CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF THE MESOAMERICAN BARRIER REEF SYSTEMS PROJECT · PDF...

CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF THE

MESOAMERICAN BARRIER REEF SYSTEMS PROJECT (MBRS)

TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL

PROGRESS REPORTS

REPORT No. 7

Reporting Period: July – December 2004

(Revised for Web Publishing)

Project Coordinating UnitCoastal Resources Multi-Complex Building

Princess Margaret DriveP.O. Box 93

Belize City Belize Tel: (501) 223-3895; 223-4561

Fax: (501) 223-4513 Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.mbrs.org.bz

SAM / MBRS

Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Systems Project Coordinating Unit

Coastal Resources Multicomplex Building,Princess Margaret Drive,

Belize City, Belize Tel: 501-22-33895 or 22-34561 Fax: 501-22-34513 E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.mbrs.org.bz

BELIZE GUATEMALA HONDURAS MEXICO

MEMORANDUM OF TRANSMISSION FROM THE REGIONAL COORDINATOR

TO: Executive Secretary and Director General of the Environment, CCAD-SICA Manager of World Bank Project National MBRS Coordinator in Belize National MBRS Coordinator in Guatemala

National MBRS Coordinator in Honduras National MBRS Coordinator in Mexico

FROM: Noel D. Jacobs Regional Project Coordinator

SUBJECT: Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico Project No.: GE-P053349 TF: 027739

Seventh Technical and Financial Progress Report: July 1 – December 31, 2004

DATE: January 31, 2005

I hereby enclose the Seventh MBRS Technical and Financial Progress Report for the period from July 1 – December 31, 2004. This Report reflects progress in the implementation of the Annual Work Plan (AWP) and the Budget approved for the period from July 1 2004 to June 30 2005.

We are willing to answer any questions and / or comments about the content of this Seventh MBRS Technical and Financial Progress Report

MBRS Project CCAD - SICA

Project Coordinating Unit Technical and Financial Progress Report No. 7

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List of Acronyms

AWP Annual Work Plan

BEMAMCCOR Belize Mexico Alliance for the Management of Coastal Resources

CBWS Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

CCAD Comisión Centroamericana de Ambiente y Desarrollo

CICESE Centro de Investigación Científica y de Estudios Superiores de Ensenada

CINVESTAV Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN

CORAL Coral Reef Alliance

CZMA/I Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute

ECOSUR El Colegio de la Frontera Sur

GEF Global Environment Facility

HMRI Healthy Mesoamerican Reef Initiative

ICRAN International Coral Reef Action Network

INVEMAR Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras

IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature

MBRS Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Systems

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

MPA Marine Protected Area

MUC Multiple Use Center

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

PACT Protected Areas Conservation Trust

PCU Project Coordinating Unit

PDF Project Development Fund

PNAX Xcalak Reef National Park

PRIMER Plymouth Routines in Multivariate Ecological Research

PROARCA Regional Environment Project for Central America

PWG Policy Working Group

PY Project Year

RBD Regional Board of Directors

REIS Regional Environmental Information System

RPI Research and Planning, Inc.

SEMARNAT Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales – Mexico



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SMP Synoptic Monitoring Program

SPCMR Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve

TIDE Toledo Institute for Development and Environment

TNC The Nature Conservancy

ToRs Terms of Reference

TRIGOH Alianza Tri-nacional del Golfo de Honduras

TWG Technical Working Groups

UNDP United Nations Development Program

UNEP United Nations Environment Program

WRI World Resources Institute



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Contents

1.0. Executive Summary ……………………………………………………………………………. 1

2.0. Implementation of Project Components ………………….………………………………….. 3

2.1. Component I. Marine Protected Areas ………………………………………………. 3

2.1.1. Planning, Management and Monitoring……………………………………… 3

2.1.2. Institutional Strengthening ……………………………………………………. 5

2.2. Component II. Regional Environmental Information System

and Synoptic Monitoring ………………………………………………………………. 8

2.2.1. Regional Environmental Information System ………………………………. 8

2.2.2. Synoptic Monitoring Program. ………………………………………………… 10

2.3. Component III. Sustainable Use of the MBRS………………………………………. 14

2.3.1. Sustainable Fisheries …………………………………………………………. 14

2.3.2. Sustainable Tourism ………………………………………………………….. 16

2.4. Component IV. Environmental Education and Awareness ………………………… 18

2.4.1. Environmental Awareness Campaign ……………………………………….. 19

2.4.2. Formal and Informal Education……………………………………………….. 20

2.4.3. MBRS Indigenous Participation Plan ………………………………………….20

2.5. Component V. Project Administration …..…………………………………………….. 22

2.5.1. Disbursements …………………………………………………………………. 22

2.5.2. Procurement …………………………………………………………………….. 22

2.5.3. Regional Coordination………………………………………………………….. 23

3.0. Limitations in Project Implementation………… ……………………………………………….. 25

4.0. Activities for the Next Semester….. ……………………………………………………………. 26

Annexes:

1. Financial Statements

2. Procurement Reports

3. Project Monitoring Indicators

4. List of Project Assets up to Date

5. Agreement of the First Mesoamerican Fishermen Congress

6. Agreements on Common Enforcement in the Geographic Area of the MBRS



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1.0. Executive Summary

MBRS Project implementation from July to December 2004 was quite successful, consistent with the

pattern established during the previous period. Highly visible achievements and technical and political

products continued to be delivered as well as long term processes begun during previous Project Years.

These achievements were only possible because of the exceptional efforts of administrative personnel and

persistent follow-up by technical staff, the National MBRS Coordination, and the support of all our partners

in the MBRS region.

The most visible achievements include the building of the Multiple Use Center in Utila Turtle Harbor in

Honduras, the 4th Meeting of the MBRS Southern Transboundary Commission, the preparation of the Park

Ranger Manual for Marine Protected Areas, the Training Course on Public Use and Tourism in Marine

Areas, the Training Course on the Use and Maintenance of Renewable Energy in Marine Protected Areas,

training on the use of the REIS in Guatemala and Mexico, the production of the REIS Users’ Manual,

functional changes on the web site, the regional training of people involved in the SMP, field monitoring

under the SMP, data entry from the SMP to the REIS, the continuation of fish aggregation site monitoring,

training for fishermen in alternative ways of living, the exchange between fishermen, the hiring of technical

assistance for the tourism component, the establishment of an alliance with the ICRAN-MAR Project to

prepare the Catalogue of Exemplary Practices for Marine Coastal Tourism, the distribution of the

institutional video, the transmission of the Project’s video spots, the distribution of dissemination material

including the Project’s bi-annual newsletter, and several training workshops on education.

The Project achieved a high level of coordination with other projects, partners and initiatives in the region

during the last six months, including a Memorandum of Understanding between the Project and

CINVESTAV; an important alliance with the Summit Foundation in which the Project will receive support for

strengthening synoptic monitoring; joint efforts with the World Bank, the WWF, the Summit Foundation and

Pedigree Consulting to launch the ‘Healthy Mesoamerican Reef Ecosystem Initiative’; an alliance with

NOAA and Tufts University to carry out a comprehensive analysis of transboundary basins in the MBRS

region; the launching of the Tulum + 8 Initiative in which we will join our efforts with those of 12 other

agencies to produce an updated plan for the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System which is expected to be

adopted in December 2005.



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Coordination with Project partners such as the World Bank and the CCAD has progressed without any

delay or setback during this reporting period. In follow-up to the previous report, the MBRS Project has

sent a formal request to the CCAD for suspending the UNDP’s services to the MBRS Project.

Once again Project staff have demonstrated a high level of competence in the administrative execution of

the Project. Furthermore, a Procurement and Disbursement Coordinator (PDC) was hired on December 1,

2004. With this new member on the MBRS team, internal control mechanisms for procurement and

disbursement processes can be improved. By the end of December 2004, the Project had disbursed over

6.2 million dollars. By the end of June 2005 it is estimated that the amount of funds disbursed will be 7.9

million dollars.



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2.0 Implementation of Project Components

2.1. Component I: Marine Protected Areas

2.1.1. Planning, Management and Monitoring.

2.1.2. Institutional Strengthening.

Component No. 1: Marine Protected Areas

Budget approved for period July 2004 to June 2005: US$512,800

Budget executed at 31 December 2004: US$210,921

Percent budget executed at 31 December 2004: 41.13%

Component Summary

During the three and a half years of Project execution, this component has focused on the 15 priority MPAs, to

which another area was incorporated last year, Cayos Cochinos in Honduras, and a request was received from

the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources of Guatemala to incorporate the Manatee Conservation

Reserve, Chocón Machacas in Río Dulce, Guatemala; in these Protected Areas actions have been taken to

strengthen planning processes, implement effective management, monitor management, formulate regional

policy, hold training workshops, publish training manuals, and provide equipment and infrastructure.

This is why one of the main objectives of this component has been to directly strengthen management

effectiveness and protection of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with special emphasis on the sustainability of

conservation actions.

Furthermore the installed capacity of governmental and non governmental organizations involved in managing

MPAs has been supported through the training of their staff in workshops and courses linked to the above

topics, publishing and disseminating the manuals that have resulted from the courses in order to produce a

multiplying effect.

Activities and Achievements during this Period:

Sub-component A: Planning, Managing and Monitoring the MPAs

The most significant achievements of the Project in this sub-component during the second semester of 2004

are summarized below:

1. The sixth progress report was prepared for the period from January to June 2004, making it possible to

verify progress in relation to the Annual Operation Plan and with this vision to strengthen those

activities requiring further implementation.



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2. Activities were coordinated for the presentation and inauguration of the Multiple Use Center (MUC) of

the Marine Reserve and Wildlife Refuge of Utila Turtle Harbor, in Honduras, which took place in

December 2004, according to plan.

Actions were taken to make up for the setbacks in building the MUC in the Xcalak Reef National Park

(PNAX) in Mexico in order to conclude it since it is in its final phase and is expected to be finished by

the end of March 2005. Furthermore, follow-up was given to repairs to the MUC in the Multiple Use

Area of Río Sarstún in Guatemala.

For the Sapodilla Caye Marine Reserve, after various efforts it has been possible to legally define the

property and boundaries of the land designated for building the MUC, and arrangements are being

made to start work in January 2005.

We have received a proposal from the Fisheries Department for building an interpretative trail in the

Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve and National Park; building is planned to start in February 2005.

3. Coordination activities were carried out with the Central American Environmental Program (PROARCA)

for preparing the Manual on Monitoring Management Effectiveness, which emerged as a result of the

working meeting which defined the hybrid methodology based on the following documents: the MBRS

document of methodological recommendations for monitoring management effectiveness of the MPAs

(Tec. Doc No. 5), the Score Card developed by the World Bank, and the methodology developed by

PROARCA, which has been implemented in the majority of Central American countries.

During this period the final version of the manual was completed and we are coordinating details

related to the format with PROARCA for it to be published and presented in February.

4. As part of the process of strengthening installed capacities related to MPA planning and management,

the necessary follow-up was given to formulating 10 year Master Management Plans in the four

transboundary MPAs established. During this period the third public consultation for the Corozal Bay

Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) was held and the final document is being prepared; the Master Plan for

managing the Sapodilla Caye Marine Reserve (SCMR) was finished and this document will be

presented to the Department of Fisheries for consideration and endorsement. The second public

consultation was also held for the Xcalak Reef National Park (PNAX) in Mexico and the first public

consultation for the Marine Reserve proposed for Omoa Baracoa in Honduras.

The on-site experts for CBWS and SCMR have concluded their tasks and corresponding payments

have been made; the expert for PNAX is pending final payment, which will be made when the report of

the third consultation is presented. In the case of Omoa-Baracoa only the first payment has been made.



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These public consultations have been very valuable, with broad participation from the communities and

local authorities, and this has made it possible, especially in the case of SCMR and CBWS, to have

agreed upon versions of the plans in their final phase and in the case of the PNAX we have achieved

better agreements on the products expected and their application by Park authorities.

The Master Plans make it possible to visualize trends and projections in terms such as strategies to

protect the most vulnerable resources, the sustainable management of visitors, income generation,

education and community relations programs, management effectiveness monitoring, all fundamental

elements which enable the definition of a long term management policy for the site.

5. With regard to the implementation of Management Plans, in December the executive version of the

Management Plan for the Special Protection Area of Punta de Manabique in Guatemala was

published.

The Management Plan for the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in Mexico was updated and will be

published in January 2005. Communication has been maintained with the National Coordination Office

in Mexico for the purpose of facilitating the support requested by the Manatee Sanctuary in relation to

signs, the instructional version of the Management Plan and meetings for disseminating it.

6. In July the 4th Meeting of the Southern Transboundary Commission was held, including the General

Assembly of the TRIGOH and the Working Group on Extended Policies, which involved the

organization, invitations, list of participants, agenda and work methodology.

7. In October a meeting was held of the Working Group on Extended Policies for the purpose of designing

an Implementation Plan for the Policies selected and writing the standards or regulations for each

policy. The group was successful in producing a standards document and an Implementation Plan by

the end of the meeting.

8. In December the products described under number 7 were presented at the first Ministers’ Meeting for

implementing Transboundary Policies in the Gulf of Honduras, on the topics of Tourism, Fisheries and

Marine Protected Areas, concluding in the signing of agreements among the three Gulf countries:

Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.

Sub-component B: Institutional Strengthening

In order to support the installed capacity of governmental and non governmental organizations involved in MPA

management, training workshops and courses on the above topics have been held as part of this sub-

component.



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1. During this seventh semester efforts were made to formulate, edit and revise the Park Ranger Manual

for Marine Protected Areas, produced during the training workshop held in May 2004. The production of

the final version of the manual has been delayed due to the need for diagramming and incorporating

drawings, a situation which was not provided for by PROARCA / MPA who supervised the preparation

of the manual. The final version is now being printed and will be ready for publication at the end of

January 2005. The manual will be distributed and national training workshops will be held with the

manual and trained personnel available, together with the MBRS Project and UNEP-Jamaica.

2. A series of meetings was held and e-mails were exchanged with the team of experts in Protected Areas

of the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, Yucatán Peninsula Region, Mexico, for the

purpose of coordinating the training course on Public Use and Tourism in the MPAs, to be given at the

Biological Station on the Island of Contoy. As a product of the coordination the necessary synergy was

established in order to run the course together, using the experience and installed capacities of the

CONANP technical team.

The course took place between October 25 and 29 2004 at the Biological Station on the Island of

Contoy with the participation of 28 delegates from the four MBRS countries; during the event 6

speakers presented different topics contained in the Work Program. Participants had the opportunity to

go round the premises of the Contoy Island National Park, including the different visitor services, and

they prepared Public Use Programs for the Protected Areas they represented which will be included in

the manual resulting from the workshop.

3. The first phase of the exchange among tourism service providers in MPAs was carried out; on this

occasion this was done together with CONANP in Mexico and staff from Holboxh and Yum Balam were

able to visit observation areas for the Whale Shark in the south of Belize with the support of the NGO

Friends of Nature, and for April 2005 a visit of personnel from Belize to Mexico has been planned to

complete the exchange of MPA personnel.

4. In coordination with CONANP, Yucatan Peninsula, specifically with the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere

Reserve, a training course was given on the use and maintenance of renewable energy systems in the

Banco Chinchorro Biological Station. This course will make it possible for MPA staff to efficiently use

and maintain the solar energy system in the Multiple Use Centers.



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5. Follow-up was given to the proposal for the coastal Bi-National Biological Corridor between Omoa in

Honduras and Punta de Manabique in Guatemala during the 4th Meeting of the Southern

Transboundary Commission and a meeting was proposed to define the Action Plan; unfortunately it

was not agreed on in accordance with MBRS guidelines and two meetings were held without MBRS

participation, just with the members of the Biological Corridor and the National Coordination of

Honduras and Guatemala.

Two different proposals have been reviewed for the Action Plan, but neither complies with the original

expectations.



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2.2 Component II. Regional Environmental Information System and Synoptic Monitoring

2.2.1: Creation and Implementation of a Regional Environmental Information System (REIS)

2.2.2: Synoptic Monitoring Program (SMP)

Component No. II A: Regional Environmental Information System




Summary of the Component

This sub-component supports the global objectives of the Project for dealing with the need to create, manage,

analyze and disseminate scientific and socio-economic information for decision makers, managers and users

of the resources for the purpose of improving the management of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. The

primary tasks in this component are to implement an environmental information system with nodes in Belize,

Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, and establish a virtual information center which will provide information

about the Project and the reefs, all accessible through the World Wide Web (WWW). The products of this sub-

component will serve as tools to support the other components in the management and dissemination of

environmental and socio-economic information.

During the third year of the Project the main goals of this sub-component were achieved. These included: the

installation of the Regional Data Communications Network in July 2004, the consolidation of relations with

information agencies as node agencies in each MBRS country with the signing of Memorandums of

Understanding and the installation of computer equipment and telecommunications services for the node

agencies, the implementation of the Regional Environmental Information System (REIS), training of REIS

users at the regional and national levels, and the broad distribution of MBRS information in electronic form. So

efforts during the fourth year focused on consolidating these achievements and ensuring the successful

application of the REIS in managing data collected under the Synoptic Monitoring Program (SMP).

Activities and Achievements during the Period

During this period the Project did the field surveying for collecting data under the SMP, resulting in the first set

of data for the SMP in the region. The implementation and use of the REIS has been parallel to the

implementation of the SMP. From July 2004 to December 2004 the Project continued to train users at the

national level in Guatemala and Mexico and produced the Design Report and the User Manual in English and

Spanish. The main activities and achievements between July and December 2004 are described below:



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1. From July 7 to 9, 2003 the Information Specialist received training in REIS management, an

achievement which represented compliance with some of the final results of the consultancy on the

Design and Implementation of a Regional Environmental Information System.

2. Training was continued for biologists on the use of the REIS, which began in February 2004. National

training workshops were held on the use of this data base in Guatemala from July 18 to 23 in

Guatemala City at the Del Valle University of Guatemala (UVG). The UVG is the node agency for the

Project in Guatemala and therefore provided logistical and technical support for these national

courses. They also provided the computer installations for these. Courses covered the use of modules

for coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass. Eleven users were trained in these workshops. The Project

used the opportunity to supervise the entry of data that users had collected in the field shortly before

the training course. So users immediately implemented the techniques learnt in the course for entering

the first real data in the data base. These courses concluded training on the use of the REIS for

biologists in Guatemala. However the Project is willing to support the biologists in each country with

additional training and/or practical supervision in order to guarantee the quality and integrity of data.

3. From September 6 to 8 a national training workshop was held in Mexico on the use of the REIS in the

module for mangroves and seagrass for 8 biologists. Between October 21 and 23, 11 biologists were

trained in Mexico on the use of the REIS for coral reefs. The node agency of the Project in Mexico, the

University of Quintana Roo (UQROO), provided technical and logistical support for these courses

which took place in the computer installations of the UQROO. Just as in Guatemala, users took

advantage of the opportunity to enter sets of data with the technical support of the Information

Specialist and the Environmental Monitoring Specialist of the MBRS Project.

4. The process of updating the appearance of the web site was continued, a task which was started at

the beginning of 2004, by implementing new templates with new banners, navigation bars and

graphics for the data base pages and other types of pages for the site. The home pages in English

and Spanish were improved with a dynamic section called “From the Reef” which presents the most

recent news and new additions to the Information Center. This section is changed each month or even

more frequently. The success of the new design in attracting more users was demonstrated by a

statistical analysis of web page users which showed a significant increase in the numbers of users and

also that the majority of visitors to the site downloaded documents from the Information Center. The

total number of hits a month has increased from 16,449 in October 2003, to 52,094 in September

2004.

5. The web page was updated with news about Project activities, new technical and administrative

documents and announcements of job opportunities. It was in this global way that the Project has



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managed to widely disseminate information about its activities. More significantly, a new section,

called Political Results of the MBRS Project, was added to the Information Center. The Declaration of

Chetumal: Results of the First Fishermen’s Mesoamerican Congress and Common Application

Agreements for the MBRS Geographical Zone, two key results of the Project, were included in this

section of the Information Center. Furthermore the sixth Progress Report was added, as well as the

2004 – 2005 Annual Operation Plan and seven technical documents prepared and published by the

Project.

6. The Information Specialist attended a training course on Marxan Analysis in Belize City in November.

In this course Marxan methodology was taught as well as how to use the software to support decision

making related to designing a system of protected areas and achieving biodiversity objectives.

7. On behalf of the Project the Information Specialist continued to participate in the Clearing House

Mechanism Working Group for Belize and the Remote Sensing Working Group for the World

Bank/GEF Targeted Research Project on Coral Reefs. Participation in these efforts by organizations

or projects with similar interests is important for broadening the scope of the Project.

Sub-Component II B: Synoptic Monitoring Program (SMP)

Summary of the Sub-component:

The Synoptic Monitoring Program (SMP) of the MBRS is a long term environmental monitoring system

focusing on identifying local and regional problems. The generation of reliable information and data

management at the local and regional levels will make it possible to establish a solid base line which will lead

to the generation of proposals for management actions. These proposals will be the basis for decision making

with an integral perspective and for the purpose of promoting management actions which will have direct

repercussions on the conservation and sustainable use of the MBRS.

The vision of the SMP is for it to be a tool providing high quality information which will improve management

and decision making in the Mesoamerican barrier reef system and associated ecosystems. For this it is

essential to consider the processes which occur in the region over time and therefore the SMP should be a

long term flexible process which can expand coverage of ecosystems, species and geographical areas. It is a

specific monitoring program for regional problems, available in the internet for use by different actors in the

MBRS region.

Furthermore the information generated will make it possible to determine some environmental indicators for

measuring management effectiveness and/or the impact of management and conservation measures

implemented by the actors in the MBRS. It will also be possible to evaluate short, medium and long term

responses to the effects of human actions and natural phenomena in the environment.



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The SMP sub-component is made up of the following modules:

1. The ecology of coral reefs and associated ecosystems (coral communities, seagrass and mangroves).

2. Marine pollution.

3. Physical oceanography (development of oceanographical models for the region and the installation and

operation of current gages).

Activities and Achievements of the Period

Main activities and achievements between July and December 2004 include regional and national activities

related to the three main topics of the SMP.

Constant telephone and e-mail communication has been maintained between the national monitoring

coordinators and personnel from the different support agencies. There has also been close communication

with the national monitoring coordinators, support agencies and monitoring specialists from the PCU through

supervised monitoring activities in the four countries.

Through interaction with the national monitoring coordinators and support agencies the regional monitoring

process and training of staff has been continued. Training in theoretical and practical aspects of MBRS

methodology has continued, thus making it possible to continue to generate regional capacities able to carry

out monitoring in each country. This has been achieved through supervised monitoring activities in each

component in the different countries for the purpose of corroborating the standardization of the methodology

and identifying possible problems in implementation.

Continuing with the establishment of the base line for the SMP, from July to December 2004 as part of the

supervised monitoring process samples and SMP data were taken for coral communities, mangroves and

seagrass. Supervised monitoring activities included different modules and were developed in at least one

location for each of the four countries. The selection of the locations for supervised monitoring was done in

consultation with the national monitoring coordinators and participants from the different support agencies.

Supervised monitoring covered a total of 58 sites in 13 locations in the four countries. In Guatemala the

monitoring of seagrass, mangroves, coral and reef fish was implemented from June 28 to July 7, 2004. In

Honduras coral, reef fish and seagrass were monitored in Cayos Cochinos from July 10 to 14 and mangroves

from August 17 to 19, 2004. In Mexico seagrass and mangroves were monitored from July 20 to 30 2004, and

coral and reef fish from September 6 to 11 in the Xcalak Reef Reserve and from August 17 to 21 2004 in the

Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve.

Parallel to SMP activities Sub-component II A was developed: The Regional Environmental Information

System, REIS, through participation in training in the use and supervised entry of data in the modules on coral,

reef fish, seagrass and marine pollution. In Mexico a training course was held on the module on mangroves



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and seagrass from September 6 to 8 and on the module on coral and reef fish from October 21 to 23, 2004. In

Guatemala training on all modules was held from July 19 to 21. Furthermore, data entry for monitoring was

supervised in San Pedro, Belize on November 17, 2004.

With regard to the establishment of synergies and collaboration, progress was made through the signing of a

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MBRS Project and the Research and Advanced Studies

Center, CINVESTAV, Mexico. In this case the objectives include support in the SMP and collaboration in

mutually beneficial activities such as extending research in marine pollution and primary productivity developed

by CINVESTAV in the MBRS region. The task of preparing letters of understanding with other institutions

continues. Other collaboration started during this period includes Global Vision, the international organization

which carries out monitoring using the MBRS protocol in Pez Maya (Sian Ka’an Reefs) and Mahahual, Mexico.

In Belize collaboration was established with Friends of Nature, TIDE, Belize Audubon Society, TASTE and

SATIIM.

We participated in different meetings: the meeting on synergies of GEF projects with the CCAD, the

coordination meeting for the ICRAN MAR project, and the TRIGOH meeting of the commission of threatened

species.

With regard to consultancies in the MBRS Synoptic Monitoring component, the final report of the consultancy

on Physical Oceanography and Models, received at the end of 2003, was evaluated. Furthermore a meeting

was held with the consultant on July 16 2004. The points outstanding in the contract have been identified and

will be communicated to the consulting institution for conclusion. Moreover, ECOSUR researchers supported

the evaluation and implementation of the circulation models developed for the MBRS.

In relation to the agreement with the NOAA for the installation of a Coral Reef Early Warning System (CREWS)

a budget was obtained for providing and installing equipment and a field visit was programmed for evaluating

possible sites for installation.

Intense work has been done on the design and planning of an MBRS Symposium for 2005, Tulum + 8,

particularly with regard to the experts’ meeting programmed for March 2005.

We participated actively in “The Coral Reef Targeted Research & Capacity Building for Management Project

(“Targeted Research Initiative”)” of the GEF / World Bank. In this context we also participated actively in the

Recruitment Monitoring Workshop, held from November 29 to December 4 2004 in the Akumal Ecological

Center, Mexico. The workshop covered the topics of recruitment of coral, reef fish and lobster with the

participation of staff from the different agencies supporting MBRS synoptic monitoring in the four countries.



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Two requests for support have been received for developing theses on the synoptic monitoring program which

aim to contribute to the description of reefs on the Guatemalan coast, and in coordination with the students and

the monitoring coordinator the topics and objectives will be defined. In relation to the description of the reefs in

Guatemala, a trip was made from September 18 to 23 and in this survey some reef bleaching was located in

Punta Manabique, a depth probe was made, SMP data were taken and work was done on preparing a project

to describe the reefs on the Guatemalan coast including the thesis projects.

In collaboration with the Global Coral Reef Network and as part of the GCRN node responsibilities for the

Mesoamerican region, a chapter was prepared on the status of the reefs in the region (Chapter 18. Status of

Coral Reefs of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Systems Project Region, and Reefs of El Salvador, Nicaragua

and the Pacific Coasts of Mesoamerica) which forms part of a book Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2004

http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/research/coral-bleaching/scr2004/.



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2.3. Component No III: Promotion of Sustainable Use of MBRS Resources

2.3.1. Promotion of Sustainable Fisheries Management

2.3.2. Facilitation of Sustainable Marine Coastal Tourism

Component No. III: Sustainable Use of the MBRS





This component has the objective of promoting the introduction of new regional management policies and

tools, the dissemination of key information and the creation of the incentives necessary for users and

stakeholder groups in the search for patterns of sustainable use for MBRS resources.

It focuses mainly on knowledge, use and regulations related to fisheries resources, promoting the involvement

of coastal human communities in the management and conservation of these resources.

It also focuses on the promotion and development of environmentally sustainable tourism with the participation

of human communities seeking economic benefit from their participation, the generation of income for the

MPAs and the maintenance and improvement of the ecological and environmental conditions of the sites.

Activities and Achievements during the Period

Sub-Component A: Promotion of the Management of Sustainable Fisheries:

In the process of focusing on some of the main causes that have reduced fisheries in the region and in the

search for the sustainable use of fisheries resources, this sub-component has concentrated on the following

activities during this fifth semester:

1. The monitoring protocol for fish aggregation sites and the document on the analysis of information

available for those sites is being printed. Belize has continued to monitor the sites and in February

2005 will complete the 12 months planned for, presenting the official report with the data collected in

March 2005. The three priority monitoring sites are Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve and National Park,

Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve and Lighthouse Reef. Mexico started monitoring in August 2004 in

the Xcalak Reef National Park, the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve and the Sian Ka’an

Biosphere Reserve.



15

Furthermore, Guatemala presented a proposal for monitoring the reproduction cycles and sites of

anchovy in the Atlantic region of the country; after the relevant comments the final version was

presented and approved by the PCU and funds are being requested for starting the first monitoring

activity.

Honduras has presented two proposals which have not yet been accepted due to the large amounts

being requested; this sub-component has made relevant comments and recommendations for making

the proposals viable and we continue communication for defining the Work Plan.

2. From August 30 to September 2 the second training course was held for technical personnel who will

lead the monitoring of fish aggregation sites in Honduras. Thirteen persons were trained in practical

aspects, having the opportunity to observe aggregations directly. The course was held at the

Research Station of the Glovers Reef Marine Reserve in Belize and was led by staff from the

Department of Fisheries of Belize with the support of NGOs and fishermen.

3. The first phase of the exchange of fishermen was implemented during the week from August 10 to 13

with an average of 12 fishermen from the State of Quintana Roo visiting the Fishermen’s Cooperatives

in Belize; the visit was coordinated by the Department of Fisheries and run by Belize Fishermen’s

Cooperative Association (BFCA). Participants learned about different forms of organization and got to

know fisheries’ models, especially for lobster and conch.

4. New lots of equipment for diving, recreational fishing and canoeing were bought for training in

Alternative Ways of Living; these concluded satisfactorily both in the northern region organized by

Green Reef, and in the southern region organized by TIDE, with a total of 165 fishermen trained in:

diving, snorkeling, canoeing, nature guides, recreational fishing and business management.

The corresponding manuals are being edited for new training courses and distribution in the countries

of the region.

5. We participated in the OSPESCA meeting on recreational fishing where information was given about

fishing and tourism activities dealt with by the MBRS Project, thus creating an interest in maintaining

close relations; subsequently a package was sent with a copy of the MBRS Project manuals to be

distributed to the Fisheries’ directors in the Central American countries.

6. Two meetings were held in coordination with the President of the Ecosystems Commission of the

IUCN for defining the characteristics of the training course on Ecosystem Management for the

fisheries, programmed for the first week of March 2005.



16

7. The Congress took place from November 23 to 25, 2004 in Chetumal, Mexico, concluding successfully

with the participation of over 100 delegates from the 4 countries and the signing of agreements

prepared directly by the fishermen.

Sub-component B: Facilitation of Sustainable Coastal Marine Tourism:

As part of the process of disseminating examples of how to minimize the adverse impacts of tourism and

reinforce the effects which benefit resources and coastal marine ecosystems as well as for the human

communities located close to tourist destinations, during this fifth semester of the project the following actions

were taken:

1. The reports of the 2nd Regional Tourism Forum were not concluded by the national consultant

responsible. Consequently they were restructured with the Technical Assistant for Tourism to produce

an acceptable version which was completed in November 2004.

2. The Terms of Reference for formulating the Catalogue of Best Practices for coastal marine tourism

were prepared and approved by the World Bank and announced on the internet and to MBRS

partners; 17 applications were received and evaluated, but all failed to comply with requirements and

the experience necessary so they were declared void.

At present the contract is being extended to include the collection of existing information on this topic

and the consolidation of a document with the characteristics of the MBRS region in the tasks of the

technical assistant of the sub-component

3. Terms of Reference were prepared for formulating Voluntary Codes of Conduct for coastal marine

tourism operations in the MBRS region and these were approved by the World Bank. However due to

recent synergies with the ICRAN-MAR Program which began a consultancy on the above topic, a

process has begun for coordinating a joint product.

4. The final version of the Training Manual for Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental

Auditing on Coastal Marine Tourism Operations and Infrastructure was revised; this contains the

observations made by EIA Directors in Mesoamerica, which is satisfactory in the Spanish version,

although the English version had many grammatical mistakes and words incorrectly used so the

consultants were asked to improve the translation.

The consultants agreed and requested a time extension because they decided to hire a professional

translator, offering to present the final English version in January 2005.



17

5. Two coordination meetings were held and several e-mails exchanged with the Central American

Tourism Council (CCT-SICA) for the purpose of establishing work synergies and mutually informing

about activities programmed; a matrix of joint actions was prepared and a package containing the

manuals produced by the MBRS Project was sent out.

6. The MBRS Project joined the Latin American Certification and Sustainable Tourism Network and was

named a member of the National Advisory Committee of Belize for the Certification and Sustainable

Tourism Program, participating in several work meetings.

7. Terms of Reference were prepared for formulating the Regional Cruise Ship Policy, which received

comments from CCT-SICA, Rain Forest Alliance and the Technical Assistant of the Sub-Component.

These terms received a no objection from the World Bank and they are to be announced in January

2005.



18

2.4. Component IV. Education and Environmental Awareness

Component No. IV: Public Awareness and Environmental Education





Environmental education is a key element for understanding the relations which exist between natural and

social systems, as well as for achieving a clearer understanding of the importance of socio-cultural factors in

the emergence of environmental problems. In this context one should promote awareness raising, the values

and behaviors that will further the effective participation of the population in the decision making process,

sustainability and equity in the management of marine coastal resources by users.

The first six months of action during this period have focused on follow-up to training teachers at the local level

and the use of guides in primary and secondary schools in the region. At the same time and as a complement

to the activities of the previous period, efforts have been made to produce instructional and educational

materials which will promote a change of attitude in the Project’s target population, committing them to taking

part in solving the environmental problem.

These materials have the objective of clarifying concepts, informing the public about environmental risks in

relation to health, well-being and survival, but at the same time they define responsibilities and duties in

relation to the use, conservation and recovery of fragile ecosystems.

The Sub-component of Public Awareness of the MBRS has been concentrating on supporting the agencies

responsible for legislating, managing and supervising the MBRS marine coastal environment while at the same

time supporting greater communication and dialogue at the local level and in the civil society through

participating in and directing public consultations.

This effort continues to retrieve best practices in sustainable tourism, and policies for harmonized use of

transboundary coastal resources in the region in order to convert these into instructional instruments for the

target population.

To obtain compliance indicators for this component the terms of reference have been prepared for the first

socio-economic study of the MBRS region, which will also measure the impact of the Project on the target

population.



19

Achievements up to date

2.4.1 Environmental Awareness Campaign

The Environmental Awareness Campaign has developed mainly through the dissemination of the Project’s

institutional educational video, the five video spots prepared for this purpose and the distribution of promotional

materials. The following has been achieved:

1. Distribution of over 32 copies of the institutional educational video to different institutions in the region;

many of these can be demonstrated with requests in writing. (These include TASTE, FRIENDS OF

Sian Ka’an, CAYOS COCHINOS FOUNDATION, COQCYT, MINEDUC, FRIENDS OF THE MANATEE,

UQROO, MARINE SECRETARIAT OF MEXICO, CHANNEL 4 of HONDURAS, etc.)

2. Over 420 transmissions of the MBRS video spot during a four month period on Channel 5 of Belize;

200 on Channel Seven of Chetumal, Mexico and recently channels 5, 7 and 9 of Honduras were

contracted for over 900 transmissions over the next six months.

3. In coordination with the component on Marine Protected Areas we participated in the first public

consultation of OMOA BARACOA in Honduras, for structuring their Master Plan, as well as providing

guidance for the last consultation for Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and the second consultation for

the Xcalak Reserve in Mexico. See previous report for more details on suggested recommendations.

4. The production of the institutional video in the Garifuna language was concluded on August 15 2004,

the only one remaining to be produced being the Maya Ketchí version.

5. 4,000 stickers were printed and distributed as well as 32 publicity billboards and 4,000 copies of the

Project’s bi-annual newsletter in English and Spanish. Furthermore 9 articles were published in the

press referring to the most significant events of the Project and finally 2,000 calendars were printed

referring to sustainable development policies for fisheries resources, tourism and transboundary marine

protected areas. The calendars will be distributed using as a strategy the participation of community

leaders and organizations with presence in MBRS transboundary area communities.

6. 400 t-shirts and caps were produced promoting the MBRS Project.

7. The first sustainable project for cleaning the beach in Honduras was planned, and will be implemented

between January and June of this year with the participation of the civil society of Tela and support

from the municipality.



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8. The First National Journalists’ Workshop, held in Cayos Cochinos, resulted in significant products

aimed at public opinion, such as an article on Project activities in the environmental review Flora and

Fauna, an editorial in the newspaper, the Herald, about the objectives of the MBRS and several radio

spots on coastal marine issues in Honduras.

2.4.2 Formal and Informal Education

1. In the context of activities for including MBRS topics in the curriculum and educational plans of primary

and secondary schools, National Workshops were held in Omoa and Utila in Honduras, Puerto Barrios

in Guatemala, and 5 local workshops in Punta Gorda, Sarteneja, South Water Caye, Belize City and

Dangriga in Belize. Furthermore two local workshops were held in Puerto Cortes and Cuyamel in

Honduras, a total of 657 teachers being trained in the MBRS region.

2. National and local workshops for Mexico have not been held due to a lack of coordination between the

Secretariat of Education and Culture and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas,

CONANP.

3. The region’s photograph bank was maintained, which made it possible to prepare the products

mentioned above in point 5 on Environmental Awareness.

4. Terms of Reference were prepared for the consultancy on Socio-economic Analysis of the MBRS

Region and for measuring the impact of the Project on the target population.

2.4.3 Progress in Complying with the MBRS Indigenous Participation Plan

As part of the objective of the MBRS Indigenous Participation Plan a commitment was established to balance

the needs of all the villages and communities to be measured through specific indicators. To achieve the

indicators proposed in the Plan, the MBRS Project included a series of provisions related to:

Identification of organizations and individuals with a need for strengthening.

Preparation of participant profiles adapted to the characteristics and dynamics of culturally

differentiated peoples.

Development of multiple products for awareness raising and promotion aimed at these groups

specifically.



21

In accordance with these provisions the national coordination offices are encouraged to respect and apply

participant profiles in MBRS activities. They are also encouraged to promote the countries’ coastal

development plans, identifying and describing “the areas of sustenance of the indigenous population and the

cultural, social and religious activities associated with the life of coastal peoples”.

In the near future, through a socio-economic survey the identification and evaluation of areas of economic,

cultural and spiritual importance will be completed for the indigenous communities affected. These can be

studied and related to tourist providers among indigenous peoples as part of the generation of alternative

income and the preservation of the local culture.



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2.5. Component V. Project Administration

2.5.1. Disbursements

The project started the fourth year of activities on July first 2004 with a Work Plan and a budget of

US$3,376,582. The balance was then US$332,802, and a total of US$658,196 was requested from the World

Bank and received during this period, leaving available a total of US$990,998 for the rest of the fiscal year of

2004-2005.

Total spending for this period (July 1 – December 31, 2004) was US$901,811 with a final balance of

US$89,186 at the end of December 2004. This represents 27% of the budget approved for the period from

July 2004 to June 2005. All together the project has received US$6,350,223 from the Bank and has spent

US$6,261,034, or 61% of the total budget of the project (US$10,240,715). Details of the Project’s financial

activities can be found in annexes 1-A to 1-F4.

It is expected that the period from January to June 2005 will continue in the same highly active trend for the

Project. This is reflected in projected expenses as expressed in annexes 1-F1 and 1-F2, with a total of

US$1,786,209.

2.5.2 Procurement

Consultancies

During this reporting period from July to December 2004 there were four national consultancies which were

mainly for document translation services and interpretation at meetings of the MBRS Project.

The Bank granted a No Objection for contracting Sheila Wilkin, resident in Guatemala, for one year – July 2004

to June 2005, due to the fact that Sheila has translated texts satisfactorily. All interpretation and translation

services have been covered with the amount in the budget of $16,000.00 (sixteen thousand) dollars.

The Project Coordinating Unit was strengthened during this semester with the contracting of a Procurement

and Disbursement Coordinator.

Construction Work

During this period the Multiple Use Center in Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras was completed and inaugurated.



23

Also during this semester the contract awarded to GR Ingenieros in Mexico for building a Multiple Use Center

in Xcalak, Mexico, was cancelled. The Bank gave a No Objection for directly contracting Omer Construcciones

in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, for concluding the work on the Multiple Use Center in Xcalak.

Assets

During this semester the PCU was strengthened with the purchase of a photocopier for improving information

printing and dissemination services.

Promotional stickers were also printed, as well as calendars for 2005, t-shirts and manuals for park rangers in

MBRS marine protected areas.

To strengthen courses on Alternative/Sustainable Living more diving, snorkeling and fly fishing equipment was

bought.

2.5.3. Regional Coordination

The period from July to December 2005 was a period of great challenges and significant achievements for the

MBRS Project. Just like in the previous period, there were important achievements which have provided more

visibility to the Project. This visibility refers both to physical products as well as achievements in a large

number of political and regulatory processes that the Project has initiated.

The most visible achievements include the building of the Multiple Use Center in Utila, Turtle Harbor in

Honduras, the 4th Meeting of the MBRS Southern Transboundary Commission, the preparation of the Park

Ranger Manual for Marine Protected Areas, the Training Course on Public Use and Tourism in Marine Areas,

the Training Course on the Use and Maintenance of Renewable Energy in Marine Protected Areas, training in

the use of the REIS in Guatemala and Mexico, the production of the REIS User Manual, the change of

appearance of the Project’s web page by adding new templates, banners, navigations bars, graphs and two

new pages, one called “From the Reef” with the most recent news of the Project and the other “Political

Results of the MBRS Project”, the regional training course for people involved in the SMP, field monitoring in

mangrove, seagrass, reef ecology and marine pollution areas, data entry from the SMP to the REIS,

continuation of monitoring of fish aggregation sites, training for fishermen in alternative ways of living, the

exchange of fishermen between Belize and Mexico, the contracting of technical assistance for the tourism

component, the establishment of an alliance with the ICRAN-MAR Project to prepare a Catalogue of

Exemplary Practices for Marine Coastal Tourism, the distribution of the institutional video, transmission of the

Project’s video spots, the distribution of stickers, publicity billboards, the Project’s bi-annual newsletter, the

National Journalists’ Workshop in Honduras, and National Workshops on including MBRS topics in the

educational curriculum in Omoa and Utila, Honduras.



24

With regard to Project Administration, the Procurement and Disbursement Coordinator (PDC) was contracted

on December 2004. With this new member of the MBRS team, it will be possible to improve the internal control

mechanisms for procurement and disbursement even more. In other words, the PDC will be an “Internal

Auditor” for the PCU. This administrative decision will further increase the standards of transparency and

performance that the MBRS Project has established in the region.

Coordination between the PCU and the countries has undergone some changes, specifically changes in

coordination in Guatemala and Honduras. These changes without doubt will result in a rupture in the rhythm of

implementation of Project activities and the need to begin a teaching process with the new national

coordination.

The MBRS Project together with CONANP, Mexico and the Federation of Cooperative Fisheries of Quintana

Roo organized the First Mesoamerican Congress of Fishermen, concluding with the signing of important

agreements (See Annex 5). It is also important to point to the important achievement of the Project, with the

support of the MBRS Southern Transboundary Commission, in which the countries of the Gulf of Honduras

signed Agreements of Common Application in the MBRS Geographical Area to harmonize fisheries standards

and regulations, tourism and protected areas (see annex 6) in the First Ministerial Meeting for Cooperation in

the Transboundary Region of the Gulf of Honduras.

The MBRS Project has achieved a high level of coordination with other projects, partners and initiatives in the

region during the last six months. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Project and the

CINVESTAV for cooperation in monitoring marine pollution and primary productivity. Specialists from the PCU

permanently participate in Working Groups of the Targeted Research Project of the World Bank /GEF on the

ecological connectivity of reefs and data processing using satellite images. An important alliance has been

formed with the Summit Foundation, in which the Project receives financial support from this institution to

strengthen synoptic monitoring efforts. The Project has also joined efforts with the World Bank, the WWF, the

Summit Foundation and Pedigree Consulting to launch the ‘Healthy Mesoamerican Reef Ecosystem Initiative’,

which aims at developing a series of health measurement indexes for the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

Furthermore an alliance has been made with NOAA and Tufts University for making a comprehensive analysis

of transboundary basins in the MBRS region, essential information for designing phase two of the MBRS

Project. The MBRS Project has taken the leadership in launching the Tulum + 8 Initiative, in which we are

joining efforts with 12 more agencies to produce an updated plan of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System,

which is expected to be adopted in December 2005.

Coordination with Project partners such as the World Bank and the CCAD has progressed without delay or

setbacks during this reporting period. It is necessary to mention, in follow-up to what was mentioned in the

previous report, that the MBRS Project has sent a formal request to the CCAD to suspend the UNDP’s



25

services to the MBRS Project. It is clear that there is no longer any added value in the MBRS-UNDP

relationship.

For the rest of the Project’s life highly visible achievements will continue to be produced in the short term, as

well as continuing activities which produce long term tangible impacts, in other words, the continuation of long

lasting processes which will continue beyond the life of this Project. The work of the PCU from now on will

largely be in processes of quality control in the field, data analysis and interpretation, the dissemination of

information generated and policy formulation, and the countries will have to invest more personnel, time and

have more commitments in order to comply with their responsibilities as countries under the GEF Grant

Agreement. Compliance with these commitments is important in order to demonstrate to the world and our

partners that the governments are really committed and are willing to make the changes in policy which are

necessary for achieving sustainable use of MBRS natural resources.

3.0. Limitations in Project Implementation

The limitations observed during this reporting period are presented below and are mainly of a technical and

administrative nature.

1. To guarantee the maximum use of national training workshops on using the REIS, the Project is holding

them as soon as possible after the first period of data collection. In this way training workshops also

offer the opportunity to supervise the entry of the first data to guarantee the quality of data and

strengthen trust among users. In Honduras there were problems with some boats bought with Project

resources and for this reason some support agencies were not able to carry out the field monitoring. So

the Project failed to hold two national training workshops on the use of the REIS which should have

been held during the last six months. These training courses are being programmed for April, 2005.

2. The MBRS Project depends on the national monitoring coordinators and the support agencies to attend

training courses as part of the national counterpart contribution. During the last six months, some users

failed to arrive at the course even though they had confirmed attendance.

This is a Project investment expense and also results in fewer people being trained by country. (In some

cases, the lack of attendance was due to personal emergencies which are understandable and inevitable.)

National coordinators should stress the commitment necessary from the support agencies.

3. The MBRS Project depends on the support agencies and their biologists for monitoring and data

management in the REIS. We have observed that some of the people trained in synoptic monitoring

last year are no longer in the same position. It is expected that personnel turnover is a periodical event.

So it is very important to plan for this and create mechanisms for guaranteeing the sustainability of



26

monitoring programs. One strategy would be to train the new biologists during field surveys carried out

every six months.

4. The success of MBRS information systems in the long term depends on the willingness of partners and

governments in the region. It is essential to maintain cooperation and input from them for them in order

to be sustainable. This dependence on organizations and stakeholders outside the Project means that

the Project is vulnerable with regard to reaching Project goals. Taking these challenges into account,

the Project keeps the national actors involved in Project activities to guarantee the sustainability of

these initiatives in the long term.

5. Personnel turnover in the institutions is a limiting factor in the development of the SMP so it is proposed

that monitoring be every 6 months in order to train more personnel each time for dealing with the deficit

or change of personnel.

6. The success of the MBRS Synoptic Monitoring Program in the long term depends on the will of partners

and governments in the region. It is essential to maintain their cooperation and input for the

sustainability of working teams and monitoring teams.

7. Delays in payments outstanding by the project’s fund disbursement agency.

8. Internal problems between the authorities of countries responsible for coordinating activities in the

Component, especially in Mexico.

9. Changes in personnel in the national coordination of Guatemala and Honduras.

Recognizing these current and potential limitations, the Project will make every effort to make sure that these

limitations do not compromise the success of the Project.

4.0. Technical Activities for the Next Semester

Apart from giving follow-up to activities started during the last semester, other activities to be implemented

during the next semester are listed below.

Component l. Marine Protected Areas

1. Implementation of Management Effectiveness Monitoring for the MPAs.

2. Building of a Multiple Use Center in Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve.

3. Inauguration of the Multiple Use Center in the Xcalak Reserve.

4. Building of an Interpretative Trail in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve and National Park.



27

Component ll. Environmental Information System and Synoptic Monitoring Program

A. Environmental Information System

1. One main task will be to make sure that all the data collected by biologists under the Synoptic

Monitoring Program are entered soon after the field surveys. This will mean that the Specialist must

coordinate with the Project’s Environmental Monitoring Specialists and the monitoring coordinators in

each country and, where necessary, will visit the countries to supervise data entry. In January the

Project will coordinate with all the agencies to make sure that they are up to date with data entry and to

provide technical support.

2. It is necessary to conclude national training workshops on the use of the REIS. One national training

workshop remains to be given in Mexico on the module on marine pollution and two national training

workshops in Honduras on the modules of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass. The training courses

in Honduras are being programmed for April and in Mexico for March. Supervision of data entry will be

done during the training courses.

3. Based on the requests and requirements of users and Environmental Monitoring Specialists, new

reports will be designed and programmed for the REIS to support data analysis. Other changes will

also be made to programs for improving the interface and the operation of the data base. This

improvement process will be continuous throughout the life of the system in order to keep it updated

and to accommodate the new requirements of biologists.

4. Documents will be published for the REIS in English and Spanish for disseminating to REIS users and

other interested parties. These documents will include the User Manual and the Design Document.

5. The Information Specialist will keep the web page up to date with new documents, news on Project

achievements and other significant information. The electronic library of scientific and administrative

documents based on the web page will grow throughout the life of the Project for the purpose of

establishing a permanent registry of information related to resources and MBRS management. A

second version of the CD of this electronic library will be prepared and disseminated to the public in

general and specifically to groups who do not have internet connection.

6. The Project will start with the design and implementation of a new module for the REIS to manage data

collected under the management effectiveness monitoring program for marine protected areas and this

will be implemented shortly.



28

7. The Project will work with NOAA to make analyses of MBRS basins based on geographical, biophysical

and socio-economic information. This activity will be a joint effort between the Project, NOAA and other

partners who can contribute data, technical competence and other resources. The Project will start with

this task in January 2005.

B. Synoptic Monitoring Program

1. Terms of reference will be prepared for contracting a laboratory for processing samples from the MBRS

marine pollution monitoring program and the consultation process will begin. In this context the services

of a “certified” laboratory will be hired for processing samples of pesticides and other pollutants. This

process will be carried out through international invitation to bid and selection will be the responsibility

of an ad hoc committee based on the Terms of Reference for the contract.

2. Monitoring in the four countries will continue in the different components and workshops will continue to

be held on the use of the REIS.

3. In coordination with each of the monitoring coordinators, data will be analyzed in the corresponding

locations for the purpose of generating a baseline at the local and regional levels. The first regional

monitoring meeting will be held for the purpose of analyzing progress, limitations, wise decisions and

obstacles in the development of the SMP.

4. Active participation will continue in organizing the Tulum + 8 Initiative, particularly in the meeting of

experts programmed for March 2005. In this event the main progress of the MBRS synoptic monitoring

program up to date will be presented, as well as other research and projects in the region.

Component lll. Sustainable Use of the MBRS

A. Sustainable Fisheries

1. Continuation of monitoring of fish aggregation sites in Mexico and Belize.

2. Analysis of monitoring data in aggregation sites.

3. Monitoring of the life cycle of the anchovy in Guatemala.

4. Implementation of a Regional Consultation of Fishermen on sources of sustainable life.

5. Exploration of a way to broaden support for artisanal fishermen.

MBRS Project

Project Coordinating Unit

CCAD - SICA

Technical and Financial Progress Report No. 7

29

9. National training for primary and secondary school teachers in Mexico.

8. Inclusion of conservationist phrases on public utilities receipts in at least two countries in the region.

7. Hiring of field outreach workers.

6. Contracting of a new graphic design firm.

5. Continuation of installation of MBRS publicity billboards.

4. Design and printing of curricular packages for primary and secondary schools as complementary

elements for the lessons contained in the teachers’ guides already distributed by the Project.

3. Definition of evaluation guidelines for using teachers’ guides in primary and secondary schools.

2. Implementation of children’s radio programs.

1. Development of campaigns to clean beaches in Belize, Guatemala and Mexico.

3. Publication of the Manual on Voluntary Codes of Conduct in Coastal Marine Tourism.

Component lV. Environmental Education and Public Awareness

2. Preparation and publication of the Catalogue of Best Practices in Coastal Marine Tourism.

1. Formulation of a regional cruise ship policy.

B. Sustainable Tourism

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