Capacity development related to the Harmful Algal Bloom programme is integrated in the IPHAB strategy: IPHAB Principles for capacity enhancement in research on and management of harmful algal events. Quote: 


“The following principles are drafted to guide the development, coordination and implementation of a broad variety of international, regional and in-country capacity enhancing activities in relation to harmful algae and phycotoxins, and the associated impacts on sea food safety, public health, aquaculture, fisheries, tourism, drinking water, environmental impacts etc. (HA).


I. HA capacity enhancement is focussed and addresses the prioritised needs of the governments and institutions of the trainees. [The implication of this principle is that with limited resources, capacity enhancement cannot and should not address every need].

II. All capacity HA enhancing interventions are imbedded in the larger mandate to promote international cooperation on protection of the marine environment and preservation of human life and property in the ocean and coastal areas and work towards sustainable development.

III. HA capacity enhancement is based on the concept of “Community-based, participatory action research” which requires that the HA trainers offer services only at the request of the host community and that the services are created as a collaboration between the HA trainers and the stakeholders. In most cases this would involve communities that require assistance in sustainable resource management or resource capacity building, rather than new research avenues for the HA trainers. Thus the program and activity of the HA trainers must be structured in such a way that the target group acquires a clear realisation that they have the sole responsibility for their own capacity-building and a high probability of a sustained program after the contribution of the HA training activities cease to be requested. This means that they will:
a. Identify areas for collaboration.
b. Seek partners through clearer enunciation of the requirements,
c. Review and reconstruct the terms of reference through stakeholder consultation, and
d. Seek funds to co-finance the capacity enhancement in a business mode – (that is, return a product that is beneficial to the public).

IV. HA capacity enhancement interventions are structured and have enduring long-term impacts. This requires contributions that lead to sustainable, community-based management and research. The ultimate goal is to achieve independence of the community from the HA training group.

V. HA capacity enhancement focuses on developing management, operational and research capabilities.

VI. HA capacity enhancement is approached in a holistic, community participation manner. Depending on the type of intervention, decision-makers, directors of institutes, scientists, technicians, and the public are involved. The community has the final ownership of the outcome of the activities.

VII. Interventions are seen and treated as investments. Therefore, the executing agency will maintain appropriate contact with strategic partners, collaborating institutions, key decision makers, sponsors/funding organisations, thought leaders in relevant scientific disciplines, and participants.

VIII. HA capacity enhancement will optimise limited resources and reduce/eliminate duplication and overlap. This will include liaising closely with other agencies that also provide capacity enhancement services to improve coordination and increase efficiency.
IX. Different agencies are invited to share information on their list of trainees. IOC database of HAB capacity building is offered for consultation at any time to inquire about whether individuals have received previous training, where and when.”

 

Find out more about the IOC/HAB programme from http://hab.ioc-unesco.org 

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