Performance Monitoring Report for the Global Conservation Program Cooperative Agreement LAG-A-00-99-00048-00

The report highlights key achievements and progress made in the Eastern African Marine Ecoregion. Improved Management is one of the key indicators, with a focus on protecting marine habitats. In the Zala Bank Sanctuary, 3 rotating fish and oyster sanctuaries were established, covering 4 hectares. These sanctuaries are located near fishing communities and islands, and implementation of oyster collection rotating zones is now occurring. The sanctuary zones were replotted using GPS, and positions have been plotted in GIS for management and monitoring purposes. Despite the newly-protected 4 hectares, the EAME program does not have scientific evidence to prove that the area is under improved biophysical conditions for FY09. However, subjective observations indicate an improvement in benthic conditions and macro-fauna diversity. The restrictions on fishing in the area are being respected, and more sustainable harvesting methodologies are being used in adjacent areas. Improved Policy is another key indicator, with a focus on developing and implementing policies to protect the marine environment. In June 2009, the WIO countries agreed on a legally binding Draft Protocol for the protection of the coastal and marine environment from land-based sources and activities. EAME and partners also succeeded in increasing the priority of by-catch and IUU fishing on the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission program of work. Funds Leveraged is an indicator that measures the amount of funds leveraged by the program. In FY09, EAME leveraged $4.43 million, with $338,710 counting towards match. The Number of People Trained in Natural Resource Management is another key indicator, with a focus on training community members and government officials in natural resource management. In Kiunga MNR, approximately 60 men and 30 women were trained in natural resource management, while in Quirimbas NP, 35 community rangers were trained to monitor indicators of the impact of the park on fisheries and biodiversity. The Number of People Experiencing Increased Economic Benefits is an indicator that measures the number of people who benefit economically from the program. In Quirimbas NP, it is estimated that approximately 200 households (approximately 525 people) directly and indirectly benefited economically from the USAID-supported fisheries work in the park during FY09.