An Assessment of How Coastal Communities Can Become Involved and Benefit from the BCLME Programme. I. Report of the Angolan visit

Abstract

The Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) flanks the coastal areas of Angola, Namibia and South Africa, representing a unique upwelling ecosystem. Striving to establish effective management of the BCLME, the BCLME Programme is a multi-sectoral initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and further financial and in-kind contributions from the three member countries. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) implements the Programme and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is the executing agency. Communities in the coastal areas of Angola, Namibia and South Africa depend on the coastal and inshore resource for their survival and livelihood and therefore have a large stake in the management of this Large Marine Ecosystem (LME). Undoubtedly their involvement in the Programme can contribute to advancing its overall objectives. At the core of the study undertaken by EcoAfrica Environmental Consultants is the question of how coastal inhabitants can be positioned to get optimal advantage from BCLME resources and the coastal areas flanking it, and the role the BCLME Programme can play to make this happen as well as contribute to its success. Field trips to the three countries were undertaken to identify, in conjunction with community members and other relevant stakeholders, what pilot projects communities can undertake and suggest further ways by which livelihood options can be increased.