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West Indian Ocean -Land Based(Wio-LaB)
Wio-LaB Western Indian Ocean Land Base activities Project UNEP/WIOLaB Project
This project entitled Wio-LaB Western Indian Ocean Land Base activities Project Land-Based activities in the Western Indian Ocean (referred to as "WIO-LaB" in short) addresses some of the major environmental problems and issues related to the degradation of the marine and coastal environment resulting from Land-Based activities (LBA) in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.
The WIOLaB Project was developed as part of the Strategic Action Programme prepared at the COP March 1997 in Nairobi. It is facilitated through a Global Environment Project Facility and the Project was approved in a meeting by focal points in Mauritius 2002.
The project covers the Western Indian Ocean Region including Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros and Mauritius. The region is rich in resources with its goods and services under threat. The project was developed to respond to the urgent need for better management of the region’s resources for improved livelihoods.
The project represents a strong partnership between the countries of the WIO Region, the Norwegian government, UNEP and the GEF. It is designed to serve as a demonstration project for the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities (GPA/LBA).
Objectives of the Project
Reduce stress to the ecosystem by improving water and sediment quality
Strengthen regional legal basis for preventing land-based sources of pollution, including implementation of GPA
Develop regional capacity and strengthen institutions for sustainable development including the implementation of the Nairobi Convention
Achievements of the Project in Kenya
UNEP WIO LaB supported the development of the State of the Coast Report. The report is now complete and is awaiting approval for publishing.
WIOLaB has also offered support to the ICZM Committee which has developed a draft ICZM Policy. UNEP- Global programme of Action has developed Municipal Waste Water Guidelines and are now supporting the training of managers of municipals waste water in Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi.
The project has also supported the development of the Protocol additional to the Nairobi Convention entitled ‘Third Draft Protocol Additional to the Nairobi Convention Concerning Land-Based Sources and Activities (LBS/A) in The Eastern African Region.’
UNEP GPA has also developed principles on physical alteration and destruction of habitats. These principles have been incorporated into the shoreline guidelines being developed by NEMA.
The project has also developed the Environmental Assessment Guidelines which will be adopted by NEMA.
It has also compiled a National Report on the Municipal Waste Water Treatment in Kenya which will be used in the development of the pollution prevention guidelines.
