About the Project

Participating Countries:

Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam

Implementing Agency:

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Executing Agency:

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Grantee and Implementation Partner:

Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW)

Funding:

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

Timeline:

2018-2023 (Extended until 2026)

Objectives

To assist countries in meeting the targets of the approved Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the marine and coastal environment of the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand through the implementation of the National Action Plans in support of the SAP and strengthening regional co-ordination for South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand SAP implementation.

Project Components

Component 1. Reducing habitat degradation and loss via national and local reforms to achieve Strategic Action Programme targets for coastal habitat management in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand

Component 2. Strengthening knowledge-based action planning for the management of coastal habitats and land-based pollution to reduce environmental degradation of the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand

Component 3. Facilitating regional and national level integration and cooperation for implementation of the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand Strategic Action Programme

Addressing the Issue of Security

As stated in the Project Document, “it has been agreed that no activities shall be undertaken under this project in disputed areas of the South China Sea, nor shall issues of sovereignty be addressed directly or indirectly through project activities.” As well as the SAP that, The term “South China Sea” is used in its geographic sense and does not imply recognition of any territorial claims within the areas.

PCSDS EVALUATION

PCSD staff, local government representatives from target project sites, DENR field offices, NGOs were involved in the inception phase which formulated detailed activity plans
and budget. The project will complement ECAN Management Plans in municipalities of the project sites in Busuanga, Coron, San Vicente, and Taytay and support the process of
nominating Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape as a Ramsar Site or a Wetland of International Importance

REQUESTED ACTION FROM THE PCSD

Request PCSD to approve implementation of the project activities in the province of Palawan
Authorize PCSDS Executive Director to sit as member of the Project Steering Commitee
Grant project staff access to relevant data /information and collaborate with PCSD staff in the project sites

Philippine Habitat Sites

The Philippines Habitat Sites comprise 3 general aras which are part of the Large Marine Ecosystem and linked watersheds of the South China Sea and the Sulu-Celebes Sea.

The LME concept for ecosystem-based management approach focuses on productivity, fish and fisheries, pollution, and ecosystem health, socioeconomics, and governance

Link to a map of the Philippine Habitat Sites.

Grantee and Implementation Partner

Executing Agency

The Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. is a membership organization founded by wetland workers and advocates. It was registered as a non-stock, non-profit, non-governmental organization at the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission on 27 April 1998. The principal objective of SCPW is to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands in the country. For the past 26 years, SCPW has focused its work on wetland management and restoration, nature-based solutions, and CEPA (Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation and Awareness), among others.

UNOPS provides infrastructure, procurement and project management services for a more sustainable world. Firmly grounded in UN values, it ensures that partners maximize the positive impact of their peace and security, humanitarian and development projects. Equality, inclusiveness, sustainability and resilience form the foundations of its work.

SCS SAP Implementing the Strategic Action Programme
Grant number: 21192-2024-01-SCS