International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

GEF LME:LEARN

GEF LME:LEARN is a program to improve global ecosystem-based governance of Large Marine Ecosystems and their coasts by generating knowledge, building capacity, harnessing public and private partners and supporting south-to-south learning and north-to-south learning. A key element of this improved governance is main-streaming cooperation between LME, MPA, and ICM projects in overlapping areas, both for GEF projects and for non-GEF projects. This Full-scale project plans to achieve a multiplier effect using demonstrations of learning tools and toolboxes, to aid practitioners and other key stakeholders, in conducting and learning from GEF projects.

Project Components

1Global and regional network of partners to enhance ecosystem-based management and to provide support for the GEF LME/ICM/MPA projects to address their needs and incorporate climate variability and change considerations.

2Synthesis and incorporation of knowledge into policymaking; capture of best LME governance practices; and development of new methods and tools to enhance the management effectiveness of LMEs and to incorporate ICM, MPAs and climate variability and change, including the five LME Approach modules.

3Capacity and partnership building through twinning and learning exchanges, workshops, and training among LMEs and similar initiatives.

4Communication, dissemination and outreach of GEF LME/ICM/MPA project achievements and lessons learned.

Partners

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY
Through its strategic investments, the GEF works with partners to tackle the planet’s biggest environmental issues. The GEF is the funding agency for LME:LEARN and the portfolio of projects we provide services to.

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
UNDP works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through the sustainable development of nations. UNDP works in cooperation with other UN agencies, the GEF, international financial institutions, regional organizations, NGOs, the private sector and others to improve water and ocean management and sustain livelihoods at local, national, regional and global scales through effective water and ocean governance. UNDP is the implementing agency for the GEF LME:LEARN project. .

INTERGOVERNMENTAL OCEANOGRAPHIC COMMISSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION
IOC-UNESCO promotes international cooperation and coordinates programmes in marine research, services, observation systems, hazard mitigation, and capacity development in order to understand and effectively manage the resources of the ocean and coastal areas. IOC-UNESCO is the project executor and contributes capacity building, technical knowledge, data and information exchange, project management, and project sustainability.

INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE
IUCN provides public, private and non-governmental organizations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. IUCN is responsible for development of the Environmental Economics toolkit and the LME Hub on the GEF LME:LEARN website.

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEA
ICES is a global organization that develops science and advice to support the sustainable us of the oceans. ICES is responsible for the Governance Working group, delivery of the Governance Toolkit, organization of training courses and dissemination of best practices.

CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL
CI is a nonprofit environmental organization with a goal to protect nature as a source of food, fresh water, livelihoods and a stable climate. CI is responsible for the development of the toolkits on Stakeholder Participation and LME Assessment, as well as developing a guide on planning and implementing comprehensive marine management capacity development.

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (U.S)
NOAA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce that enriches life through science. NOAA has a diverse range of diverse skills and expertise that it shares as part of their continued science and technical support of LME projects and other related capacity building activities for ecosystem-based approaches in the management of coastal and marine resources.

This global project is funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and executed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. The GEF LME:LEARN’s Project Coordination Unit (PCU) is headquartered at UNESCO-IOC’s offices in Paris.

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