institutions and in partnership with civil society
and private sector institutions. This sub-national level is critical to help offer the comparable advantage
of being more closely attuned to having better knowledge of the development needs of local
Tobagonian communities and local stakeholders. This level of government and implementation is
therefore widely recognised as the most direct and effective area for development interventions and
also as the most appropriate level for planning and implementing climate change adaptation
measures.
Need for effective Monitoring and
Evaluation Systems to be in place.
A results framework is needed for ICZM delivery in T&T that details the intended outcomes, outputs,
and corresponding indicators for monitoring and reporting on the progress of ICZM and CCA. Key
outcomes likely to be expected include enabling conditions, policies, instruments, capacity, and
behaviours that support the integration of CCA into ICZM action plans, principally at central and local
government levels, but also within private sector and civil society institutions. Consequently, ICZM
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progress must reflect an assessment of progress and achievements against enabling conditions and
fostering institutional demand rather than aiming to assess ICZM in relation to climate change
adaptation or EbA delivery on the ground, which are both a product of many different actors and
factors. Quantifying the level of contribution (and corresponding attribution) that an enabling ICZM
programme has had on measurable impacts such as a reduction in flood risk and an improved coral
reef or mangrove habitat health is, at the moment, complicated to measure. One way the ICZM
process tries to address this challenge is through establishing climate change specific indicators in
national coastal monitoring systems; however, it remains a challenge to periodically collect information
against the indicators by the national governments.
Need to apply a climate “lens” on
any local livelihood security
intervention.
A key challenge for ICZM delivery in T&T is being able to establish a clear link between interventions
in areas such as coastal resource management and integrated water resource management and their
impact on coastal livelihood security and risk reduction. It is recommended that to take steps forward
towards addressing this challenge is firstly, during sectoral policy formulation and planning, that a
climate “lens” is applied to avoid maladaptation and from this, to identify potential opportunities
resulting from climate change. Secondly, during the planning stage, interventions could include specific
adaptation activities. Thirdly, during resource allocation, programme screening can be used to assess
whether project proposals should include climate change risks.
Report G Recommendations
The following Recommendations were put forward by the consultancy to cover SW Tobago.
RECOMMENDATION
(REPORT G)
TITLE
G1) Adopt Mainstreaming Good
Practice
COMMENTARY
It is, first and foremost, of urgency to stress that any mainstreaming approach must be able to sit
comfortably within the structure of the CEDP 2013-2017. In particular, the goals and outcomes
already defined for Priority Action 10 (Environmental Sustainability). This can be best achieved by
following the 6 stepped methodological approach defined in Section 3 of this report, and where
possible, to proposed the adoption of good practice (local to international).
Good practices for successful mainstreaming implementation that have proven effective in coastal
management worldwide include the following:
• Use pilot projects to test how various policy measures might contribute to societal benefits; then use
the results of these pilots to inform the broader audience that will be essential to getting adaptation
measures adopted and implemented more widely.
• Move the debate from one focused on “principles” and instead narrow the issues to focus more on
individuals who are being asked to modify their use of the coast. Then focus on a common search for
desired societal outcomes, e.g., healthy coastal ecosystems that support livelihoods etc.
• Build confidence by firstly, addressing a simple issue; this sets the stage for then tackling issues that
are more controversial or less clearly defined.
• Conduct directed scientific research (i.e.: update the existing Halcrow vulnerability assessment to
include social and ecological vulnerabilities) that adopts stakeholder concerns as real, and tests their
hypotheses about the source of problems and their solutions.
• Encourage a focus on interests and common threats, rather than on particular measures that might
foster a hardening of views.
• Demonstrate fairness by creating broad ICZM policies that do not single out particular groups, and
do not deprive individuals of their constitutional rights (e.g. private property rights).
• Encourage stakeholders to recommend and help test their own approaches and practices, possibly
accompanied by a promise not to impose formal regulations on the sector as a result of the outcome of
those tests.
• Engage a full range of stakeholders in assessing vulnerability, selecting the course of action, and
assisting in the process of mainstreaming. All important governing institutions and stakeholder groups
need to be involved or informed of what is happening so that they can identify with the process and
become active partners in implementation
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G2)
Improve
Mechanisms
Governance
A key area which marks out any climate change mainstreaming programme as different from other
projects (or programmes) is that mainstreaming specifically targets non-environment ministries. One of
the key successes of mainstreaming is that it should stimulate the T&T government’s own demand for
environmental mainstreaming rather than offering to carry this out through an external project. By
using economic and financial data presented in the language of planners and economists, this
evidences how good ICZM can meet the wider development goals of government. These planners and
policymakers then demand services from line ministries such as the Ministry of Environment and Water
Resources which links back to a challenge outlined above, bringing ministries into the mainstreaming
process. Generating the T&T government’s own demand for working in a more coordinated manner is
a more effective and sustainable way to bring ministries (such as the Ministry of Environment and
Water Resources) into mainstreaming processes.
It is recommended therefore that improved economics (and the understanding thereof) is used to better
understand and communicate ICZM related challenges. These include cost-benefit studies, expenditure
reviews, and quantifying the value of natural and social capital. This marks an important shift away
from relying on general arguments for sustainability or inclusive policy approaches. Instead, ministries
should be able to quantify the costs and the benefits of different climate change adaptation
investment choices (on the coast) in a “currency” that the whole government understands.
This recommended “economic lens” (along with other analyses methods such as multi criteria analysis –
MCA)) is anticipated to help the T&T government to convince decision makers and their electorate of
the necessity for change. T&T now need to attempt to quantify the economic value of their own coastal
and marine resources, following the recent guidance set out in the IDB (2013) report (Project TT-T1033
“Understanding the Economics of Climate Change Adaptation” and also the “Waite, R., et al. (2014).
Coastal Capital: Ecosystem Valuation for Decision Making in the Caribbean document.
This approach also reflects the CEDP (2013-2017) Priority Action 2 “Good Governance and
Institutional Reform”.
G3) Introduce a Variety of Climate
Finance Models
The establishment of a range of sustainable financing mechanisms within T&T is a prerequisite for the
long term viability and success of ICZM in the country. This is because different types of financing
requirements are generally essential for different aspects of coastal and marine planning. It is
concluded that the key financing mechanisms to help collect private sector contributions to assist ICZM
delivery should be:

Waterfront Access Agreements;

Environmental Performance Bonds;

Climate Bonds
Each of these financing mechanisms will require more detailed feasibility assessments, financial
contribution details and legal assessments of how each financing modality can be introduced into
future developer contract terms and conditions still required attention.
This approach also reflects the CEDP (2013-2017) Priority Action 3 “Business Development and
Entrepreneurship”.
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APPENDIX C: PROPOSED ICMSP OUTPUT FORMAT
It is recommended (and as based on international best practice on ICMSP from other small island states that
the reporting process needs to have a series of Volumes prepared. The ICMSP process for Tobago is
therefore proposed to comprise of 3 main Volumes. This should initially commence with the production of a
new overarching policy framework to help frame the way forward for ICMSP (Volume 1). It can then be
supported by the production of two separate coastal and marine planning documents (Volumes 2 and 3):
•
Volume 1 - Integrated Coastal and Marine Spatial Policy Framework (ICMSP) for Tobago; (NB: this
document shall be designed to represent the geographic coverage from the inland limit of the Coastal
Management Area seawards to the limit of the EEZ); It shall describe THA Policy and institutional framework
for ICMSP covering Tobago). Details shall be provided within the ICMSP framework such as who needs to
take ownership of specific issues and when actions need to be taken (and by whom).
•
Volume 2 - Integrated Plan for the Coastal Management Area (CMA) for Tobago. This is a plan for
all areas contained within the defined Coastal Management Area – referred to as the “CMA”. This Volume
shall be comprised of a series of “Sub-Volumes” to cover different Coastal Management Units (CMUs) as
defined in Figure 4.2. Volume 2 shall describe detailed recommendations tailored to conditions along the
different Coastal Management Units (CMUs) assigned along the Tobagonian coast (series of Sub-Volumes).
These Sub-Volumes shall clearly outline all relevant local administrative structures and procedures, statutory
requirements and guideline actions to help deliver the appropriate development, conservation and
management practices that are needed within the defined CMA within the CMU. Each Sub-Volume shall set
out what needs to be done, advice on how it should be done, and indicate how organisations and individuals
can and should play their part. The structure of Sub-Volumes shall be very similar.
•
Volume 3 - Integrated Plan for areas beyond the Coastal Management Area (Marine Spatial Plan)
for Tobago. This is a plan for all marine waters seaward of the offshore boundary limit set for the CMA – i.e.:
deeper than the -20m bathymetric contour or seaward of the reef flat.
These 3 documents (and any new legislative regulation that may need to follow) shall represent the
foundations for the future sustainable use of the Tobagonian coastal and marine environment. They shall
demonstrate how best to ensure improved scientific understanding, communication, community involvement and
cooperation are all achieved in an integrated manner to support a more robust and future-proof planning
process in Tobago.
NB: For Tobago, the priority attention for THA should be placed on preparing Volumes 1 and 2.
Figure 4.1 outlines the indicative Sub-Volumes areas that represent the detailed action plans as part of
Volume 2. It is proposed that for simplicity, the Sub-Volumes should be the Caribbean Coast and the Atlantic
Coast (similar to that adopted in Barbados).
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FIGURE 4.1: IDENIFICATION OF DIFFERENT COASTAL MANAGEMETN UNITS AND HENCE “SUB-VOLUMES” OF ICMSP VOLUME 2 (CARIBBEAN AND
ATLANTIC COASTS).
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Volume 3 - Integrated Plan for areas beyond the Coastal Management Area (Marine Spatial Plan) for
Tobago.
The momentum for future ICMSP delivery must be demonstrated through the creation of clear actions (initiated
with evidence of THA support), commitment and improved auditability of stakeholder actions.
It is important to stress that realising the tangible benefits of the ICMSP process is ultimately the responsibility
of GoTT and THA. However, with the correct institutional structures, capacity, desire and commitment, there is
no reason why ICMSP cannot become main-stream in the coming years.
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APPENDIX D: INSTITUTIONAL CASE STUDIES
D1: ICMSP – Institutional Delivery Case Studies
The situation reported within this Appendix is not unique to the Caribbean but is shared with many other
countries and regions from around the world who are currently seeking to design and implement a process of
ICMSP. It is important to recognise that the implementation of ICMSP is in its infancy and there are no
examples from other island states. In practice, this means there are no ‘off-the-shelf’ models that can be
offered to Tobago for implementation, but there are a range of studies that can be used to suggest a way
forward.
Coastal and Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a process of analysing and allocating parts of threedimensional marine spaces (or ecosystems) to specific uses or objectives, to achieve ecological, economic, and
social objectives that are usually specified through a political process. MSP is a process that is: ecosystembased (balancing ecological, economic, and social goals and objectives toward sustainable development);
integrated across economic sectors and among governmental agencies; place-based or area-based;
adaptive (capable of learning from experience); strategic and anticipatory (focused on the long-term); and
participatory, with stakeholders actively in the process.
Despite ICMSP being a relatively new approach, many potential economic and ecological benefits have been
identified including:
Economic Benefits:

Creation of greater certainty to the private sector when it plans new investments, often with a 30year lifetime;

Identification of compatible uses within the same area for development;

Reduction of conflicts among incompatible uses and between uses and nature;

Streamlined permitting process; and

Promotion of the efficient use of resources and space.
Ecological Benefits

Identification of areas of biological or ecological importance;

Incorporation of biodiversity objectives at the heart of marine spatial planning and management;

Allocation of space for biodiversity and nature conservation;

Provision of a planning context for a network of marine protected areas; and

Reduction of cumulative impacts of human uses on marine ecosystems.
Social Benefits

Improved opportunities for community and citizen participation;
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
Identification of impacts of decisions on the allocation of ocean space for certain use (or non-use) for
onshore communities and economies;

Identification and improved protection of cultural heritage; and

Identification and preservation of social and spiritual values related to ocean use.
From the International examples available, this report has focused on three “model” countries that appear to
possess approaches and plans that address the range of issues and situation of Trinidad and Tobago.
These are taken from the United Kingdom, United States and Syria (see Boxes 2 – 4). Other examples of
ICMSP that are available from the International arena (see http://www.unesco-iocmarinesp.be/msp_references) are principally focused on environmental conservation and it is important for
considering for Tobago that, although the environment is important, there is a strong focus on ICMSP that also
includes economic and social issues. The Appendix also focusses explicitly on examples that demonstrate
elements of a public process of analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human
activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives that usually have been
specified through a political process. Characteristics of marine spatial planning include ecosystem-based,
area-based, integrated, adaptive, strategic and participatory.
Despite the many cultural and institutional differences that exist between the three countries, they all share a
number of common challenges. In summary, none possess an overall framework for planning marine use.
Instead, there is an ad hoc sectoral approach to consenting of marine activities, involving different pieces of
legislation, using different scales and means of mapping, and all managed by different authorities. By
reducing conflict and bureaucracy, economic development and the environment can both benefit to the mutual
advantage of both, and industries can benefit from clear guidance on where they can develop sustainably. It
is the only way to examine the cumulative and in-combination impacts the many different maritime industry
sectors have on coastal and marine space, by presenting an overview of all human activities and
developments in an area.
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Boxes A 6.1 to A 6.3 summarise the institutional structure that has been established in each “model” country
reviewed.
Box A 6.1. Institutional structure to deliver ICMSP in the UK
In the UK, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has been established (April 2010) to make a
significant contribution to sustainable development in the marine area and to promote the UK government’s
vision for clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas. The MMO is an executive
non-departmental public body (NDPB) established and given powers under the Marine and Coastal Access Act
2009 that brings together key marine decision-making powers and delivery mechanisms. As a NDPB, it is
established by statute to carry out administrative, commercial, executive or regulatory functions on behalf of
the Government using its own staff and with its own budget. It provides specialist advice to Ministers and other
groups and has a national remit.
The MMO now incorporates the existing work of the Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA) as well as having a
role in marine-related powers and specific functions previously associated with the Department of Energy and
Climate Change (DECC) and the Department for Transport (DfT).
The establishment of the MMO as a cross-government delivery partner marks a fundamental shift in planning,
regulating and licensing activities in the marine area, with the emphasis on sustainable development. The
specific responsibilities include:
 Implementing a new marine planning system designed to integrate the social requirements, economic
potential and environmental imperatives of UK seas.
 Implementing a new marine licensing regime that is easier for everyone to use with clearer, simpler and
quicker licensing decisions.
 Managing the UK fishing fleet capacity and UK fisheries quotas.
 Working with Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) to create and
manage a network of marine protected areas (marine conservation zones and European marine sites)
designed to preserve vulnerable habitats and species in UK marine waters.
 Responding to marine emergencies alongside other agencies.
 Developing an internationally recognised centre of excellence for marine information that supports the
MMO’s decision-making process.
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Box A 6.2. Institutional structure to deliver ICMSP in the US
The National Ocean Council (NCO) is a dual Principal and Deputy level committee. Membership of the NOC
initially includes the following:
 The Secretaries of: State, Defence, the Interior, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Commerce,
Labour, Transportation, Energy, and Homeland Security
 The Attorney General
 The Administrators of: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA)
 The Chairs of: The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC), and the Joint Chiefs of Staff
 The Directors of: the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), National Intelligence, the Office of
Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Science Foundation (NSF)
 The Assistants to: the President for National Security Affairs, Homeland Security and Counterterrorism,
Domestic Policy, Economic Policy, and Energy and Climate Change
 An employee of the United States designated by the Vice President
 The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (NOAA Administrator)
The NCO operates through a number of Committees:
 Steering Committee: the key forum for ensuring integration and coordination on priority areas within the
NOC.
 Ocean Resource Management Interagency Policy Committee which functions as the ocean resource
management body of the NOC, with an emphasis on ensuring the inter-agency implementation of the
National Policy, national priority objectives, and other priorities defined or approved by the NOC.
 Ocean Science and Technology Interagency Policy Committee (OST-IPC) that functions as the ocean
science and technology body of the NOC, with an emphasis on ensuring the inter-agency implementation
of the National Policy, national priority objectives, and other priorities for science and technology
objectives.
 Governance Coordinating Committee which consists of 18 members from states, federally-recognized
tribes, and local governments.
The responsibilities include:





Support sustainable, safe, secure, efficient, and productive uses of the ocean and coasts;
Provide for and maintain public access to the ocean and coasts;
Promote compatibility among uses and reduce user conflicts and environmental impacts;
Improve the rigour, coherence, and consistency of decision-making and regulatory processes;
Increase certainty and predictability in planning for and implementing new investments for ocean, coastal,
and Great Lakes uses; and
 Enhance inter-agency, intergovernmental, and international communication and collaboration.
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Box A 6.3. Institutional structure to deliver ICMSP in Syria
Syria has established a high level Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), a statutory authority to oversee the
development of its coastal zone. The IMC has high-level representatives of ministries and departments with
responsibilities for the management, and
protection of the coastal zone, including
environment,
local
administration,
development planning, spatial planning,
urban
development,
health,
water
management, agriculture, fisheries, industry,
transportation, tourism, maritime authority
and economy. The IMC also includes
agencies to support, facilitate and deliver
ICMSP.
The composition of the IMC includes: The
Environment (president of the committee);
The Governors of the two coastal
governorates in the country, Lattakia and
Tartous, High level representatives (at least
deputy minsters) of major ministries with a
direct interest in the coastal zone; The
general directors of environment and water
resources institutions at central and local
level; Members of the People’s Council from
the coastal governorates, and Prominent
personalities and experts.
The main task of the IMC is to ensure that the vision, policy, strategy, and NAP intended to apply Integrated
Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) approach and rules to the Syrian coastal zone are supported and
eventually committed to by the government and the public.
D2: Institutional Findings
Key features common to the three “model” country examples are:

They seek to provide an integrating mechanism within the existing Government structure, i.e. they do
not advocate a sweeping re-organisation of Government.

They recognise the importance of environmental quality to support sustainability and economic
development.

They recognise the need for good data management and decision-making support.

They address the need to reconcile the demands of working in a complex political environment with
the current and future challenges arising from economic and social pressures as well as ‘natural’
changes such as climate change.
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
They also recognise the need for public and private sector participation and support (through issues
such as public access) to the planning process and its implementation.
The Institutional structures designed for these three “model” countries therefore appear to provide some
remedies to the principle institutional failings identified for Tobago so far as ICMSP is concerned. These fall
into 5 key findings:
Finding 1: There are few functional links for cooperation or collaborative working between Government
agencies. This includes the absence of leadership for coastal and marine management or agreement on
responsibilities and jurisdictional boundaries between agencies. The result of this is there is no National
Leadership or structure for delivering ICMSP and there is limited policy connectivity within the GoTT.
Finding 2: There is little cooperation, collaboration or partnership between Government and the private
sector despite the huge economic and resource demands and opportunities of development and growth. The
result of this is missed opportunity from development projects to benefit the wider Tobagonian society.
Finding 3: There is little cooperation, collaboration or partnership between Government and the public
(society) on coastal/marine matters (including NGOs). The result of this is a disenfranchised general public
who feel unable to contribute to sustainable development of Tobago’s coastal and marine space.
Finding 4: Accessing information and data is ineffective and not common between all users. The result of this is
that available information and knowledge cannot properly inform any decision making process.
Finding 5: A lack of stewardship (entrusting people and organisations with a responsibility to care for their
social, economic and natural environment) of the coastal and marine space by all parties who protect narrow
self-interests. The result of this is that there is ineffectual planning, regulation, enforcement or management of
the coastal and marine space and resources of Tobago.
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