INTRODUCTION SUCCESS SemiAnnual Report July to Dec 2009

• Applying a climate lens to coastal policy, management, and practice • Capturing and disseminating key learning about livelihoods development All of the above make significant contributions to biodiversity conservation and play a role in raising awareness of the need to adapt coastal policies, plans, and practices in the face of global climate change. 2 Biodiversity Conservation and the Sustainable Coastal Communities and Ecosystems SUCCESS Program The SUCCESS Program falls under the Congressional biodiversity earmark secondary code. These are programs and activities—site based or not—that have biodiversity conservation as an explicit, but not primary, objective. SUCCESS meets the following biodiversity earmark criteria. The Program must have an explicit biodiversity objective. It is not enough to have biodiversity conservation results as a positive externality from another program The overarching goal of SUCCESS is to help improve both human quality of life health, income, education and biodiversity through good governance. To meet this goal, the Program is now focusing on activities that can support biodiversity conservation-related actions and policies at the local, national, regional and even global scales—with an emphasis on establishing, disseminating, and helping others apply models, tools, and approaches that contribute to biodiversity conservation. One example is the SUCCESS Program’s innovative new model for certifying marine protected area MPA professionals. Referred to as the MPA PRO network, this initiative recognizes that as the number of MPAs around the world continues to increase, it becomes essential that the individuals responsible for effective operations of these sites have the requisite skills and experience to do so. That said, SUCCESS activities span beyond formally designated marine and coastal conservation areas in recognition that while MPAs are one approach to achieving biodiversity conservation, in and of themselves they are insufficient in reaching biodiversity goals unless the areas outside their boundaries are also better managed. This is one of the very reasons why SUCCESS works on climate change adaptation issues in all coastal areas, including but not limited to those within the boundaries of protected areas such as MPAs. SUCCESS operates under the premise that stakeholders in sustainable use and conservation efforts must see tangible benefits if these programs are to be effective and sustainable beyond the life of the USAID investments. Therefore, it recognizes the important role that livelihood and enterprise development plays in helping to address poverty issues in coastal communities. It also recognizes that when poverty is rampant and there are few alternatives for livelihood opportunities, citizens often engage in marine-resource extraction activities that can negatively impact biodiversity. Hence, SUCCESS is looking to capture not only what it, but also what other programs and experts on the topic, have learned about livelihood development in natural-resources-rich but economically poor coastal communities. Summary of SUCCESS five-year biodiversity achievements through end FY09 93009 Through the end of FY 09, a total of 222,301 hectares in areas of biological significance have come under improved management 150,804 marine, 70,497 terrestrial and over 14,000 hectares of intertidal areas of biological significance are showing improved biophysical conditions for selected parameters as a result of the SUCCESS Program. Further, SUCCESS 3 and its partners have led the development, adoption, and implementation of 11 policies, laws, agreements, or regulations promoting sustainable natural resources management and conservation, including zoning plans including no-take zones, national codes of conduct, management agreements, and aquaculture guidelines. Specific activities leading to improved management at field site and regional levels included: • Formal establishment, management and community-based monitoring of permanent no-take zones in the Menai Bay Conservation area of Zanzibar, Tanzania and the Asseradores Estuary, Nicaragua • Introduction of jewelry shellcraft and half-pearl aquaculture as a more eco-friendly alternative source of food protein oyster and income sale of pearls in communities on the Fumba Peninsula that exploit resources inside the Menai Bay Conservation Area • Reforestation and introduction of improved agroforestry practices in the watershed of the Cojimíes Estuary, Ecuador including buffer areas of the Mache-Chindul Forest Reserve • Adoption of a code of conduct on best management practices for mariculture taking place inside the Estero Real Biosphere Reserve • Adoption of a Code of Good Practices for the Management of Human Activities around the Cojimíes Watershed • At the regional scale, the Western Indian Ocean Certification Program for Marine Protected Area Professionals WIO-COMPAS has certified nine individuals at level 2, with two other individuals working toward completing requirements that would allow them also to be certified; and Certification for Professionals in Coastal Ecosystem Governance in Latin America certified 22 individuals at a level 1, 2, or diploma level—all of whom are working in areas of important biodiversity. Global Climate Change Adaptation and the Sustainable Coastal Communities and Ecosystems SUCCESS Program For decades, CRC has been using an approach to integrated coastal management ICM that has anticipated the far-reaching and long-lasting impacts of global climate change on coastal areas. Adaptation measures that draw on the USAID and CRC portfolio of experience and tools—including experience and tools of the SUCCESS Program—can help coastal communities prepare for the changes that are already being felt today and will increase with time. This includes measures such as: • Planning that anticipates sea level rise, including adjusted building codes • Training in good practices that reduce climate impacts • Encouraging MPA development as refuges and habitat for fish • Community-based disaster management planning 4 • Constructing water tanks and recommending policy to address current and future potable water needs These measures have built-in, long-term uses that can help coastal communities cope with not just short-term, piecemeal problems, but that form a natural, adaptive and coherent strategy for addressing the chronic and increasing impacts and pressures brought to bear on coastal residents, economies and ecosystems by global climate change. The SUCCESS Program, in partnership with the USAID Global Climate Change Program, is working to test and refine application of the guidance and direction provided in the publication “Adapting to Coastal Climate Change: A Guidebook for Development Planners”. This Guide will help programmers and practitioners design and implement development projects in coastal regions in a way that accounts for and incorporates adaptations to the impacts of climate change and in a way that ensures they mainstream adaptation strategies into government and community coastal development initiatives. Overview and Summary of Accomplishments While this report focuses largely on work activities implemented July 1 – December 31, 2009, also summarized below are selected Program achievements cumulative to date. This is followed by sections that highlight achievements from each SUCCESS Program element through the end of the initial five-year Program as well as for the first quarter of Year 6 1 st year of the five year extension; contacts made with USAID Missions during this reporting period; Associates Awards; and management challenges and opportunities. Appendix 1 provides a summary of the results per indicator for the Years 1-5 and a separate table of the same for the 1 st quarter of Year 6. Cumulative Program Accomplishments October 1, 2004 – December 31, 2009 • Approximately 220,000 hectares in areas of biological significance under improved management 150,000 marine, 70,000 terrestrial • Over 14,000 hectares of intertidal areas of biological significance showing improved biophysical conditions for selected parameters as a result of no-take-zones established in Asseradores, Nicaragua and on the Fumba Peninsula, Zanzibar • Over US 1,623,000 leveraged in support of Program activities approximately US 936,000 for field activities and US 687,000 for regional activities • 499 persons and 193 enterprises benefiting from sustainable natural resource enterprises • Individual capacity built for 752 persons 50 women through implementation of 38 training courses that support better ICM enabling conditions and best practices • Eleven US volunteer professionals fielded with a time commitment valued at over 47,000 5 • Over 4,350 individuals participated in coastal resources and conservation planning meetings—45 were female, achieving a more equitable participation for this traditionally disadvantaged group • 64 of sustainable enterprise beneficiaries are female, achieving more equitable distribution of benefits for this traditionally disadvantaged group • SUCCESS investments generate total annual revenues of over US 70,000 among small scale enterprises in Nicaragua and Tanzania Program Highlights for the Current Reporting Period July 1 – December 31, 2009 • US 156,000 leveraged from IRG USAID source and Conservation International to conduct training courses related to the Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Handbook in Vietnam, Philippines, and Galapagos • The first French level 2 Certification event held in Madagascar in July, with six participants four women • A hands-on workshop for the CMAC proved to be instrumental in advancing the RMI agenda, revealing climate change and other gaps related to the Reimaanlok community- based resources management process and collaboration 6

II. PROGRESS IN MEETING PLANNED OUTCOMES OF WORKPLAN

PROGRAM ELEMENTS 1. Regional Capacity Building: Certification of MPA Professionals 1.1 Report Period Accomplishments July 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009 Significant progress was made this period on continuing to develop the MPA PRO model in the Western Indian Ocean WIO region—where it is known as WIO-COMPAS—and sharing the model in Latin America LA. This includes: • Certified two MPA PROs Seychelles and Madagascar with four additional candidates pending certification. • Conducted MPA PRO Level 2 Site Management Certification offering for the French speaking islands in the WIO region. • Presented the MPA PRO model to a regional group of MPA leaders from LA. • Initiated an LA MPA PRO Programme with tentative commitments of partner funding. • Evaluated the impact of certification one year after the first certification event for MPA PROs Level 2 Site Management—to produce a summary document in the next quarter. • Secured endorsements from multiple organizations in South Africa for the MPA- PROWIO-COMPAS program. • Updated the www.WIO-COMPAS.ORG website to include additional French language materials and details on the MPA PROs. • Translated a brochure to promote the WIO-COMPAS programme into Portuguese with French language versions to be produced soon. The focus in the current year is on finalizing delivery of all aspects of the program model in the WIO region. This includes a first time offering of a Level 1 Field Certification in South Africa, in collaboration with South African partners and using South African assessors. There is also potential to leverage funds for a second Level 2 Site Management certification in that country. Any cost savings from these South Africa events would make it possible to potentially offer a Level 1 event in Tanzania later in 2010. It is worth noting the reasons for a low number of candidates and resulting MPA PROs from the Madagascar event in Year 5. First was the island’s delay in using MPAs as a coastal management and conservation tool. Second, was the island’s lack of attention to developing the skills of staff working at MPA sites. On this latter point, most staff are still from forestry—although that is changing. The accomplishments of WIO-COMPAS have sparked interest from other regions of the world. After an initial presentation in Costa Rica of the MPA PRO model, using WIO- 7 COMPAS as the example, a regional group of leaders—with MarViva at the fore—agreed to support a Latin America program within the MPA PRO network. Plans are underway to prepare outreach materials and partnerships in hopes of hosting a regional workshop to launch the program with a few key countries—e.g., Belize, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Brazil.

1.2 Changes in Program Activities

A new strategy was developed as part of the continuation of the SUCCESS Cooperative Agreement. First is that the certification program will be rebranded as MPA PRO to better enable other regions to adapt the model. WIO-COMPAS will continue to be the “brand” name of the program for that region. WIO-COMPAS will be the first amongst what are anticipated to be numerous regional programs within the global MPA PRO network. MPA PRO will also be used as the title, or designation, used to recognize certified individuals. This will help show continuity of the brand across regions. Again, while the Program will focus on completing the model tested in WIO region, efforts will also go into providing guidance to Latin America partners as they replicate the model.

1.3 Contacts with USAID MissionsBureaus

There was phone discussion with the Central American Environment Officer for the US State Department Maricela Munoz on the MPA PRO program and opportunities for its adaptation and delivery in Latin America.

1.4 Priorities for Next Quarter January 1 - March 31, 2010 •

Complete the design of Level 1 competences, process and materials • Provide guidance to the first half of a Level 1 Field Certification offering in South Africa • Conduct outreach to promote the MPA PRO program for replication in other regions • Promote the IUCN endorsement through unique events and marketing materials • Obtain additional endorsements from national and regional organizations • Upload select MPA PRO case studies to the WIO-COMPAS website 8