Marine & Coastal

Analysing tourism elasticity and spending in light of tourism fee implementation, and the associated policy issues related to the actual and perceived risks and merits of fee systems.

Facilitating key analyses related to the cost of managing the Azores marine protected area (MPA) network for the Azores Regional Government.

Developing the business plan and prospectus for the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme’s (SPREP’s) Biodiversity and Conservation Programme to consolidate achievements to date, current and foreseeable priorities, identify emerging opportunities particularly through the Technical and Scientific Cooperation (TSC) designation, and outline resource mobilisation strategies to support implementation of different programme areas.

Contributing through a process of co-production with local rights- and stake-holders, across small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs), to a series of country factsheets that highlight women’s critical contributions to the fisheries sector. To integrate women’s human rights in fisheries, the factsheets also underscore social, economic, and political considerations that act as barriers or enablers to empowering women.

Designing and implementing ecological and socio-economic surveys in two Maldivian atolls to support UNESCO Biosphere Reserve assessments. Socio-economic surveys inform M&E indicators and reveal innovative MPA financing opportunities. Ecological surveys establish baseline data for MPA management and highlight each system’s natural values. The final report provides an analysis findings and proposes management and financing recommendations for the Biosphere Reserves, guiding phase two as the project scales across the Maldivian MPA network.

Delivering services to support the Vanuatu project team and output deliverables of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) Pathways 2 Project. Key areas of support include Community-based Fisheries Management (CBFM) implementation and scaling, catch monitoring, food systems, gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion (GEDSI), capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation.

Supporting the Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) and Snapper Fisheries Coalitions for Indonesia, through Blue Green Advisors (BGA UK Ltd), for the design and print-ready production of fishery baseline reports, data visualisation and customised iconography for metrics and indicators. Transforming raw data and draft reports to improve audience experience and accessibility to the content by utilising visual references to convey key components of the summaries, in the context of the respective fishery Theory of Change. Produced primarily for online distribution to donors, NGO and government partners and industry stakeholders.

Supporting the identification of management actions for Coral Bond funding (a mechanism to leverage private investment to protect coral reefs through improved marine protected area management using an outcome-based finance model that will have direct benefits for the MPAs and provides a return on investment for private investors). In addition, selecting and developing sampling protocols for the biodiversity metrics to be monitored in order to determine whether successful outcomes are achieved.

Providing graphic design and communication services for publication design and layout, including data visualization for annual report tracking of key metrics and analysis of Government, Industry and civil society partners’ work. In the Grouper and Snapper fisheries of Indonesia.

Supporting the design, development and implementation of a Youth Ambassador programme in Zanzibar, engaging and training youths from coastal communities to engage in, lead and influence wider community participation in marine and coastal sustainable management activities. Concurrently supporting the design, development and implementation of a first-of-its-kind Women Rangers Internship programme in the Chumbe Island MPA, empowering and engaging women in communities to become MPA rangers, including full training and three-month internships for on-the-job work shadowing (with Chumbe becoming the first MPA in Tanzania to have women rangers).

Providing support for key outputs related to gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) and community-based fisheries management (CBFM) in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Kiribati, in collaboration with wider stakeholders. The academic and translation outputs focus on gender and CBFM, and the inclusion of people with disabilities in coastal fisheries.

Facilitating two-way learning excursions to eastern Indonesia and Tanzania with WWF Tanzania and Indonesia teams and field partners. Developed learning objectives focused on marine protected area management through eastern Indonesia and Tanzania, and documented lessons learned through this cross-regional exchange.

Developing a financing strategy and funding mechanism(s) tailored to assist the sustainability of the Blue Charter programme, the replenishment of the Blue Charter Incubator fund and the funding priorities of Commonwealth member governments.

Supporting the strategic design, collaborative development and production of fundraising proposals to support the delivery of the Coral Triangle Capacity Building RoadMap. The Road Map was officially adopted at the 18th Senior Officials Meeting on 7 November 2023 by the Governments of Republic of Indonesia, Malaysia, Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. (Decision # 10.5 – 10.9).

Developing a grant proposal and budget for WCS Bangladesh’s Blue Action Fund bid.

Providing quality assurance (QA) for an assessment exploring ‘Healthier Oceans, Stronger Communities: Assessing OCPP’s Role In Reducing Coastal Poverty.’ Reviewing the robustness of findings and extrapolation of lessons learned and implications for this Blue Planet Fund initiative under the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Undertaking research (primary and secondary), coordinating input, writing, graphic design and full production of a “Sustainable Seafood Guide” for tourism businesses, hotels and restaurants in Tanzania, under the USAID Heshimu Bahari programme. The guide introduces key concepts of seafood sustainability, including ecological, health, and socio-economic factors, the role of small-scale fisheries and marine managed areas in seafood production, and how seafood choices impact ocean ecosystems and community well-being. Includes the development of a color-coded Sustainable Seafood Rating for Tanzania (SeRaTa) for 32 commonly consumed marine species.

Facilitating the development of a new integrated transboundary conservation strategy for the Bay of Bengal, including fisheries management, species conservation and protected area elements.

Leading the coordination and collaborative development of a five-year strategic plan for WWF-Coral Triangle Programme through pre-planning, thematic planning, stakeholder consultation, production and review. Involved extensive consultation throughout the WWF Network and facilitation of strategic partner engagement and consultation.

Providing an updated picture of aquaculture in Timor-Leste from a 2011 publication. Focused on the role of WorldFish and the Partnership for Aquaculture Development Project in increasing the culture and sustained availability of Tilapia as a protein source.

Supporting the strengthening of Blue Economy programme design and incorporated of gender equity, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across three thematic areas: (1) Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), (2) conservation of key marine habitats (mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs), and (3) advancing sustainable blue ecotourism. In support of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Zanzibar. Included research and development, facilitation and presenting of findings at validation workshop (Zanzibar).

Supporting this indigenous organization to develop scenario modelling to help shape decisions about the business model for new aquaculture / tourism ventures focused on the commercial production of culturally significant species of prawn.

Undertaking a review of the draft strategic plan and providing an updated theory of change and strategy framing narrative reflecting WWF’s strengths, structures, and the current landscape of marine conservation. Developing a public access summary conveying WWF-ID’s strategy and niche, and exploring WWF-ID’s niche within the overall landscape of marine conservation in the region.

Assessing the feasibility of adopting the IUCN Green List Standard in the Maldives. Reviewing the status of protected and conserved areas in the Maldives, including their values, threats and management status. Providing an analysis of the potential to use The Standard to enhance the management and governance of protected areas to achieve successful conservation outcomes in Maldives. Developing a set of strategic recommendations for adopting the Green List, including a roadmap and the suggested roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders.

Undertaking a mid-term evaluation of the World Wildlife Fund Coral Triangle Programme (WWF-CTP), as it reaches the mid-point of its strategic plan (2021-2025). Involved undertaking quantitative and qualitative surveys, semi-structured individual interviews and virtual focus group discussions with a wide range of WWF network national and programmatic offices, as CTP partner organizations.

Reviewing the framework and tools of this civil maritime program with a focus on the relevance and accomplishments to date of the implementing partners under the PCMSP. Supporting data collection and coordinating the field visits to partners with coral rehabilitation projects.

Providing regional consultant services for the development of a Fisheries related ‘Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures’ (OECM) from the Maldives, co-facilitating a case study presentation at the Asia Regional Workshop on Fisheries-Related OECMs in Bangkok (Dec 2023) and preparing a briefing paper on the IUCN Green List, providing inputs for List-related capacity building in Southeast Asia.

Working with the SPREP Leadership Team to conduct a comprehensive needs analysis and formulate a strategy for long-term sustainability of their $10M p.a. operational core fund. Included stakeholder interviews, survey questionnaire design, detailed financial analysis and issue diagnostics, comparison to other similar organisations and report preparation.

Undertaking a gap analysis study of marine conservation opportunities in Malaysia. Conducting technical assessments of current non-governmental conservation efforts and identification of gaps in conservation. Technical report included recommendations to the client on opportunities and sites for marine conservation, GIS maps and site profiles.

Working as part of a wider consultant team and Working Group to explore sustainable financing, business planning, and fundraising strategies for a new Antarctic MPA-focused entity. Technical design of sustainable financing opportunities, assessment / feasibility of funding and financing options for Ross Sea Region MPA, strategy and operations planning.

Supporting the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) Regional Secretariat and Strategic Partners to develop a three-year RoadMap for Capacity Building in the Coral Triangle. Coordinating stakeholder consultations with the government National Coordinating Committees in each CT country, and leading the design, development and production of the strategic plan through collaborative ‘pillar’ teams comprised of representatives from government and NGOs. Supported by the USAID SuFIA TS Project.

Working within a team to evaluate the four projects under the Friends of the Ocean Action (FOA), including conducting a document review, primary data collection through online interviews and face-to-face interviews in Fiji.

Leading the joint IUCN-UNESCO Reactive Monitoring Mission reporting to the World Heritage Convention to assess the status of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. In particular, reviewing the status of the updated Reef 2050 Plan, and assessing the revised contents and achievements in light of escalating threats from climate change and other factors affecting the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and integrity of the property.

Supporting the Blue Marine Foundation to develop a program strategy for their multi-country Mediterranean conservation program. Conducting a landscape assessment and key stakeholder surveys to assess strategy needs and opportunities. Facilitating team workshops to participatorily conceptualise, develop and draft the strategy for the Mediterranean Sea, focused on small-scale fisheries recovery, MPA expansion, management effectiveness, and habitat protection.

Supporting the design, development, implementation and facilitation of the Partners Meeting for the six-nation Coral Triangle Initiative for Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF). Focused on progress of the partner papers initiatives in: (1) development of a Conservation Trust Fund, (2) development of a Capacity Building RoadMap for the region, and (3) enhancement of International Policy Engagement.

Supporting the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) to develop a successful grant proposal to the Blue Action Fund, to support the ongoing management of the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area (NIMPA).

Co-authoring a comprehensive analysis of private sector involvement in sustainable fisheries and marine resource management, identifying key stakeholders and opportunities for partnership.

Providing support to the USAID Sustainable Ecosystem Advanced (SEA) Project to ensure efficient and targeted report writing, and to fulfill the Project’s regular reporting contract requirements. Assignment involves assisting with writing, editing, and overseeing report production including the bi-annual newsletter “Talking SEA”.

Producing a chapter on Sustainable Financing for Protected Areas for the IUCN 2020 State of Oceania’s Protected and Conservation Areas Reports.

Supporting the Blue Marine Foundation and local partners to develop a program design and funding proposal for a large marine protected area in the Benguela Current marine ecosystem.

Undertaking a stock-take of existing capacity building support, materials, efforts and infrastructure related to establishing and managing marine protected areas (MPAs) and supporting marine and coastal conservation across the Coral Triangle (CT). The stock-take was commissioned by the CT Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) Regional Secretariat, with the aim to guide and inform the future development of a clear road map for the CTI-CFF to catalyze sufficient institutional capacity and human capital in coastal communities, community organizations and MPA managers to protect 30% of the coastal and marine waters in the Coral Triangle region by 2030.

Providing consultant support to the monitoring and evaluation of the USAID Papua New Guinea (PNG) Biodiversity Program — a five-year conservation program that aims to strengthen the management of environmental resources to promote conservation of the country’s biodiversity and enhance the resilience of its people. The program supports communities to manage their customary lands and waters, working at both national and local levels to develop the capacities needed to provide the legal, technical, and financial resources required to achieve the sustainable management of their natural resources.

Leading the marine biodiversity components of work under the USAID SEA Project — a five-year project supporting the Government of Indonesia to address threats to marine resources using an ecosystem approach to fisheries and marine resources management (EAFM), applying marine spatial planning, development of marine protected areas (MPAs), and strengthening marine policy at all scales to conserve biodiversity and the ecosystem functions, goods, and services – from food security to livelihoods – upon which humans depend.

Undertaking national-level analyses of seafood supply chains and assessing current demand for sustainable product to support MDPI’s sustainable domestic seafood sourcing project. Initiative aims to link responsible small-scale fishers with high-end domestic seafood buyers in a bid to improve sustainability and profitability. Assignment included developing design options for new sustainable domestic sourcing, and developing industry networks with stakeholders demonstrating clear commitments to sustainability.

Undertaking a series of consultations and facilitating key stakeholders from communities, government agencies and associated NGO’s, to identify priority targets and activities to promote sustainable development and marine conservation in Atauro Island. Reviewing both primary and secondary information available, and producing a final management plan to be agreed by all stakeholders.

Coordinating, facilitating and producing the 10-year vision for Marine Protected Area (MPA) expansion and effective management in Indonesia. The MPA VISION 2030 is a joint product of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) together with the Ministries of National Development Planning (Bappenas), Home Affairs (KemenDagri) and Finance (KemenKeu), and conservation partners WWF, CTC, WCS, YKAN-TNC, Rare and CI. As joint lead consultant (in partnership with the University of Agriculture in Bogor), support was provided from conception and design through to full production and legal formalization.

Supporting the Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) and Snapper Fisheries Coalitions for Indonesia, through BGA UK Ltd, for the design of fishery baseline reports and customized iconography for metrics and indicators. Transforming raw data and draft reports to improve audience experience and accessibility to the content by utilizing visual references to convey key components of the summaries, in the context of the respective fishery Theory of Change. Produced primarily for online distribution to donors, NGO and government partners and industry stakeholders. Coordinating the translation of executive summaries for an Indonesian audience through to production of print-ready documents.

Coordinating, facilitating and producing the 10-year vision for Marine Protected Area (MPA) expansion and effective management in Indonesia. The MPA VISION 2030 is a joint product of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) together with the Ministries of National Development Planning (Bappenas), Home Affairs (KemenDagri) and Finance (KemenKeu), and conservation partners WWF, CTC, WCS, YKAN-TNC, Rare and CI. As joint lead consultant (in partnership with the University of Agriculture in Bogor), support was provided from conception and design through to full production and legal formalization.

Providing senior advisory support to the Packard Foundation Indonesian Marine Program, including supporting the Blue Swimming Crab, Snapper and Grouper fisheries management work streams, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and engagement with the Packard Oceans team, Tuna, Markets and Science.

Supporting the Victoria State Government to update the program strategy for Coastcare Victoria, a statewide coastal stewardship program that supports 10,000 coastal conservation volunteers.

Facilitating innovative permaculture trial operations that promote both climate resilience of coral reef systems and seaweed aquaculture opportunities for local communities.

Developing program strategies and funding proposals to support the marine program of WCS-Indonesia. Developing fisheries and marine protected area (MPA) strategies and field activities; MEL approaches for, and direct engagement with donors to finalise funding applications. Assignment resulted in WCS’s program attracting new funding agreements from two philanthropic donors and one bilateral partner, totaling more than $2million USD.

The Indonesia Sustainable Ecosystems Advanced (SEA) Project is a five-year program that supports the Government of Indonesia to conserve biological diversity and improve the governance of marine resources at local, district, provincial and national levels. The communications plan will support this multi-partner initiative through the development of (i) an internal communications strategy (to ensure systematic coordination and communication processes within and between SEA project staff and primary sub-contractors); and (ii) an external communications framework to promote behavior change and adoption of sustainable management measures through the use of best practice approaches for identifying key target audiences, developing messaging utilizing baseline knowledge, skills, attitude and behavior assessments and strategic development of tailored communication techniques.

As part of a series of case studies related to WWF supported marine initiatives across the Coral Triangle region, this case study development involved a thorough review of support activities implemented to date, and assessment of challenges, achievements and lessons learned.

Overseeing the development of a terms of reference and feasibility report for undertaking an environmental impact assessment of a new oil and gas supply base for offshore production. Working with subcontractors to develop their specific components of the reports and combine them into the final versions.

Design and development of website content for local Indonesian conservation organization, the Coral Triangle Center, working in capacity building for marine and coastal management.

Project management and coordination support to the Ministry of Marine Affairs & Fisheries (MMAF) in Indonesia for the Blue Swimming Crab Sustainable Fishery Initiative (BSC-SFI); pilot site development. Under the Trust for Conservation Innovation (T4CI), Conservation, Community Investment Forum (CCIF) and Starling Resources.

Providing lead facilitation, agenda design and associated materials production for the first Southeast Asia Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) Workshop, exploring the outcomes of the 2016 ‘Global Landscape Review of FIPs’ and promoting cross-nation sharing of lessons learned and collaboration. In support of Scaling Blue LLC  and the Coral Triangle Center.

Assessment conducted through desk-based research, partner interviews and online surveys with government agencies, universities and NGO technical partners throughout the region (Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste). Capacity assessment conducted under the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) in support of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) Regional Secretariat. Review tailored for the 12th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of the inter-governmental CTI-CFF. Largest capacity building assessment conducted to date in the region to support the implementation of the CTI-CFF Regional Plan of Action (RPoA), Goal #3, ‘Marine Protected Areas established and effectively managed’.

Desk-based research of latest theories and best practice approaches to undertaking Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) for programmatic capacity building related activities and institutional resilience assessments. Development of an associated organizational MEL framework for the Coral Triangle Center.

Evaluation of the Coral Triangle Centers (CTC) strategic plan to date (2011-2014) through partner & stakeholder consultation. Facilitation and development of new Five year Strategy (2015-2019): For Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CTC)

Design, development and collation of visitor exhibits, interactive learning tools and information materials for the Coral Triangle Regional learning hub – Coral Triangle Center (CTC) – for marine & coastal management

Support to the design, development and production of a five year strategic plan for sustainable fisheries management in Indonesia. Plan focused on the target fisheries of snapper & grouper, sea cucumber, blue swimming crab and sharks & rays, across four provinces in Indonesia (West Nusa Tenggara, North Maluku, Central Java and Aceh). Assignment in support of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Indonesia.

Analysis of thematic messaging, learning objectives and exhibit design for Bali based marine conservation exhibition center under development: Coral Triangle Center (CTC).

Reviewed and full copy-edited the results of the Marine Rapid Assessment conducted in the Banda Islands, Maluku province, Indonesia on behalf of the Coral Triangle Center (CTC). Findings provided the basis for a network of MPAs to be established (in progress) and included considerable data analysis, both bio-physical and socio-economic.

Assessment of MPA design, development and implementation stages (2008-2014) and production of a ‘Lessons Learned’ document on behalf of the Coral Triangle Center (CTC). Nusa Penida is one of the highest ranked MPAs in the country for effective management.Assessment involved extensive interviews and communications with MPA management and associated stakeholders, and the report was designed for dissemination amongst wider district managed MPAs across the country experiencing similar challenges. Included clear and practicable solutions-based experiential testimonies.

Strategic assessment of existing curricula, design of new training curricula and associated course prospectus production for MPA training program; Coral Triangle Center (CTC), in Indonesia

Overall design & coordination support to the development & implementation of the 2014 Marine Protected Area International Training Event, for Indonesia and Timor-Leste focused on MPA Governance. With ~ 100 participants the event focused on: promoting the Blue Economy in MPAs; MPA capacity building needs, and effective governance structures for MPAs. Assignment in support of the Ministry of Marine Affairs & Fisheries, Indonesia; Coral Triangle Center; International Union for the Conservation of Nature Blue Solutions Program.

Impact assessment covered the period of 2001 – 2014 and reviewed all coastal resource management projects supported by Lutheran World Relief (Philippines) in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur implemented through this period. The assessment included a household survey and qualitative data gathering to document achievements and lessons learned in the areas of: women empowerment, enterprise development, coastal resource management, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and to a lesser extent emergency responses.

Designing and implementing education training packages for Indonesian university students within the framework of a manta ray conservation science internship program. Intern management and mentoring in data collection and collation and science communications. Documentation of training processes, report preparation. Assignment in support of MantaWatch.

Serving as a Resource Person for the US CTI Support Program on the design and implementation of the CTI Regional Exchange for ‘Developing and Supporting the CT MPA System’, including presenting on the compilation of network frameworks and facilitating the drafting of early key elements of the regional MPA system design.

Providing technical support for the design of a network of marine protected areas. Supporting GIS Analyst and Conservation Planner in developing the network of marine protected areas using MARXAN Systematic Portfolio Assembly tool. Assignment under The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Indonesia Marine Program