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The Mangrove Management Committee (MMC) has been reestablished as technical advisory committee under the National Environment Council (NEC) as provided under section 8(2) of the Environment Management Act (2005). The reestablishment of the committee underpins the importance of mangroves as essential and valuable ecosystems. It also recognises the increasing pressure to carry out coastal development and the need to ensure this is carried out in a sustainable manner. The conservation and sustainable management of mangroves is essential for maintaining community livelihoods and in relation to adapting to the impacts of climate change. Mangroves in Fiji are owned by the state and administered by the Department of Lands, but also fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Forests, Department of Fisheries and the Department of Environment. The re-establishment of the Mangrove Management Committee will bring all decision makers together, strengthen coordination and promote the co-management to ensure the conservation and sustainable management of mangroves.
Terms of Reference for the MMC 1. The purpose of the Mangrove Management Committee, (MMC), is to be responsible to the NEC for the conservation and sustainable management of mangroves in Fiji. 2. The MMC is expected to carry out the following functions: 2.1 Act as a technical advisory committee to the NEC and advice regulatory agencies with the consideration of development proposals in mangrove areas. 2.2 To review the national legislations and policies related to mangrove management 2.3 Review the National Mangrove Management Plan, and take necessary actions to revise/develop/amend the plan, utilising the available GIS technology. 2.4 Review and recommend procedures and guidelines for mangrove harvesting and foreshore development on mangrove areas. 2.5 Monitor the implementation of the National Mangrove Management Plan, mangrove harvesting and foreshore development on mangrove areas. 2.6 Facilitate research and the exchange of information between key mangrove stakeholders 2.7 Coordinate and ensure all mangrove related initiatives are align to the national mangrove management plan. This will require all initiatives related to mangrove management to be carried out in close consultation with the MMC 2.8 Administer the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Mangrove EcoSystems for Climate Change Adaptation and Livelihood (MESCAL) Fiji project component Members of the MMC The Mangrove Management Committee consists of senior level representatives, from the following agencies*: Ministry of I Taukei Affairs Ministry of Agriculture Department of Lands
Department of Forests Department of Environment Department of Fisheries Department of Land and Water Resource Management Department of Town & Country Planning National Trust of Fiji Academic and Research Institutions Non Government Organisations Private sector representatives * Open to new nominated members as deemed appropriate.
Governance and Reporting Mechanism The MMC is a technical advisory committee to the National Environment Council (NEC).
Chairpersonship The MMC reports to the NEC on a regular basis on the progress of its work and on matters of national importance. |