STRUCTURE
The Toolkit consists of a ring-binder containing double-sided ‘theme sheets’ and a series of introductory pages. The binding is loose leaf so that the theme sheets can be copied, faxed, individually laminated, and used separately for specific purposes. It is strongly recommended that if sheets are removed from the Toolkit, they should be copied first and the original replaced immediately. The Toolkit is intended to be a dynamic document and additional theme sheets and other materials can also be added.
The Toolkit has three parts:
Introductory section — This comprises seven main parts, including maps of the maritime nations of South Asia, and a regional overview showing the location of all MCPAs, which is supported by a table with details of dates of their establishment and size. Addresses and contact details for each MCPA, an annotated list of global and regional conventions and initiatives relevant to MCPAs (referred to frequently in individual theme sheets), guidelines for Internet searches and details for obtaining some of the more frequently cited sources of further information are also provided. The final sheet of the introductory section provides a description of the process of producing the Toolkit with a detailed acknowledgement of all the individuals and institutions that collaborated and assisted on the development of the South Asia Toolkit, and the original WIO Toolkit from which the South Asia Toolkit materials were adapted.
Part 1. The Management Process — Seven sections contain theme sheets on management topics or inputs (human, financial, organisational and technical) required to effectively manage an MCPA and ensure that it meets its objectives:
A. Legislative and institutional framework
B. Participatory processes
C. Planning and reporting
D. Human resources
E. Finances
F. Equipment and infrastructure
G. Monitoring, evaluation and research
Part 2. Conservation and Sustainable Use — Four sections provide theme sheets on topics related to the results or outputs of MCPA management:
H. Habitats and species
I. Fisheries
J. Tourism, recreation and education
K. Coastal development and shipping
THEME SHEET CONTENT
Each sheet covers a theme relevant to MCPA management in the South Asia region. The text aims to provide:
• An introduction to the subject and a description of the key issues relevant to MCPA management;
• Some ideas and guidance on what the MCPA might do in relation to the topic;
• References to publications and Internet websites;
• Where relevant, a short case study from an MCPA within the South Asian region, or globally, which illustrates a particular point in the theme sheet and discusses experience and lessons learnt.
Surveys conducted in 2004, prior to the development of the Toolkit for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) indicated that MCPA personnel required assistance in obtaining information on different subjects. Consultations with stakeholders in the South Asian region in 2006 also highlighted a need for compiled, accessible information on a range of subjects to assist in the daily challenges of MCPA management in remote locations. The theme sheets therefore focus on providing details on how to obtain the information needed. This is largely in two formats: printed documentation, with key references listed; and electronically, from the Internet, with key websites provided. Guidance on how to maximise use of the internet is provided within this introductory section. Some theme sheets cover very specific technical subjects whilst others simply provide an introduction to more complex issues, and some subjects are covered in more depth than others. Each theme sheet stands alone, but contains cross-references to other relevant sheets. The theme sheets have been adapted from those within the WIO Toolkit and reviewed by numerous regional and international experts to provide a South Asian context. They nevertheless represent only general guidance to the theme in question and should not be taken as the definitive management guide. Use should always be made of the additional sources of information that are provided.
Website
The Toolkit will be available on the IUCN Global Marine Programme website (http://www.iucn.org/marine). All the theme sheets can be viewed or downloaded as pdf files. New material and updates will be posted to the website on a continuing basis.
