The Impact of ICM Pilot Projects on National Systems in the Mediterranean Region

Abstract

The paper presents the results and impacts of ten 1CM projects implemented during the 1987-2001 period, within the Coastal Area Management Programme (CAMP) of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) - UNEP. The major results of each project and problems during implementation are briefly presented. An Operational Manual was prepared in 1998 and the projects of the third cycle of CAMP designed and implemented accordingly. The major impacts of implemented CAW projects on national systems are presented: contribution to understanding of the values and importance of national coastal and marine resources for national development, and of the need for specific approaches in coastal areas; initiation or strengthening of actions for improvement of CM related institutional and legal arrangements; strengthening of the concept of sustainable development and ICM, introduction of ICM tools and techniques into national practices, examples of good practices of integration, provision of inputs for national action plans, and incitement for application of the participatory principle. Some factors influencing the impacts on national systems are listed. Activities likely to contribute to further strengthening of impacts on national systems are recommended: improved transfer of project results to the national systems; a MAP Protocol on ICAM or a Mediterranean Strategy for ICAM to be prepared; the second generation of CAMP projects to be initiated, external funding for projects to be looked for; the integrating procedures, the "social engineering" component, the participatory programmes to be improved.