CMAR Commission to develop strategic plan

In order to develop strategic planning for the establishment of the National Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, the National Environmental Authority (ANAM), the Alliance for Conservation and Development (ACD) and the Panama International Maritime University (UMIP) carried out the II Meeting, attended by officials and representatives of the private enterprise sector, NGOs and other groups interested in the environmental and fisheries sectors.

The Joint Declaration of the Ministers of State of member countries of the CMAR (Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama) was one of the topics addressed by Professor José Julio Casas in the UMIP in order to reiterate the commitment of Panama in the creation of the CMAR National Committee, where the main actors ensure effective protection and sustainable use of biodiversity and coastal and marine resources.

During the meeting, held with the support of Conservation International, the Technical Secretary of the CMAR, Ricardo Meneses, presented the experience of Costa Rica in the establishing of the National Commission, posing major problems during the process and strategies taken for its establishment.

In addition, Meneses made important recommendations on the participation of members in the CMAR, within which he highlighted the involvement of government agencies responsible for ensuring the protection and responsible use of national resources.

Mr. Abdiel Miranda Aguilar presented a diagram for development of strategic planning for establishment of the Commission, based on its vision, mission and objectives, enabling the development of operational plans.

After an exchange of ideas among participants, with the help of Mr. Aguilar and the Technical Secretary of CMAR, the five strategic preliminary thrusts were identified as: Planning and Policy, Management, Use and Conservation of Marine and Coastal Resources for Scientific Research, Communication, Education and Participation and Processes.

These preliminary goals will be discussed among the participants in order to get more input, which allows for approval at the Third Meeting of the CMAR to be held in January 2011.