CBCRM or Technofacism ?

1. Glenn Ismael Ymata Regional Assembly of Artisanal Fisherfolk CBCRM and Trade Conference Kolongan Beach Indah Hotel MalalayangDua, Manado, Indonesia May 10-13, 2009 CBCRM or Technofacism?

2. What is Technofacism Techno – short term for “technocrats” + Facism – being facist ___________________________ “TECHNOFACISM”

3. The Technocrats • Technocracy is a governmental or organizational system where decision makers are selected based upon how highly knowledgeable they are (technocrats), rather than how much political capital they hold. • Technocrats are primarily driven by their cognitive "problem-solution mindsets" and only in part by particular occupational group interests.

4. Being Technocratic • Technocracy is often thought of as administration of scientists and engineers • In all cases technical and leadership skills are selected through bureaucratic processes on the basis of specialized knowledge and performance, rather than democratic process • Hence, in a technocratic system, social policy is being designed and decided by political scientists or the bureaucrats

5. Facism • An governmental system where there is lack of freedom and oppression is explicit • Malevolent totalitarianism – systems and policies are imposed with complete dictatorship • Consultation is not needed

6. Hence technofacism is… • A governance where political leaders or scientists execute policy actions by themselves alone and without due consultation from the constituents • It is a mode of thinking and conduct which treats people not as subject but merely as an object of intervention • It is a mode of thinking and conduct that upholds the primacy of technology and science in solving the limitations imposed by the finite satellite we are in, even if part of it involves social issues

7. Hence technofacism results to… • Technofacistsolutions that are implemented in a very authoritarian fashion • Though, there are technofacistsolutions that invite participation but only with the intention to minimize costs and to make it appear as “inclusive” or “empowering”

8. The WOC2009 and How It Came World Meteorological Organization UN Environment Programme UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (1988) Global Ocean Observing System Agenda 21 UN Conference on Environment and Development (June 1992) KYOTO CONVENTION (Dec 1997) EARTH SUMMIT (UNFCCC)

9. What is WOC2009? • It is a forum for the world community to discuss current issues in the marine field which are related to climate change, and how the world can wisely utilize the ocean to weather crisis • It is expected to create a more aligned global vision and commitments from participating governments and institutions to work together to improve marine resource management.

10. What are the premises? • The climate system and the pressure to the world’s oceans have dramatically changed since UNCLOS in 1982 • UNCLOS did not really address the ways in which governments manage maritime affaires related to the impacts of global climate change on the oceans • The role of the oceans in the phenomena of global climate change • The world experienced economic recessions and crises since 1982

11. What are the premises? • The Asian Financial crisis in 1997 and global recession today have caused major upsets to the ocean • The recent global recession will threaten the oceans as well because poverty and unemployment will turn global populations to seek means of subsistence from the oceans. • Over fishing and in manners that destruct the ecosystem of the ocean, pollutions and coastal degradation have terribly impacted the balance of marine ecosystem.

12. Key Issues to Address There are a number of key issues to be discussed in relation to the WOC2009 theme, including: • Climate change impacts • The role of the oceans in regulating climate change • Adaptation and mitigation measures • Opportunities for regional and international cooperation

13. WOC2009 Targets • Increased cooperation between nations in order to manage marine resources in the context of climate change  • Increased understanding across the global community regarding the vital role of the oceans in regulating global climate • Increased global attention to the need to save small islands and coastal areas as part of facing up to global climate change

14. WOC2009 Targets • Increased commitment from international bodies and intergovernmental organizations to protect and conserve fisheries resources to ensure food security • Increased preparedness to mitigate disasters caused by climate change • Increased capacity at community level, especially coastal and small island communities, to adapt to the effects of climate change

15. But What It Really Does? • It is a forum of State Leaders, Senior Officials and Scientists (Marine, Climatologists, High Profile Organizations, etc) • No representation from the “real” stakeholders • No consultations donein the developing of the concept and the agenda

16. But What It Really Does? • It was bourne out by not by what should be done but what are the opportunities for financial access • Adaptation Fund Board of the UN • WB Financing • ADB Financing

17. But What It Really Does? • It is “ocean-centered” not “people-centered” • precautionary approach versus food security and social development of coastal communities • community people is not seen as the major role player but just “partners”

18. But What It Really Does? • Although the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities is stated, there is no clear and strong provision that would set this concretely • It discusses more on what the developing countries should do and not on the culpability of the developed countries who are to blame for massive exploitation and degradation of marine resources and ecosystem

19. But What It Really Does? • Actions to be take are more on pure science aspect and social development components are piecemeal and token in nature • Greater investment in coastal and ocean observing systems • Research and scientific assessment of ocean conditions • Large scale restoration approach

20. In the Final Analysis? • WOC Agenda is environmental but not developmental • It does not address the property right and empowerment and poverty issues • Instead, it will just shift large fishing grounds from open-access to a “no-fishing” zone • It will be a business mainly by the technocrats and a milking cow of billions of dollars that will be infused to these projects, mostly from debt

21. The Root of the Problem is… • Responses should not be focused mainly on the Climate Change problem • Degradation of coastal resources is a result improper utilization and too much exploitation of our coastal resources • The root of the problem lies not on “people-to-resources” but on “people-to-people” relationship • The imbalance in power and property relations does not only produce and reproduce other socio-economic imbalances but also gave birth, and is giving birth, to the precarious state of the natural environment today

22. Hence, It Should be like this… • Recognition of the basic “property rights” problem • Resolution of the socio-economic and political issues within the context of realities • People in coastal communities must have greater control and access to resources

23. To achieve this, what then should be the key? The answer lies in YOU!