BRAVO: Barrier Removal Assessment and Viability Overview

A tool for assessing the feasibility and impact potential of Rare project plans

BRAVO: Barrier Removal Assessment and Viability Overview

Abaco Island Pride Campaign- Marine Protected Area Option

Economics Technical Cultural/Political Impact & Metrics Assessment of costs,

funding/revenue sources and potential income substitution factors related to the specific Barrier Removal Solution

Assessment of technology availability, training required, and the effectiveness of organizational partners involved with the Barrier Removal Solution

Assessment of Barrier Removal Solution drivers and barriers that arise from cultural norms and political landscape

Assessment of the overall impact of the Barrier Removal Solution and the viability of current metrics to measure that impact

BRAVO: Executive Summary

What: FRIENDS will assist the Bahamas National Trust in lobbying the Government of the Bahamas to declare a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Abaco. This will ensure that suitable, important habitats for juvenile and adult Spiny Lobsters are protected by law in order for the population of Spiny lobsters in Abaco continue to grow. Protected areas have also been successful in supplying other areas such as the Exuma Cays land and Sea Park which has led to spawning aggregations in that park, supply other marine habitats miles away.

Who: FRIENDS will assist the BNT in identifying a suitable area and will assist in writing the proposal to be presented to the Government of the Bahamas. The Nature Conservancy will also provide support through the Caribbean Challenge, which is an initiative of the Bahamas being a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, in which the Government of the Bahamas has agreed to protect 10% of its marine habitat by 2010 and 20% of its near shore marine habitats by 2020.

BRAVO Scores

Feasibility Score: 3.19

Impact Score: 3.83

When: The goal is to have the already submitted proposals to protect two additional marine habitats in Abaco declared by December 2010 by the Government of the Bahamas.

How: Funding to manage these MPA’s will be made available through the Bahamas National Trust, The Nature Conservancy and the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.

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Criteria Explanation ScoreCosts

Preliminary projected costs

Preparation StageTransportation to and from project sites in Abaco: 4 sites @ $150 per site: $600.00 2 sites @ $ 25 each: $ 50.00 Workshops: 3 @ $800 each= $2400Meetings: 3 @ $400 each+ $1200Newspaper announcements: 6 @ $40each = $240.00

Total: $4490.00ImplementationPark Warden’s Salary : $45,000Deputy park Warden’s salary: $30,000Boat: $75,000Equipment: $30,000Total: $180,000Administration (Phone, fax, internet, computers, paper, ink, stationary, rent for office space, fuel, vehicle insurance and maintenance, etc): $60,000

Overall projected total: $244,490* These costs are estimates only

Predictability of cost burden

The above costs are projected only, they could be higher or lower by a difference of 10-25% of the projected value quoted. However the costs listed are the normal costs associated with managing a protected area. Other factors may need to be included that may also affect the costs, which have not been identified as yet.

3

Average Score 3

BRAVO- MPA OptionEconomics (1 of 3)

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Criteria Explanation ScoreRevenues

Description of revenue streams

Fundraising total: $ 0 Sources: Earned income total: $ 0 Sources:

Currently the only funding available are seed funds from Rare to assist in a social marketing campaign. It is unknown the availability of funds from the Bahamas government, BNT and TNC at this time.

Percentage of total cost available

It is difficult to predict at this time what percentage of funding is available as actually costs have not yet been determined. 2

Likelihood of fundraising success

It is very much likely that funding will be available by partner organizations and the Government of the Bahamas. 3

Fundraising timing

Our projected timeline is from June until the end of 2010.

Funding Alignment

1 = Funding timeline is not aligned with project timeline; 4 = Funding timeline is well-aligned with project timeline

Funding timeline is aligned with the project timeline.

4

Sustainable Funding

Once approved sustainable funding will be provided by the BNT to mange the MPA. 4

Average Score 3.25

BRAVO- MPA OptionEconomics (2 of 3)

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Criteria Explanation ScoreIncome Substitution (if applicable)

New income source relative to old income

1 = Income source is reduced by 20% or more; 4 = Income source is increased by 20% or more

The MPA will be closed of for commercial fishing .

1

New income source sustainability

1 = New income source is unsustainable; 4 = Income source is highly sustainable

There is no identified income source substitution for this option once the MPA is created, however fishermen will begin to see the benefits of this new protected area in other open areas in the months and years to come.

1

Average Score 1

BRAVO- MPA Option Economics (3 of 3)

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Criteria Explanation ScoreTechnology

Attainability & Availability

1 = Technology and/or required assistance needed is unavailable; 4 = Technology is attainable and third-party assistance, if required, is availableTechnology will be available by the BNT to manage the area. Other partners may also provide technical assistance to monitor success of MPA such as the TNC who will be able to provide funding through the Caribbean initiative.

4

Technology assistance

1 = Technology assistance is required, yet not available; 4 = Technology assistance is significant and available

Training of park wardens and volunteers will be readily available by the BNT and the Department of Marine Resources.

4

Appropriate for circumstances

1 = Available technology is not appropriate for circumstances; 4 = Acquirable technology is suited for circumstances

Training of surveying the area, patrolling the area and management of the area has been accepted by the community through discussions with community groups on how they wan the area to be managed. Therefore it is appropriate for the current circumstances.

3

Average Score 3.66

BRAVO- MPA OptionTechnical (1 of 2)

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Criteria Explanation Score

Capacity /

Organizational A

bility

Barrier Removal Partner support

1 = BR Partner does not exist or is not willing to support the project; 4 = There exists a willing Barrier Removal Partner

The BNT fully supports the creation of the additional two MPA areas in Abaco at Snake Cay and Fowl Cay. They have accepted the proposals and have presented them to the Government.

4

Barrier Removal Partner’s ability to drive change

1 = BR Partner lacks a track record of driving behavior; 4 = BR partner has a proven track record of driving behavior

The BNT has a proven record of driving behavior changes. They have recently adopted a new approach to the creation of protected areas by engaging the community through meetings and one on one stakeholder consultations. Parks are now created with the input of the community for community support on management and protection of the protected area.

4

Budget planning and cost efficient execution

1 = BR Partner has not demonstrated sufficient budget planning skills and cost efficient execution of plans; 4 = BR Partner has proven proficiency in budget planning and cost efficient execution of past plans

The BNT has strategic financial plans in place to help guide them in planning the feasibility of projects and impacts.4

Average Score 4

Other Partners

Other critical partners

1 = Other partners do not exist or will not be impactful 4 = Other partners are available and capable of assistance(Use 1-4 scale) In the narrative list all other partners that may be required. List roles and responsibilities, levels of engagement, and conditions involved. For example if the success of the project is reliant on a 3rd partner even if this partner has a “minor” role to play, then list mitigation factors if engagement is not possible. Summarize timing of partner availability. Does availability align across partners? If unknown, write unknown.The Nature Conservancy: Will assist with working with key stakeholders and communities on assessing placement, scope and size of reserves. They provide scientific support and help to create management plans. They also assist the government and partners in accessing funding that is needed for continued sustainable management in the future.

The Department of Marine Resources: Will assist in executing the law and management of the fishery.

4

Average Score 4

BRAVO- MPA OptionTechnical (2 of 2)

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Com

munity Leadership

Leaders and influencers in the community

1 = Dearth of strong leaders and influencers in the community; 4 = Visible leaders with clout to drive behavior

Local government leaders will fully support the efforts of the government and will assist in getting the community to cooperate with management efforts by educating them of protected areas through community meetings and events.

3

Leadership willingness to endorse

1 = Unwilling to get on board with project; 4 = Firm commitment from leadership to help drive change efforts

Some of these leaders have been approached but more work needs to be done in this regard. It is certain that they will cooperate once approached. 2.5

Average Score 2.75

BRAVO- MPA OptionCultural/Political (1 of 2)

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Criteria Explanation ScorePolitical Environment

Current legislative and legal landscape

1 = Legislative and legal restrictions will hamper efforts; 4 = Legislative and legal framework will aid program

Current legislative framework will aid in the creation of the Marine Protected Areas. 4

Ability to drive legislative change

1 = Lack of knowledge regarding political environment and unclear timeframe for advocacy; 4 = Depth of political knowledge and ability to push for appropriate changes within a given timeframe

There will need to be no changes in the political framework to support the creation of the Protected Areas at this time.

4

Average Score 4

Values and Norm

s

Assessment of norms

1 = Plan is unconcerned with political and cultural norms 4 = Plan assesses and takes into account the values and norms governing the political and cultural environment(Use 1-4 scale) Describe what strategies, if any, have been deployed to glean information about the area’s political and cultural norms. Provide details about any systematic research that has been conducted to understand the normative context.

There has been numerous community meetings to educate the community on proposed areas to be protected. The community is in full support of the protected area and the proposal takes into consideration values and norms of surrounding communities.

3

Ability to address normative obstacles

1 = Normative obstacles are too formidable to be overcome; 4 = Obstacles are manageable and a clear tack to address them is employed

The major obstacle that will need to be overcome is getting the government to move in a speedily fashion to declare the proposed areas. The community will be approached through the social marketing campaign activities and community meetings to lobbying the Government of the urgency to protect critical habitats for the survival of the Spiny Lobster population in Abaco.

3

Average Score 3

BRAVO-MPA OptionCultural/Political (2 of 2)

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Conservation Im

pact

Likelihood of conservation impact

1 = Conservation impact is unlikely to be achieved; 4 = Conservation impact is very likely to be realizedThe conservation impact is very likely to be achieved. Not only will national goals be achieved but this will achieve local goals as well to have at least 5 national parks in Abaco. Protecting these two additional areas will also ensure that there is sufficient protected marine habitats for the survival and increased population growth of Spiny Lobsters in Abaco.

4

Impact sustainability

1 = The conservation impact goal is unlikely to be sustained in the long-term; 4 = The impact goal should be viable in the long-term

In the long term, successes of these MPA’s will be observed by increased marine resources in the area and beyond including Spiny Lobster.

4

Average Score 4

BRAVO- MPA OptionImpact and Metrics (1 of 2)

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Tipping Points

1st Tipping Point 1 = Tipping point unlikely to be achieved; 4 = Tipping point likely to be reached

The first tipping point is the agreement of the Bahamas National Trust, the Member of Parliament and the Government of the Bahamas that the two areas chosen are very important marine habitats for biodiversity and protection of marine resources and fisheries in Abaco. As a result they will see the need to declare these areas as proposed by the community and Friends of the Environment.

The second tipping point is for the local community to support the protected areas by abiding by the management plans designed to protect and mange the area including non-commercial fishing.

3

2nd Tipping Point

4

Average Score 3.5

Metrics

Measurable outcomes

1 = The program lacks clear metrics or are difficult to measure; 4 = The program has established clear, measureable metrics

Metrics will be measured by the increased amount of species in the protected areas with special consideration given to Spiny Lobster populations. Pre and Post data will be recorded by scientist currently working in the area as well as through the voluntary Reef Check program.

4

Average Score 4

BRAVO- MPA OptionImpact and Metrics (2 of 2)

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Category Subcategory ScoreAverage

Category ScoreFeasibility

Economics Costs 3

2.41 Revenues 3.25

Income Substitution 1

Technical Technology 3.66

3.89 Capacity / Organizational Ability 4

Other Partners 4

Cultural / Political Community Leadership 2.75

3.25 Political Environment 4

Cultural Norms 3

Feasibility Score 3.19Impact

Impact and Metrics Conservation Impact 4

3.83 Tipping Points 3.5

Metrics 4

Impact Score 3.83

Barrier Removal Assessment and Viability Overview (BRAVO)Composite Score

Enter average scores in the right hand column. Then take the feasibility score and enter it into Miradi and the Impact score and enter it into Miradi. Where either score is below X for either feasibly or impact, consider the strategy to be inappropriate and assess the need to conduct a second BRAVO that reviews a different strategy.

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BRAVO- MPA OptionRisk Factors

Risk Factors Consequence Mitigation Strategies

•The Government of the Bahamas does not declare the Marine Protected Areas in a timely manner

• The community continues to fish in these areas.

• Development is allowed in these areas• The diversity of species are reduced

and eventually become endangered in these areas.

• Lobby the community members to lobby the government by having them sign letters of support to expedite the declaration of the marine protected areas.

• Work along with the BNT and TNC to pressure the government to declare the areas in order to achieve national objectives which will result in Abaco achieving local objectives.

• Ensure that the Department of Marine Resources enforce the law.

•The community does not fully support the MPA’s

• The community continues to fish in the area and the population of Spiny Lobsters continue to decline.

• Ensure that the Social marketing campaign targets a behavior change in decrease in illegal fishing of Spiny Lobsters.

• Educate the community through the social marketing campaign of the benefits of a protected area for the increase in the population of the Spiny Lobster.

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BRAVO Authors and approvals

List BRAVO authors and their affiliation

D’Shan Maycock- Campaign Manager Friends of the Environment

BRAVO: Barrier Removal Assessment and Viability Overview

Documents

marine resources

additional marine habitats

marine habitats miles

new marine protected

barrier removal assessment

bahamas national trust

impact bravo

protected areas