Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network South Asia (GCRMN SA)

Between 1997 and 2001 DFID funded the implementation of the South Asia node of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) as part of its strategy of collaboration with UNESCO. This project was implemented by IOC-UNESCO.

Formed in 1997 the GCRMN SA worked to develop the capacity to collect, share and use information for the management and development of the regions coral reef resources, with particular recognition of their role in the support of the livelihoods of poor people. The project worked through a regional office in Colombo which provided partners with:

Guidance on the systems and understanding required to enable local level information to be incorporated into decision making processes at higher levels.

Co-ordination of the structures and mechanism for production and dissemination of information, through the creation of networks and training initiatives.

Communication within the region to facilitate the flows of information, notably through Coral Reef Forums and by building up a regional information resource centre.

Support for human and institutional strengthening on a series of areas relating to the collection, analysis and dissemination of information.

In 2001 DFID funded an Associate Professional Officer in the position of South Asia Regional Coordinator (Ben Cattermoul) and funded the technical and management support from IMM for 2001.

IMM provided management and training support for the regional coordinator and more general policy and socio economic support for the project. We also provided specific training and facilitation inputs for socio-economic monitoring and informing and influencing decision makers.