Pilot Projects Selected

Abu Dhabi, 8 February 2011 – The Secretariat received 12 Expressions of Interest covering all five sub-regions. The projects highlighted the need for a number of important dugong conservation activities.

Two Expressions of Interest were assessed as substantially meeting the selection criteria to trial innovative financial incentive tools for dugong conservation. In the first instance, the Secretariat will develop and implement pilot projects in Mozambique and Papua New Guinea.

Five other projects (in India, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Tanzania and Thailand) were assessed as having the potential to meet the criteria and become viable financial incentives pilot projects – subject to available capacity, resources and funding. These potential projects have been invited to work closely with the Secretariat to further develop their proposals.

The Secretariat thanks all applicants for their interest and efforts, and strongly encourages range states to seek alternative funding for their national initiatives. The Secretariat will be happy to provide letters of support if required.