Promoting Good Governance and Policy Solutions

There is growing recognition by NCBs of their potential to influence policy-making on matters relating to coastal management in their countries.

In two countries (Pakistan and Sri Lanka) the Navy, which is a non-conventional but very important coastal stakeholder, has shown interest in the level of coordination being achieved by the NCBs, and have become an NCB member. Consequently, naval staff have been involved in MFF training and capacity development programmes, resulting in their better appreciation of the issues surrounding coastal zone management, including its strategic importance for trans-boundary work and establishment of Marine Protected Areas (see related story, Safeguarding Pakistan’s Coastal & Marine Resources). Since 2013, NCBs have taken the lead in presenting SGF project results to a forum of relevant state agencies, with the aim of integrating project recommendations in government development policy.

The MFF NCB in Vietnam actively promotes the ICM national law and explores opportunities for adopting a marine spatial planning approach for the management of large port areas of key biodiversity importance. Vietnam is also designing and promoting restoration models for degraded mangrove areas for sustainable shrimp production as a model solution for restoring landscape productivity.

In India, the MFF NCB has focused on scientific research and identifying practical management solutions. This approach has lead to the discovery and protection of unique biodiversity and the design of ecologically and socio-economically sound coastal rehabilitation model.

In the Maldives, the MFF NCB focuses on promoting the ICM approach and its application in atoll management units, including islands management practices for solid waste management, improving islands household agriculture practices for improved nutrition, and working with coastal tourism sector for improved diving practices.

In Thailand, the MFF NCB works to promote knowledge networks and the role of NGOs in advocating for national policy reform that recognizes the importance of engaging local communities and rights based management approaches.

In concrete terms, through the various national NCBs, MFF has been able to focus on key areas of national policy interest and make the linkages between policy and practice on the ground.