Programme Cooperation Agreement 2010 – 2011

Shelf data acquisition mission conducted by Mauritanian & Cape Verdian scientists

The programme of capacity development for technical personnel from each of the West African States has also commenced. It aims to develop an understanding of the concepts of Article 76 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 7 the steps involved in the submission process, and the technical capacity to participate in the preparation of the submission. Two workshops organised in 2011 successfully established the framework for producing the submissions and strengthened the capacity of country officials to analyse the geo-scientific data currently being collected. MoFA provided each of the 12 participants (2 from each state) with computer equipment and GEOCAP software 8 licences to enable them to continue working in the period between the scheduled workshops. “I first encountered the UNEP Shelf Programme in September 2008 in Windhoek when I attended a workshop organized by amongst other institutions, UNEP. The training workshop was on the procedures and processes of delineating the outer limits of the continental shelf in accordance with article 76 of the UNCLOS. This event and my subsequent interactions with the programme have not only enhanced the advancement of the target project, but (have) also positively impacted my personal career development. At the national level, the interactions kick-started a process (still going on) that would eventually result in a submission on the continental shelf project. It has reinvigorated our efforts and built momentum for our national committee. On the personal level, these interactions have increased my understanding of UNCLOS-related concepts, hence broadened my experience. The programme has also served as a platform for networking with colleagues from different professions and countries. These experiences I continue to share with colleagues and members of The Gambian national committee on continental shelf project.” Extract from a personal communication from Jerreh Barrow, Assistant Director, Geological Department, Office of the President and focal point for the Gambian continental shelf project, 3 February 2012

i Although the long-term training programme is at an early stage, a high level of enthusiasm and commitment from the participants has been observed (see box), which is a precondition for success. Significant cooperation among participants in regard to data sharing and knowledge transfer – “geoscientists without borders” – is further evidence that the programme is having the intended effect. i The OSDS currently facilitates access to data generated by approximately 17,000 marine surveys. Developing countries have made extensive use of this unique resource for preparing shelf submissions, demonstrating relevant and tangible outcomes from the use of theOSDS. By early 2012 there hadbeen 5,258 external downloads of Extended Continental Shelf data files (so- called ‘shapefiles’) from 1,008 unique sites. The UNEP Shelf Programme has continued to work with partners in the Pacific region , principally the Applied Geoscience and Technology Division (SOPAC) of the Secretariat of the Pacific Commission (SPC), Geosciences Australia and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Of the nine states engaged in extended continental shelf delimitation over the last four years, five – Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu and Fiji, as displayed in the map below – are still working to convert PIDs into final submissions. Part of this work is now moving forward due to the collection of new data by the Government of Papua New Guinea. GRID-Arendal has supported development of the data acquisition plan and coordinates data compilation for distribution at the regional workshop scheduled for February 2012. All states now have sufficient data to finalise their submissions apart from the remote island state of Kiribati, which is still in the process of collecting the underlying data to support their submission, planned for May 2013.

7. http://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_ overview_convention.htm 8. http://www.geocap.no/content/software

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