Scope

1. The Republic of Seychelles A UNEP/WCMC Pilot Project“Harmonisation of National Reporting of Biological Diversity related conventions”Prepared and Presented by Joseph Francois

2. Scope To investigate various concepts/methods of harmonisation of national reporting.

3. The Seychelles Islands

4. Seychelles Population size • Seychelles, as SIDS, only 80,000 inhabitants Economic situation • Limited natural resources (Economy relies on sustainable use of our Natural Environment) International Commitment • Strong political commitment to preserve the natural Env has led Seychelles to sign and ratify a number of Env, related international Agreements and conventions (CITES, WHC, ICRW, CBD, RAMSAR, Catagena Protocol for Biosafety, etc..,)

5. Constraints Faces distinct limitation in financial & human resources • thru’ reporting requirement and attendance at meetings • Real constraint on the capacity of the Government • Issues that Seychelles considers before signing any such agreement As a result, GOS welcomes initiatives to reduce this workload

6. Seychelles -Pilot study • 2001 Conducted a Pilot Project • To study the possible harmonization of Information Management and Reporting for Biodiversity – related Conventions (CITES, WHC,ICRW,CBD) • Funded By UNEP

7. Assessment & synopsis of objectives & fundamentals CBD Objectives: • Conserving Biodiversity • Sustainable use • Fair & equitable benefit sharing from use of genetic resources CITES Protect species against over-exploitation caused by international trade and to ensure that the trade is sustainable ICRW Provide proper conservation of whale stocks, thus, enable sustainable development of the Whaling industry WHC Ensure sustained protection of cultural and natural heritage RAMSAR Ensure protection and sustainable of wetlands thru’ identified wetlands

9. COMMON MODULESLogical associations of article so that common areas could be identified

10. Reporting Cycle Primary barrier which needed crossing (need synchronising internationally): • CITES (1 year and 2 years) • CBD (4 years) • WHC (6 years) • ICRW (?) • Ramsar (?)

11. Procedure for endorsement Before Submission to their respective secretariats the reports have to be endorsed by the government (Minister for Environment) • Similar procedure of information gathering from stakeholders (except for CITES where both its Scientific and Management Authorities are in the same Division • Similar way of compiling information (except for CITES (annual report) • Stakeholders workshop required in some while others only if necessary • Document Drafted and reviewed • Document approved by Minister The same, hence can be done once (but, CITES may benefit from the consultation phases and public involvement

12. Reporting Format CITES A tabulated report of permits details annually, a biennial report on legislative.. admin… CBD Based on Multiple choice format – WHC Aimed to provide an assessment of the heritage values of designated site and whether such values are being maintained. – Consist of 2 sections ..1. legislative and administrative provisions made.. 2. The state of conservation of specific site ICRW Reporting on scientific information available to the Government (others not required as Seychelles prohibits killing, taking away, chasing of marine mammal, no aboriginal subsistence whaling

13. Comments on the Reporting CITES : Reporting Process & Format clear, concise, functional & effective in reflecting the national status of implementation of the convention CBD: report is rather lengthy and burdensome to complete V. difficult for stakeholders to interpret Format thus needs revisited & other approaches considered Needs to be mandatory WHC: Somehow, less guided, not modular ICRW: Little activity occurring in Sey. Ad hoc reporting of information from stakeholders, non systematic

14. Constraints in the reporting procedure that could affect the synergy Both National and International • Lack of knowledge of local stakeholder activities • Lack of Broad baseline data available • Lack of local scientific research (eg. CITES) • Lack of human resource (Large EEZ for effective policing and surveys) • Lack of fund • Minimal stakeholder involvement • Independent work programmes • Different reporting cycles • Reporting format not structured and lack of objectivity (WHC)

15. What is needed for synergy in Reporting procedures • Timing • Modular • One building • Regular consultations • Reduce duplications • Standard format CBD has a wider mandate , may be engulf the reporting of others

16. Recommendations(National) • Establish an operational framework for stakeholder interaction • Establish a convention Unit for coordination • Establish and maintain a National Biodiversity database (Institutional strengthening and capacity building needed)

17. Recommendations(International) • Synchronisation of Reporting Cycles • Joint work programmes (eg, between CBD and Ramsar, or CBD and CITES) • Structured and objective Reporting Formats

18. Benefits • More rapid & accurate reporting • National projects & priorities to be seen & utilised effectively in the light of intl. commitment • A better utilisation of national capacity to implement the conventions • Better use of financial resources (esp. in the field of reporting, research & monitoring)

19. Thank you