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CEPNEWSNEWSLETTER OF THE UNEP CARIBBEAN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
Vol. 15, No. 2, Second Quarter 2000
Internet: http://www.cep.unep.org/
Inside this issue:Editorial:..............................................................................................................................2CEP Programme Updates....................................................................................................4Marine Protected Areas Corner...........................................................................................7CAR/RCU Staff Updates...................................................................................................11News Briefs.......................................................................................................................12Education and Training......................................................................................................18Publications Available.......................................................................................................21Internet Briefs....................................................................................................................21Employment Opportunities................................................................................................23Upcoming Events...............................................................................................................24
EDITORIAL
SPAW Protocol entered into Force
The UNEP Secretariat to the 1983 Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention), it’s Protocols and the Caribbean Environment Programme is very pleased to announce that on 18 June 2000, the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) entered into force after the ratification by it’s ninth Contracting Party, the Government of St. Lucia.
The development of the SPAW Protocol was initiated in 1987 as a joint effort between Governments, NGO's and the Scientific Community. In 1990, the Contracting Parties to the Cartagena Convention adopted the SPAW Protocol and a year later the initial versions of its three Annexes, listing the species to be protected, were adopted. These Annexes list threatened and endangered marine and coastal flora (Annex I) and fauna (Annex II), as well as species of flora and fauna to be maintained at a sustainable level (Annex III).
With their adoption, the Governments recognized the ecological connectivity of the region, the highly migratory nature of many of its species and showed its commitment to a strong Protocol by listing entire groups of species, such as most corals, all mangroves, all sea turtles and major groups of marine mammals.
The SPAW Protocol has been recognized by international experts as arguably the most comprehensive regional wildlife protection treaty in the world and certainly the most comprehensive of its kind. It has been unique in stressesing the importance of protecting habitats as an effective method of protecting the listed species. Protection is focused on the broader scope of fragile and vulnerable ecosystems as a whole, rather than on the more limited objective of individual species. As a result, the Protocol requires States to address a much broader array of activities that may have an impact on an entire ecosystem.
Additionally, the Protocol recognizes the need for national and co-operative measures, for research and education, and public awareness, and specifically provides for the participation of the scientific community in its implementation.
Before SPAW, legal regimes for protected areas and species reflected a more limited and single-purpose approach. The ecosystem-management approach, reflected in the SPAW Protocol was, in many respects, a precursor to what the international community has subsequently endorsed on a global level. For example, in Agenda 21 and in the Global Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) signed at the earth summit in 1992.
The SPAW Protocol became international law almost ten years after it was adopted in 1990 by the Parties to the Cartagena Convention for the Protection and Development of Marine Environment in the Wider Caribbean Region. To date, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Panama, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela are Parties of the Agreement. Other countries which have signed the
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treaty but have not yet ratified include France, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Caribbean region is economically dependent upon its coastlines for tourism and fishing. However, these very same resources are disappearing or are seriously threatened, with wildlife being depleted through over-exploitation and destruction of habitats. The SPAW Protocol responds to this problem through detailed provisions addressing the establishment of protected areas and buffer zones for the conservation of wildlife, both national and regional cooperative measures for the protection of wild flora and fauna, the introduction of non-native or genetically altered species, environmental impact assessment, research, education and other topics.
According to Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), “the Wider Caribbean offers a rich variety of complex ecosystems with a great abundance of plant and animal species and diverse and productive coastal and marine habitats”. “The health and the beauty of this natural world is crucial to the region’s efforts to generate income, whether through the production of primary goods or increasingly through the tourism sector”, said Toepfer. “I am convinced that the entry into force of the Protocol will lead to enhanced conservation and sustainable management of this region’s precious resources, but clearly all countries in the region must come on board for it to be truly effective”.
However, the UNEP Secretariat recognizes that SPAW’s entry into force alone might be an illusion of progress. What really matters now is that this Treaty gets implemented effectively and that the objectives for which it was created are met. For this to happen, the remaining 19 member Governments to the Caribbean Environment Programme need to become Parties and provide their active and commited participation.
With the entry into force of the Protocol, the first meeting of the Parties is expected to take place within a few months and this will bring an opportunity to identify priorities for implementation within the regional context. The UNEP Secretariat would like to encourage all other Governments to ratify the SPAW Protocol and not miss the opportunity to shape its future development, to contribute to the meeting of the Parties and participate with other neighbouring nations in the conservation of critical coastal and marine resources of this region.
For more information on the Cartagena Convention and the SPAW Protocol, please contact: Alessandra Vanzella-Khouri Programme OfficerUNEP-CAR/RCU14-20 Port Royal StreetKingston, JamaicaTel: (876) 922-9267 Fax: (876) 922-9292E-mail: [email protected] : http://www.cep.unep.org
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CEP PROGRAMME UPDATESAMEP Update
This issue's AMEP update begins with a reminder to all Contracting Parties to the Cartagena Convention to sign the Protocol Concerning Pollution from Land-based Sources and Activities (LBS Protocol). The Protocol was adopted in Oranjestad, Aruba, on 6 October 1999 and is open for signature in Bogota, Colombia. The Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW Protocol) has now entered into force (see Editorial), so in addition to encouraging additional Parties to ratify the SPAW Protocol, the Secretariat is working to assist countries to sign and ratify the LBS Protocol.
Things have been very busy getting the 2000 Workplan into gear. Several projects have been started and others are in the process.
In May 2000, the AMEP Programme Officer participated in a regional workshop with the International Maritime Organisation, Caribbean Government representatives and the private sector to review the activities and financing for the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, Information and Training Centre (REMPEITC-Carib) in Curaçao. In addition to the funding needs, CAR/RCU is now working to develop the institutional arrangements to establish REMPEITC-Carib as a Regional Activity Centre of the CEP. Various institutional models are being reviewed at this time.
Planning for Rehabilitation, Environmental Management and Coastal Development in Central America begins this quarter with discussions with regional partners and affected countries and the identification of coastal watersheds for the project. Coastal watersheds will be studied to review impacts and make planning and management decisions to minimise damage by future disasters as well as help in the rebuilding process in the area.
Integrating Management of Coastal Areas and Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean will be the second project of the CEP to be funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). In partnership from the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute, the AMEP Programme began a new project for water resource planning in 13 island States of the Wider Caribbean Region. The project was kicked-off on 30-31 March 2000 at the first of three regional workshops. At this workshop, participating countries discussed their approaches to national reports and action plans to improve integrated management of coastal and freshwater resources. Each participating country is now developing their individual action plans. These plans will be presented at a regional workshop tentatively planned for November 2000.
For more information, please contact: Timothy KastenSenior Programme OfficerUNEP-CAR/RCU14-20 Port Royal StreetKingston, JamaicaTel: (876) 922-9267Fax: (876) 922-9292
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E-mail: [email protected]
SPAW Update
The Secretariat has been quite busy with the SPAW sub-programme in the first half of 2000 and considerable progress has been made in a number of areas.
First and foremost, it is important to note that on June 18, 2000, the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW Protocol) entered into force after being ratified by the Government of St. Lucia. This brings a lot of additional responsibilities to the RCU Secretariat, as well as to the Parties of the Protocol. (See Editorial).
Additionally, the SPAW sub-programme made considerable progress with the following activities:
The second Training of Trainers course for MPA managers was held in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in the Dominican Republic on 1-13 May 2000, for the Spanish-speaking countries of the region. Fifteen MPA managers benefited from the course and UNEP-CAR/RCU received funding for this activity mostly from the UN Foundation for Institutional Partnerships (UNFIP) and the World Bank. (See the Marine Protected Areas Corner for further information).
Follow-up to the MPA managers training courses (Saba, 1999 and the Dominican Republic, 2000), including the preparation of Memoranda of Understanding with the various MPAs which will be conducting training activities at the local level (so far MPAs in Trinidad and Tobago, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Lucia are preparing their local training activities).
A Small Grants Fund (SGF) was established to provide direct assistance to MPAs with their management capability through development of management/administrative systems, with special emphasis on financial management and cost recovery systems; damage assessments and restoration; staff training and purchase of selected equipment (restrictions apply). The SGF selection criteria, announcement and launching was also done through the CaMPAM network (i.e. through the list-serve) and through other relevant mechanisms. (See Marine Protected Areas Corner for further information).
Continue the support for the preparation of the national and sub-regional coral reef status reports for presentation at the International Coral Reef Symposium in Bali (October 2000) in coordination with the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) of ICRI.
The Marine Protected Areas network (CaMPAM) and its list serve is being reactivated and updated in co-ordination with the SPAW-RAC, IUCN-North America and Biscayne National Park and using the updated e-mail addresses from the MPA training courses, the MPA database and other relevant sources. (See the Marine Protected Areas Corner for further information).
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For more information, please contact: Alessandra Vanzella-Khouri Programme OfficerUNEP-CAR/RCU14-20 Port Royal StreetKingston, JamaicaTel: (876) 922-9267 Fax: (876) 922-9292E-mail: [email protected]
CEPNET and ETA Update
As you know, since the departure of our Acting CEPNET Programme Officer, Marjo Vierros, in December 1999, CEPNET has been without a Programme Officer. We hope that by the time you receive your next issue of CEPNews the post will be filled. Nonetheless, we have still maintained the CEPNET Programme very actively.
We are currently writing several funding proposals for the CEPNET projects and activities that were endorsed by the CEP Member Governments in February 2000 at the Ninth Intergovernmental Meeting. These will be submitted, as they are completed, to various donors that have indicated interest in environmental information management for the Wider Caribbean Region.
One of the more significant and visible accomplishments of the CEPNET Programme in the last few months has been our revised website. In addition to the expanded content, we believe you will find it much easier to navigate. In the new website we provide expanded information on environmental laws. This includes not only the Cartagena Convention and Protocols, but also links to other useful law sites. The new site also includes more Internet access to our Technical Reports and now the Workplan and Budget for the 2000-2001 biennium is available on-line and can be downloaded. Please visit us at http://www.cep.unep.org/projects/sub_proj.htm. We hope you will find the new CEP website a useful resource for marine environmental information in the Caribbean.
As approved in the CEP Workplan for 2000-2001, and in collaboration with the National Environmental Education Committee (NEEC) of Jamaica, CAR/RCU was able to participate in the development and execution of a workshop on environmental education. Hosted by NEEC with support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)/Government of Jamaica Environmental Action Programme (ENACT) and the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication, the workshop explored future developments in environmental education for the Wider Caribbean. After reviewing several ongoing initiatives, the participants discussed the development of a common strategy for environmental education for sustainable development. For additional information on this initiative, check our website under the ETA Sub-programme (http://www.cep.unep.org/who/eta.htm ).
For more information, please contact:
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Timothy Kasten Senior Programme OfficerUNEP-CAR/RCU14-20 Port Royal StreetKingston, JamaicaTel: (876) 922-9267 Fax: (876) 922-9292E-mail: [email protected]
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS CORNER
Legislation passed in Cuba for National System of Protected Areas
On 24 December 1999, the Government of Cuba passed a new decree establishing a legal framework concerning their National System of Protected Areas. This includes regulations regarding protected areas management categories, establishment, and protection measures, including regulation on types of activities allowed within the areas. This new decree makes specific reference to the Convention on Biological Diversity but makes no reference to other related treaties to which Cuba is Party such as the Cartagena Convention and the SPAW Protocol.
World's Coral Reefs Improving(adapted from Associated Press, May 14, 2000)
The world's coral reefs made a partial recovery last year after a dismal 1998 but remain threatened by overfishing and climate changes, scientists say. A 1998 survey indicated that 15% of the world's reefs had died off, but the latest survey by Reef Check found that a third of those reefs actually recovered from bleaching. Gregor Hodgson, founder and global co-ordinator of Reef Check, said "one reason the reefs' prospects brightened a little is that they are beginning to thrive in hundreds of marine parks around the world - including the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. In those areas, lobsters and other important sea creatures are coming back".
All those species contain "a wealth of information we're only begining to tap into", said Michael Crosby, senior science advisor for marine and coastal ecosystems for the US Agency for International Development and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. “One coral reef species is being used in bone grafts, and another has helped develop pesticides”, Crosby said. He went on to say "reefs affect not just ocean health, but coastal health as well. They serve as natural breakwaters protecting land from typhoons and erosion".
The beauty of coral reefs, and all the life within them, is both a reason and a way to protect them.For further information, visit Reef Check on-line at http://www.reefcheck.org/.
News from the SMMA in St. Lucia
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The SPAW Programme of the Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP) is providing support (US$8,000) to the Soufriere Marine Management Area (SMMA) in St. Lucia to assist the marine protected area in the recovery from damages caused by Hurricane Lenny, as well as with the development of the research and monitoring programme for the SMMA appropriate for their management needs.
As a follow-up to the CEP-sponsored workshop for the 'Training of Trainers for Marine Protected Areas' held in November 1999 and attended by Kai Wulf of the SMMA, CEP is providing support for the local training activities which are slated to be held in Soufriere. Training activities potentially include a structured course for management for SMMA/CAMMA personnel and Department of Fisheries (DOF) field personnel. The course will possibly include involvement of Marine Park personnel from St. Vincent, Union Island and Grenada. An Overview Institution Development and Management course for the new Board of the SMMA and a Scientific Monitoring course for marine wardens and DOF staff are also being considered.For further information, please contactKai Wul,ManagerSoufriere Marine Management AreaP.O. Box 305SoufriereSt. LuciaTel. : (758) 459-5500/7799E-mail: [email protected]
Soaring Sea Temperatures destroy Belize's Coral Reefs
The highest sea temperatures ever recorded, which scientists suspect were caused by global warming and the El Nino weather phenomenon, have destroyed coral in Belize for the first time in 3,000 years. American scientists, reporting in the science journal Nature, said temperatures reaching up to 31.5 degrees centigrade (88.7°F) bleached the Belizean barrier reef causing the coral to collapse thus endangering the fragile marine environment.
"There is growing concern that global climate change is degrading coral reef ecosystems, with coral mortality increasing as a result of bleaching and emergent diseases: our results from Belize appear to justify this concern", said Richard Aronson of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama. Coral bleaching occurs when the single cell algae that gives the reef its colour has been forced out by rising sea temperatures or strong light.
Aronson and his colleagues reported that there was no record of mass bleaching along the Belizean barrier reef before an episode in 1995 when most coral colonies recovered. In 1998, however, sea temperatures in the central section of the reef, which rarely exceed 29°C (52.2°F) were greater than 30°C (86°F) for months. Surveys done in 1999 and 2000 showed the most abundant coral on the reef, Agaricia tenuifolia, was killed and other species were also damaged.
When the researchers used radiocarbon dating on 12 cores from the reefs, it showed nothing similar had happened for more than 3,000 years. The loss of earlier coral species to disease and
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Agaricia to bleaching "were novel events on a time scale of millennia", the researchers added. The research was published in the journal, Nature.
For more information, please visit the following sites :Belize Barrier Reef Reserve http://www.wcmc.org.uk:80/protectetd areas/data/wh/reef.html Belize Coral Reefs http://terra.rice.edu/department/classes/geo1516/rhomboids.htm Nature http://www.nature.com NOAA Coral Health and Monitoring http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/
Training Course for Marine Protected Areas Managers
On May 1-14, 2000, the Caribbean Environment Programme of UNEP in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) Caribbean Division, held the second phase of the Training of Trainers Course for Marine-Protected Areas Managers - this time for the Spanish-speaking countries of the Wider Caribbean. The course took place in Bayahibe, southeast Dominican Republic, next to Del Este National Park ("Parque Nacional del Este"), and was attended by 15 coastal park managers and stewards from governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations of 9 countries (Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Venezuela). Five instructors from Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. covered the major issues of MPA management (nature and threats of the marine environment, MPA participatory planning and management, communication skills, research and monitoring) in lectures as well as classroom and field exercises. The beautiful Parque Nacional del Este provided the perfect scenario for trainees to examine shorthand issues such as overfishing, increasing tourism development, and weak or lack of regulations and enforcement. The trainees made a formal commitment with the organizers to multiply the impact of the course by training local personnel, with technical and financial assistance from UNEP's Caribbean Environment Programme. The course -funded primarily by the UN Foundation for International Partnerships, the World Bank, UNEP-CEP and The Nature Conservancy- stimulated a rich communication and exchange of experiences among the participants and between them and organizing institutions. Further editions of this course might become available in the near future.
For more information, please contact:Alessandra Vanzella-KhouriProgramme OfficerCaribbean Environment ProgrammeUnited Nations Envioronment Programme (UNEP)14-20 Port Royal StreetKingston, [email protected]://www.cep.unep.org ORDr. Georgina Bustamante,Course Coordinator and Facilator,The Nature Conservancy,International Conservation Program,4245 North Fairfax Dr. S. 100,
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Arlington, VA 22203, [email protected]
New national marine park in Mexico
On June 5, Mexico's first ever National Marine Park initiated by a community (rather than by the Federal Government) was decreed by President Zedillo during World Environment Day celebrations in Cozumel. The decree culminates five years of hard work by the community of Xcalak, working through the USAID-funded 'Conservation of Critical Coastal Ecosystems in Mexico's Project. This national endorsement and implementation of a community's own vision of its future, represents a major step in the region's efforts towards self-management and the promotion of low-impact tourism development along the Costa Maya (rather than the large-scale commercial development style of Cancun to the north).
The new Xcalak National Marine Park will become official 30 days after the public notification date of June 1, 2000.
CaMPAM Small Grants Fund
UNEP-Caribbean Environment Programme, Regional Coordinating Unit has launched the CaMPAM Small Grants Fund (SGF). The Fund is designed to provide strategic inputs required to improve management of MPAs in the Wider Caribbean Region. Information on the SGF, identification of eligible institutions, and application forms and procedures is available on the World Wide Web site of the Caribbean Environment Programme, at:http://www.cep.unep.org/programmes/spaw/MPA/mpa.htm.
Reactivation of CaMPAM
The number of activities undertaken by institutional and individual members of the CaMPAM network has grown significantly. Following the successful training activities under the Training of Trainers in MPA initiative, new initiatives have been launched. To ensure that all MPAs in the Wider Caribbean Region are able to participate in the ongoing activities and opportunities, the CAR/RCU is updating the CaMPAM membership list.
The CAR/RCU requests that all MPA managers in the Wider Caribbean Region update or submit their full contact addresses. The information should be sent to Alessandra Vanzella-Khouri at: [email protected] .
Montego Bay Marine Park worth US$489 million a year to Jamaica- According to World Bank Economists
This is one of the findings of a five year study recently completed. When the United Nations declared the global importance of coral reefs through the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) in 1992, Jamaica was one of the first countries to sign the initiative and later to host the ICRI Regional Conference for the Caribbean and the Wider Tropical Americas in Montego Bay
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in 1995. As its contribution to ICRI, the World Bank Research Committee financed a valuation of coral reefs analysis in order to establish their economic and ecological importance to the global economy and to guide policymakers in their cost-effective management.
Montego Bay was chosen as the primary site for this study and the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust has been working with a multi-disciplinary team of coastal zone management specialists from The World Bank for five years, to develop this economic/ecologic model which also looks at the cost of restoration of marine resources using coral reefs as an indicator of environmental health.
The study has now come to an end and the results have been published in the form of a book titled "Integrated Coastal Zone Management of Coral Reefs: Decision Support Modeling", which was launched in Montego Bay in March 2000. The book includes a case study of Montego Bay and a chapter on the usefulness of the study for local managers. It is accompanied by an interactive computer model on CD ROM for Montego Bay.
The Marine Park and the World Bank hosted two, one-day workshops in Montego Bay to present the book and discuss its findings and implications with senior policy makers, inviting participation from scientists and local stakeholders.
For further information, please contact:Jill WilliamsMontego Bay Marine Park TrustTel. (876) 940-0704
CAR/RCU STAFF UPDATES We bid good-bye to our dear colleague, Christiane Young who had been with the Secretariat
since 1989. Christiane, a Haitian by nationality, served the Secretariat in various capacities, her last with CEPNET as Information Network Assistant with responsibilities for CEPNews and French translations. Best wishes to Christiane and health, success and happiness in all her future endeavours.
We say bon voyage to Nancy Odeh - who was on a 6 month intership from Canada. Nancy worked with CEPNET assisting with the publication of CEPNews and was instrumental in redesigning the CEP Website. We wish Nancy all the best for the future!
A warm CAR/RCU welcome to Oona Corke from London, UK. Oona will be with us for four weeks working with Tim Kasten and the AMEP sub-programme. She will be responsible for preparing Information Sheets for the member countries. Hope you enjoy your stay with us.
NEWS BRIEFS
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Ramsar and Secretariat signs Memorandum of Co-operationMay 1, 2000, saw the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) at the International Environmental House in Geneva, Switzerland, by Mr. Delmar Blasco, Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands, and Mr. Nelson Andrade, Regional Coordinator for the United Nations Environment Programme’s Caribbean Environment Programme. This MOC is intended to help the Contracting Parties to the Conventions to identify and strengthen conservation of those sites of international importance that are relevant to both Conventions.
The new MOC contains a “Statement of Work” which itemizes eight areas of intended cooperation and information sharing, all intended to assist in identifying potential wetlands for nomination as Ramsar sites or as protected areas under the SPAW Protocol, avoiding duplication of efforts and maximizing joint efforts where appropriate, and mutually supporting both Conventions amongst their Parties.
A copy of the MOC can be viewed at http://ramsar.org/key_cartagena_moc.htm and the text of the Cartagena Convention and the SPAW Protocol can be seen at http://www.cep.unep.org/law/sub_law.htm .
Reversing Poverty Key to Eco-protection declares Environment Ministers
(adapted from Environment News Service (ENS), May 2000)
May 31, 2000 saw the gathering of over 100 environment Ministers in Malmo, Sweden, for the first ever Global Ministerial Environment Forum. An action-oriented declaration was adopted which focuses on redressing the imbalances of extreme poverty and excessive consumption patterns. The Ministers declared that pervasive poverty in large parts of the world set against “excessive and wasteful consumption” in others, was “perpetuating the vicious circle of environmental degradation and increasing poverty”.
UNEP's executive director, Klaus Toepfer welcomed this emphasis, and said that unsustainable production and consumption patterns in developed countries combined with poverty in the developing world are “the two main global environmental threats facing the world today”.
The Malmo Declaration is intended to set the environmental agenda for the 21st Century, the Ministers said. The statement will be important in shaping the “Rio+10” Summit in 2002, at which Governments will review progress towards sustainable development ten years after the 1992 UN Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In a video message to the Forum’s opening session, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stressed that a major public education effort is needed because understanding of environmental challenges is “alarmingly low”. Corporations and individuals must realize that their choices have consequences, he said. Annan called for “a new ethic of conservation and stewardship” and an end to “business as usual”. He underscored the importance of enforcing existing agreements, and integrating environmental issues into mainstream economic policy.
Leatherback Turtles at Risk
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It has been known for some time that the once enormous Eastern Pacific populations of leatherbacks are dwindling. This was first reported by Scott Eckert and Laura Sarti in the Marine Turtle Newsletter of 1997. However, based on documentation of similar declines in the leatherback’s population at his study site in the Pacific of Costa Rica, Jim Spotila is raising the possibility that the species will be extinct in the Pacific basin in less than five years. Whether or not he is correct on the timing, there is no question, that, if we do not stem the soaring mortality associated with pelagic fisheries, especially gillnets, we cannot possibly secure the future of this species, said Karen Eckert, Executive Director of WIDECAST.
The issue has been getting a lot of press, and the IUCN/SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group will soon be submitting a petition to the IUCN to move the leatherback from “Endangered” to “Critically Endangered”. It may not be long before the Caribbean holds the last remaining leatherbacks on Earth.For more information, please contact:Karen L. Eckert, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST)
17218 Libertad Drive
San Diego, California 927127-1333 USA
Tel. (858) 451-6894
Fax: (858) 451-6986
E-mail: [email protected]
State Department certifies 41 countries to export shrimp to the USThe US State Department has certified 41 nations to export shrimp to the US market after finding that they meet requirements for protecting sea turtles. “Shrimp from other nations that may have been harvested in a manner harmful to sea turtles will be embargoed,” said State Department spokesman James Rubin on April 27.
Certification was granted to 16 nations that require their shrimpers to use turtle excluder devices (TED’s) to prevent the accidental drowning of sea turtles in shrimp trawl; US shrimpers are subject to the same requirement. The 16 nations meeting the TED’s standard are Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Indonesia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Suriname, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela, the Department said.
The State Department certified 25 nations, including Jamaica, where the fishing environment poses no threat to sea turtles. Shrimpers from the Bahamas, China, the Dominican Republic, Fiji, Haiti, Jamaica, Oman, Peru and Sri Lanka were certified because of their use of manual harvesting techniques. Sixteen other nations’ shrimpers harvest in cold waters where the risk to turtles is negligible. They include Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Dennmark, Finland,
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Germany, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay.
A Commercial launch pad brings jobs, but at what cost?(adapted from New Scientist June 01, 2000)
One of the Caribbean’s last jungles could soon echo to the sound of rocket launches. Guyana, has agreed to sell a large tract of pristine swampy rainforest to a Texan rocket-launch company, Beal Aerospace, for just US$7.50 a hectare. The deal, signed in May 2000, replaces Beal’s original plan to build its US$250 million launch pad on the Caribbean island of Sombrero in Anguilla, which angered environmental scientists (New Scientist, 12 February, p 22). Guyanese Prime Minister Samuel Hinds hailed the project as a "quantum leap for Guyana into the new millennium". On the other hand, critics say that the country will gain little economically, while rainforest dwellers will be thrown out of their homes, swamps drained, forests cut down and ancient archaeological remains trashed.
Guyana is close to the equator, which is the best place to launch satellites into geostationary orbit above the equator. The European Space Agency’s spaceport is in nearby French Guiana. From Guyana, the launch route eastwards will be over open ocean in case of mishaps.
Prime Minister Hinds calls the site “generally unproductive land never before comercially utilised”. Documents supporting the sale agreement however, indicate that up to 54 families living there would have to be removed. Sharon Atkinson of the Amerindian Peoples’ Association in Guyana says many others will lose their right to hunt, fish and gather thatch and timber there.
The launch area is part of the homeland of the Warao people, whose settlements date back 7000 years and are only now being excavated. “Building a rocket launch site will very probably destroy the archaeological record here before it has been fully explored”, says Terry Roopnarine, a Guyanese anthropologist at the University of Cambridge. The World Monuments Fund in New York recently placed the area on its list of the hundred most endangered archaeological sites.
The Vice-President of Beal, David Spoede responds to these concerns by saying that the project will only go ahead if an environmental impact assessment, which is about to start, proves acceptable to both sides. But he adds that drainage work would probably begin in six months, before completion of the assessment. Spoede, in speaking with New Scientist says “many Amerindians have backed the scheme, they want job opportunities for themselves and their children”.
Haitian People achieve Environmental Justice for Earth DayOn April 5, 2000, the Philadelphia municipal incinerator ash, which was illegally dumped in Haiti in 1988, was finally removed from Gonaives. On April 22, 2000, Earth Day, the ash was loaded onto a barge for secure temporary storage in the United States. At a later date the receivers of the ash will move it to a permanent storage place. This ash made world news in 1988 when the ship, Khian Sea, circled the ocean for 17 months in search of a country to accept their cargo. Haiti’s military regime in power at the time and headed by General Namphy, accepted the cargo in direct violation of the 1987 Haitian Constitution which prohibits the
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importation of hazardous waste. President Rene Preval demonstrated his commitment to the removal process by coordinating and partially financing its efforts.
Early on an aggressive mobilization was waged on many fronts demanding nothing short of the removal of the alleged toxic ash back to the United States. On the international level, Greenpeace and Essential Action played key roles in advocating for the swift removal of the ash and locally COPEDHA, a coalition of several Haitian-based organizations, demanded justice for the people of Gonaives. Their combined efforts bore fruit recently culminating in victory with the completion of the removal process.
The removal process took almost a year and required extensive cooperation amoung many entities. The victory for environmental justice is a victory for all poor nations struggling to protect their countries from becoming dumping grounds.
For further information please contact:Ira Kurzban, Esp., Attorney for the Government of Haiti : (305)-444-0060
Daniel Brisard, Ministry of Environment: (011-509) 245-0635, 7585
Namphy Joseph, Departmental Director for Artibonite: (011-509) 274-1078
Russell Bixler, NY Trade Waste Commission : 212-676-6307
Terry English, USDA : 919-693-5151
Proposal for a No-Take Zone in Florida(adapted from The Los Angeles Times, May 3, 2000)
Though the US has designated 12 marine sanctuaries in fragile coastal waters, regulations still allow dredging and fishing. However, the proposition of a no-take zone in Florida could change things.
The waters off the Florida Keys mark the convergence of the Atlantic, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. They also mark the collision zone for age-old demands and New Age claims on the nation’s marine resources. “This year may see the turning of the tide – the point when we can look back and say things began to change”, says Dan Basta, federal supervisor of the National Marine Sanctuaries. What happens in Florida almost certainly will foreshadow government stewardship of coastal oceans from Cape Cod to the Channel Islands and beyond.
The idea is: designate some areas of the continental shelf as wholly protected zones. No commercial fishing. No sport fishing. No spear guns. No shell collecting. No bottom dredging. No treasure hunting. No boat anchoring to tear up the fragile bottom. As envisioned, such havens will serve as nurseries for fish and other marine life. Brood stock will populate surrounding areas with bounty. These safe havens will become protected benchmarks from which to measure the consequences of human pressures elsewhere. Both fishermen and conservationists will be served.
For further information, please visit the website, http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environ/20000503/t000041593.html .
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Caribbean Community calls for Protection of Coastal States against accidents incurred during High-Seas Transportation of Nuclear
Wastes
In May 2000, the 2000 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) met to appraise the progress achieved in the field of nuclear non-proliferation since the 1995 Review Conference, and to identify the areas where future efforts should be made.
Among the statements made at the meeting, Patricia Durrant (Jamaica), speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, said that countries in her region had repeatedly expressed their concern regarding the safety and environmental risks to which coastal States were exposed by the practice of shipping nuclear waste through the Caribbean Sea. The current meeting was thus an appropriate forum in which to address that matter squarely, since previous efforts had been inadequate. While the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Code of Practice had been made binding, it did not provide for the protection of en route coastal States. Those countries therefore bore the risk of accidents with no legal recourse for compensation. Moreover, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had yet to respond to the request of en route States for protection against the risks associated with maritime nuclear transport.
Ms. Durrant continued that the time for tangential reference to that issue was past. Reports indicated that shipments of highly radioactive nuclear waste were expected to increase dramatically over the next several years. Recent reports of falsified quality control data for some of those shipments further illustrated the danger that such cargoes might pose. The high risk to which en route coastal States were exposed by that practise was simply unacceptable. A single accident could visit untold disaster on the entire Caribbean region. It was for that reason that CARICOM Heads of Government had repeatedly called for the cessation of such shipments through the Caribbean Sea. The time had come for the international community to address itself to the preparation of a comprehensive legal regime that would strictly regulate those shipments, and provide full protection and compensation for en route coastal States in the event of accident.
The CARICOM States proposed to introduce, for consideration in Committee III of the Conference, a working paper to be discussed under the question of the production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as addressed by Article IV of the Treaty. That paper would call for the early establishment of a comprehensive international regime for the protection of the population and marine environment of en route coastal States from shipments of nuclear material.
Environmental Damage from Airport Extension in BVI The CEP is in support of the call of the Association of Reef Keepers (ARK) in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) for urgent and effective mitigation to avoid continuing environmental damage from the Beef Island Airport extension. The concerns expressed by ARK relate to the improper handling of environmental issues during the ongoing Beef Island Airport Development.
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ARK cautions that failure to control the excessive erosion from the site may cause irreparable damage to the currently healthy coral reef and sea grass ecosystems to the north and south of the development.
ARK stated that "although the early stages of the terminal extension were to be completed prior to the commencement of the hurricane season, five recent storms have caused extensive sediment pollution". ARK went on to say that "run-off water from the terminal extension work had caused repeated and severe sedimentation events in adjacent sensitive coastal environments". This "avoidable damage", states ARK, "has resulted from a history of inaction and ad hoc measures on the part of the client, contractors, the Airport Development Engineer, the BVI Development Planning Unit and the UK Government department which funded the Environmental Impact Assessment (Department for International Development, DFID)".
ARK concludes that "there appear to have been shortfalls in various aspects of the design accepted by the client, and a resulting failure to make clear who is responsible for funding to overcome problems". ARK calls for assurances that strict environmental controls specified in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) are adhered to from inception during subsequent development phases.
For further information , please visit the ARK website at http://ark.the-caribbean.com .
Whale Strandings in the BahamasA report by Ken Balcomb and Diane Claridge of the Bahamas Marine Mammal Survey, Sandy Point, Abaco, notes that at least fifteen whales and a dolphin were found stranded on March 15, 2000 in the northern Bahamas. The report noted the coincidence of naval manoevers around the time of the mass strandings, but evidence of cause and effect has been elusive. Concern has been raised about the potential effects of military operations on beaked whale behaviour and physiology, with particular reference to the coincidence of their mass stranding concurrent with or following naval manoevers.
Commenting on the recent strandings in the Bahamas, the US Navy has reported that the coincident naval activities involved an east-to-west transit of US and foreign warships through the Northeast and Northwest Providence Channel, when and where most of the whales were stranded. The US Navy went on to state that "several of the transiting warships used standard, hull mounted tactical sonar operating within normal mid-range frequencies, power outputs and duty cycles(Pirie, Itr 9 June 2000)".
Two minke whales and thirteen beaked whales live stranded along shores of the Northwest Providence Channel on or shortly after March 15, 2000, coincident with the aforementioned naval transit. Balcomb and Claridge quickly responded and reported on the whale and dolphin strandings in the Bahama Islands because of the catastrophic multi-species nature of the stranding event. "Something was causing these animals to flee from their natural habitat", said Balcomb and Claridge, "we considered it possible that the only evidence available would be behavioural, but fortunately we were able to obtain and save fresh specimens". Their report indicated that many factors were considered with the concensus that there must have been an enormous acoustic event or series of events of some kind that triggered the behavioural flight response. The National Marine Fisheries Service and the Navy came to the same conclusion
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based on the biological results of the specimen examination which indicated that the injuries were all consistent with an intense acoustic or pressure event.
Balcomb and Claridge went on to say that "it is important to emphasize that grossly the animals appeared healthy, but disoriented".For further information, please contact:Ken Balcomb and Diane Claridge
Bahamas Marine Mammal Survey
Sandy Point, Abaco
Bahamas.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Short Course on Environmental Practises in Offshore Oil and Gas Activities
The International Institute for Infrastructural, Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering (IHE Delft) in close cooperation with the Netherlands Institute of Environmental Sciences, Energy Research and Process Innovation (TNO) and the North Sea Directorate of the Department of Public Works and Water Management of the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, is organising a short course on Environmental Practises in Offshore Oil and Gas Activities to be held on 4 – 29, September 2000. The course objectives include : Raising general awareness on the protection of the environment from oil and gas
explorations; Sharing knowledge and experiences on environmental issues in the oil and gas exploration
and production sector; and Establishing mutual understanding between different stakeholders in private and public
sector.The course is divided into two modules:Module 1 – Management of Environmental Impacts4-15, September 2000For managers and decision-makersThis module emphasises decision-making and management and deals with i) General Principles of Environmental Care ii) Environmental Care.
Module 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment and Technological Measures and Methods18-29, September 2000For HSE officers, operators and engineersThis module emphasises operational and technical management aspects, and includes i) Specific measures to reduce environmental deterioration ii) Environmental Impact Assessment.
Participants from the Government, Oil and Gas Companies and Civil Society are encouraged to attend.For more information, please contact :
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IHE DelftP.O. Box 30152601 DA DelftThe NetherlandsTel. +31 15 215 17 15Fax: +31 15 212 29 21E-mail : [email protected] : www.ihe.nl
More information is also available on the web site at www.ihe.nl/shortc/oilgas.htm .
Master's in Marine Biology and AquacultureThe Centre for Marine Research (Centro de Investigaciones Marinas) of the University of Havana, offers a Master's degree each September. Tuition fees are US$5,500 for two years. Lodging, meals, travel, and other expenses are additional. For further information, please contact Ms. Ana Maria Sanchez at [email protected] or visit their website at www.uh.cu/centros/cim/index.htm
Management, Conservation and Control of Species in International Trade- III Masters Degree Course
Under the auspices of the Foundation on Biodiversity - Ministry on the Environment, the III Master's Degree course on Management, Conservation and Control of Species Traded Internationally has been organised by the International University of Andalusia at its Antonio Machado Campus and will be held on 2 October - 15 December, 2000.
The objective of the Master's Course is to give the course participants a solid training in flora and fauna related topics. The International University of Andalusia has opened the application process to 40 graduate students. The deadline for applications is 14 August, 2000, though applications postmarked on or before that date will also be included in the selection process. Scholarships are also available and will be awarded in accordance with the economic and professional situation of each applicant.
For further information, please contact:Universidad Internacional de Andalucia - Sede Antonio MachadoPlaza Santa Maria, s/n - 23440 Baeza (Jaen - SPAIN)Tel.: 34 953 74 27 75Fax: 34 953 74 29 75E-mail: [email protected] Internet : http://www.uniaam.uia.es
New Forests Project: World Seed Programme 2000
The New Forests Project provides packets of tree seeds, technical information, and training materials free of charge to groups worldwide interested in starting reforestation projects with
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fast-growing nitrogen-fixing trees. Available for immediate distribution are high quality seeds of:
Acacia auriculiformisAcacia mearnsii (Black waddle, tan waddle)
Acacia nilotica (Egyptian thorn, red-heat, barbar)Acacia tortilis (Umbrella thorn, Israeli babool, seyal)
Albizia lebbek (East India walnut, kokko, woman’s tongue)Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea, gandul)
Cassis siamea (Bombay blackwood, yellow cassia)Dalbergia sissoo (sisu, nelkar, shewa, yette)Grevillea robusta (Silky Oak, Silver Oak)
Gliricidia sepium (Madre de cacao)Gleditsia tricanthos inermis (honey locust)Leucaena leucocephala (ipil-ipil, leadtree)
Prosopis juliflora (mesquite)Robinia psuedoacacia (black locust)
Sesbania sesban (Sesban, Egyptian rattle pod, suriminta)
For more information or to receive a reforestation packet, write to:New Forests Project731 Eighth Street, SEWashington, DC 20003, USATel. : (202) 547-3800Fax : (202) 546-4784E-mail: [email protected]
Please include an environmental description of your areas, including elevation, average annual rainfall, length of rainy and dry seasons, high and low temperatures, soil characteristics, and the purpose of the tree planting (fuelwood, lumber, forage, oil conservation, soil enhancement, etc.)
Environmental Sampling Design and Assessment Using Visual Sample Plan (VSP)
A hands-on training session on sample design methods for soil and surface sampling featuring the Visual Sample Plan software and the data quality objectives (DQO) approach. This course combines information about an effective planning process for data collection activities with training on environmental sampling software. The focus is on soil and surface characterisation but the methods and tools are pertinent to many applications. Two sessions will be available to choose from : 8-10 August, 2000, San Diego California 12-14 September, 2000, Washington, D.C.
All participants are encouraged to take a lap-top computer along to get the most from the hands-on training sessions.For further information, please contact:Brent Pulsipher
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Tel.: (509) 375-3989E-mail: [email protected]
Nell CliffTel.: (509) 375-4470E-mail: [email protected]
PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE
Natural Hazards Primer on-lineThe OAS' Natural Hazards Primer is now available on-line at http://www.oas.org/usde/publications/Unit/oea66e/begin.htm. This manual, published in 1991 with the support of the USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, remains a significant resource for natural hazard assessment and for the integration of hazard mitigation into development planning. The Spanish version of the Primer is also available at http://www.oas.org/usde/publications/Unit/oea66e/begin.htm.
Other publications (English and Spanish) of the OAS Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment (USDE) are available on the Unit's publications page at http://www.oas.org/usde/publications.htm. For further information, please contact :Steven Stichter ([email protected])Caribbean Disaster Mitigation Projecthttp://www.oas.org/en/cdmptel. (202) 458 3300fax (202) 458 3560
INTERNET BRIEFS
Be sure to visit UNEP’s new Regional Seas web site at www.unep.ch/seas/. The site features general environmental, and political information about the challenges facing the world’s seas. It also posts official documents, and there are links to the 14 individual Regional Seas conventions and action plans as well as to other relevant sites.
The Caribbean Disaster Information Network (CARDIN) Secretariat provides information on all aspects of disaster related issues. Their database offers comprehensive coverage by identifying disaster-related information in the Caribbean and includes books, maps, periodicals, pamphlets, videotapes, Internet resources and Government documents. Visit them on the Internet at www.cardin.uwimona.edu.jm:1104 or write to them at:CARDIN Secretariat Science LibraryUniversity of the West IndiesKingston 7
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Jamaica, West IndiesTel. (876)-970-1757
(876)-935-8202/3 (876)-927-1068
Fax: (876)-970-1758E-mail: [email protected]
We are pleased to announce the opening of UNEP’s new on-line bookstore at http://www.earthprint.com. At this bookstore you will be able to view details of UNEP’s publications, order online through a secure server and register to receive e-mail announcements of new and forthcoming publications in your chosen field of interest. Publications can be listed by subject area or via a key word search. All publications have a detailed description and are available for immediate dispatch, via a selection of shipping methods. Payment can be made via all major credit cards or you can print out the order form and mail it together with your cheque. Institutions may request to be billed. Shortly after submitting the order form you will receive an e-mail confirmation that your order is being processed and a further e-mail detailing the time and date of dispatch. For enquiries, please e-mail : [email protected] or write SMI (Distribution Services) Ltd.P.O. Box 119StevenageHertfordshire SG1 4TPEnglandTel. +44 1438 748111Fax: +44 1438 748844
You can also access information about UNEP at : http://www.unep.org
Another internet site to visit is http://mina.vomil.an/NACRI. This site has been established by the Environmental Section of the Government of the Netherlands Antilles in support of a Netherlands Antilles Coral Reef Initiative (NACRI). On this site will be posted all the so-called "grey" literature relevant to coral reefs of the Netherlands Antilles (unpublished internal reports, surveys and studies done for MPA management, Government departments etc.)For further information, please contact:Paul HoetjesDepartment of Public Health and Environment (VOMIL)Section Environment and Nature (MINA)Schouwburgweg 24, CuraçaoNetherlands AntillesTe. (599-9) 465-5300Fax: (599-9) 461-2154E-mail: [email protected]
Be sure to visit from UNEP-IETC's homepage http://www.unep.or.jp - the "EST Discussion Forum". The Discussion Forum is dedicated to providing an opportunity for users to exchange ideas and recommendations, announce events, and voice opinions on
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Environmentally Sound Technologies (EST's) for addressing urban environmental problems and management of freshwater basins.
Another page to bookmark is http://www.worldwidelearn.com . A great site from which free learning guides and on-line tutorials are available covering a variety of subjects. Topics covered under the Environment Courses heading include Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Conflict Resolution, as well as courses from the University of Guelph and the Institute of Ecological Tourism.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The Caribbean Conservation Association a pioneer NGO for environmental conservation, invites applications for the post of EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. To be filled by 1 October, 2000. Based in Barbados, the incumbent will be required to :
Implement the CCA Strategic Agendas Fundraise and manage the corporate affairs Promote linkages with regional networks Link with membership, Board and Secretariat
Requirements: 5 years experience at senior management level fluency in English and moreAttractive salary. For more details contact: www.caribbeanconservation.org Applications till June 23, to : The President
Caribbean Conservation AssociationSavannah Lodge, The GarrisonSt. Michael, BarbadosFax (24) 429-8483; Tel. (246) 426-5373E-mail : [email protected]
The Nature Conservancy is seeking to recruit conservation managers for the position of DIRECTOR, INDONESIA PROGRAMME, located in Jakarta, Indonesia. To be supervised by the Executive Director, Asia/Pacific Region, the incumbent will: be responsible for the design and implementation of a coordinated, long-term strategy for
the conservation of biological diversity in Indonesia act in concert with Yayasan Pusaka Alam Nusantara (PA) and other partner organizations
to affect policy, raise conservation funding and build a strong national team with the skills needed to develop and carry out a shared mission.
Major duties will focus on strategic planning, the development of biodiversity conservation initiatives, coalition building, partner selection and capacity-building, fundraising and long-term finance, and administration.
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Requirements : at least 5 years successful work experience in one or more of the following areas:
conservation, natural resource management, business, institutional development, government relations, or management of non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
graduate degree and Indonesian experience highly desireable strong training, supervisory and networking skills excellent written and verbal communication skills in English required. Indonesian
language skills desireable. demonstrated commitment to conservation and the goals of The Nature Conservancy.
Able to make a minimum three-year commitment to Indonesia.
For further information, please contact:Kim T. GouldAsia/Pacific Regional OfficeThe Nature Conservancy923 Nuuanu AvenueHonolulu, HI 96817Tel.: (808) 537-4508Fax: (808) 545-2019E-mail: [email protected]
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
UPCOMING EVENTS
* CONSOIL 200018-22 September, 2000 at the Congress Centre Leipzig (CCL), Germany.
ConSoil 2000 will offer a platform to scientists and consultants, site owners, manufacturers and service providers, policy makers and administrators, remediation companies, banking and insurance companies to present and exchange news and knowledge. The themes to be covered include :
Policies, Strategies and Legislation Planning and Decision-making Site Investigations and Characterisation Behaviour and Fate of Contaminants Risk Management and Communication Remediation Strategies and Technologies Contaminated Sites in Urban and Regional Development Soil and Groundwater Protection
For further information, please contact :Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbHMrs. B. Mathes, PSAP.O. Box 3640
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D-76021 KarlsruheTel. +49/7247-82-3967Fax. +49/7247-82-3949E-mail : [email protected] : http://www.fzk.de/consoil2000/
* CCA AGM 200028-30 September, 2000 Barbados.
Each year members of the Caribbean Conservation Association(CCA) gather together for the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM is where the Board members are elected and the past year’s activities are reviewed.
Along with the AGM, a special workshop is being organized which will focus on the organisation’s programmatic areas: Marine and coastal resources Protected areas.For further information, please contact the CCA’s website at www.caribbeanconservation.org.
*FIRST INTERNATIONAL GLOBAL DISASTER INFORMATION NETWORK (GDIN) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXPOSITION AND CONFERENCE9-11 October, 2000 in Honolulu - HAWAII.
Hawaii is host to the global emergency management community and world-class information technology providers at the First International Global Disaster Information Network (GDIN) Information Technology Exposition and Conference to be held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Sessions and forums under development include:
Emergency Management Information Needs and Applications Programme Planning for Operational Infrastructure Data/Information Resources Networking Technologies Analysis and Assessment Network and Centre Development Solution Engineering Operational Information Technology Applications and Needs Funding Strategies and Opportunities Institutional Strategies Emergency Information Issues Information Technology Strategies Analysis and Assessment Support
This Conference is organised by Veridian ERIM International. For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit the website at : www.erim-int.com/CONF/GDIN.html .
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* DIVING FOR SCIENCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY - DIVING FOR SCIENCE 20TH ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC DIVING SYMPOSIUM11-15 October, 2000 in St. Pete Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
The American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to establishing and maintaining standards of safe practise for scientific diving. The annual symposium is a platform for exchanging information, formal presentations on diving research, technology, safety, and techniques employed to advance underwater science. The symposium will feature workshops, oral presentations, exhibits, training programmes, and optional tours.
Conference Hosts: Florida Marine Research Institute The University of South Florida The United States Geological Survey Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Florida Institute of Oceanography Florida Sea Grant
Correspondence and inquiries should be directed to the organising committee:Co-chairmen :William Dent – USF and Walt Jaap – FMRI
William Dent, Diving Safety Officer, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, PED 214Tampa FL 33620Tel. (813)-974-5018Fax (813)-974-4979E-mail : [email protected]
Walt JaapDiving Safety OfficerFlorida Marine Research Institute100 8th Avenue SESt. Petersburg, FL 33701-5095Tel. (727)-896-8626Fax (727)-893-1270E-mail : [email protected]
* THE SIXTEENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOLID WASTE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
3-7 December, 2000 in Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
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Papers related to all aspects of solid waste technology and management are of interest. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to :
Landfilling Recycling Energy Recovery and Thermal Treatment Waste Reduction Economics Policy Education Mining and Mineral Wastes All other related topics
To submit a paper, a one-page abstract (in English) should be sent to :
Dr. Ronald L. MerskyProgramme ChairDepartment of Civil EngineeringWidener University1 University Place,Chester, PA 19013-5792, U.S.A.Tel. (610)-499-4042Fax. (610)-499-4059E-mail : [email protected]
Abstracts should be received by 16 June, 2000. Authors will be notified by 23 June, 2000 concerning acceptance or non-acceptance of submitted abstracts. A discounted Conference registration fee will be available for authors of accepted papers. Written versions of papers presented at the Conference may be published in the Conference Proceedings. Papers presented at the Conference may be reviewed for possible publication in the Journal of Solid Waste Technology and Management.
For further information, contact the address shown above or visit the web site:www.widener.edu/solid.waste
* THE FIFTH CONGRESS ON MARINE SCIENCES4-8 December, 2000 in Havana, Cuba
The National Oceanographic Committee (CON) is delighted to announce the Fifth Congress on Marine Sciences, MARCUBA 2000. This event will be staged at Havana's International Conference Centre. The main theme is "Towards a More Integrated Management of Marine and Coastal Resources". The Congress is expecting the attendance of specialists, officials, and executives from scientific and service institutions, universities, governmental bodies and organizations, non-governmental organizations, international and national cooperation agencies related to the oceans and by representatives of the private and industrial sectors.
The working languages will be Spanish and English. Main topics of the Congress will include :
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Integrated Coastal Zone Management Marine Resources Management and Conservation of Marine Biodiversity Ocean Processes and Global Change Marine Biotechnology Marine Aquariology Marine Mammals Marine Environmental Education
Abstracts shall not exceed 250 words, Arial Font 12pt., and will be prepared according to the following guidelines:
Title with uppercase letter Main author and co-authors Institutional affiliation Country, address, telephone, e-mail, fax Summary of content.
Admission date for abstracts closes on 15 September, 2000.
For further information please contact:Lic. Argelia FernándezSecretaria EjecutivaV Congreso de Ciencias del MarCalle 18-A No. 4114 e/ 41 y 47Playa, Ciudad de La Habana, CubaTel.: (537) 29-6014Fax: (537) 24-1442E-mail: [email protected] ORLic. Mireya Mesa TamargoOrganizador Professional de CongresosPalacio de Convenciones de La Habana, CubaApartado Postal 16046Tel.: (537) 286176/ 226011/19Fax: (537) 287996/283470/228283E-mail: [email protected]
* THIRD INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON WETLANDS30 January -2 February, 2001 in Cienaga de Zapata, Matanzas, Cuba
This scientific meeting, being organised by the Centro Nacional de Areas Protegidas (CNAP) and the Delegation of the Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente (CITMA) of the province of Matanzas, will serve as the forum for the sharing of experiences on subjects of common interest to the international scientific community. Subjects for discussion will include but are not limited to : Integrated Management; Conservation Policies; Community Developments; Environmental Education and Information; and
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International Cooperation for Conservation.
These discussions will assist in implementing scientific, economic and social activities which will lead to the protection and sustainable use of these complex and fragile ecosystems, elevate the quality of life of local communities and their involvement in environmental projects and the management of natural resources. The main topics will include biological diversity, conservation and management and economy and community/society.
Deadline for registration is 30 October, 2000.
For further information, please contact:María Antonia Castañeira ColoméCentro Nacional de Areas ProtegidasCalle 18A #4114 e/ 41 y 47 Playa, Ciudad Habana, CP 11300Tel.: 537-227970Fax: 537-240798E-mail: [email protected]
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2000 United Nations / Caribbean Environment Programme
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes without the special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. UNEP would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication that uses this publication as a source.
