Study of the Concept of Large Marine Ecosystems and its Institutional Relevance for Ecosystem-based Management and Development (2012)
The LME approach can result in considerably improved cross-sectorial coordination and collaboration on coastal and marine management when there are long-term commitments from countries to establish LME-based institutions, such as the Benguela Current Commission and Interim Guinea Current Commission. However, it is difficult to identify clear criteria of success in implementing the LME approach. The funding provided from GEF is merely catalytic and varies considerably across LMEs, from US$26 million in total for subsequent phases of the Guinea Current LME to less than US$3 million for the Arafura Timor Seas (ATS). The successful development of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA), adoption of a Strategic Action Programme (SAP) and strengthening of institutional arrangements for SAP implementation seems to be more dependent on political factors than GEF funding, linked to factors such as number of countries bordering the LME, political will to engage in regional collaboration and existing regional policy and institutional frameworks. Capacity to execute the LME approach in an adaptive way probably also plays an important role.
Study of the Concept of Large Marine Ecosystems and its Institutional Relevance for Ecosystem-based Management and Development (2012).pdf
