| Focused learning discussion On Wednesday, 01 August 2007, from 10:45 to 12:30 at the GEF Fourth Biennial International Waters Conference in Cape Town, there was a focused learning discussion on: Assessing and valuating ecosystems The session started with an introductory 20 minute presentation by John Pernetta (UNEP/GEF South China Sea Project Director) highlighting the critical importance of valuing the goods and services of coastal habitats for the development of the South China Sea regional Strategic Action Programme (SAP).  Regionally applicable values for environmental goods and services (John Pernetta)Hamidreza Ghaffarzadeh (Caspian Environment Programme Project Manager) and Chika Ukwe (UNIDO Development Officer - International Waters) then commented for about 10 minutes each on this presentation highlighting similarities and differences between the valuation work in the South China See Project and the valuation work of the Caspian Environment Programme and the Interim Guinea Current Commission, respectively. The remaining 60 minutes of the session were an open discussion -- facilitated by Francis Vorhies (IUCN senior advisor) -- on the benefits and challenges of economic valuation for international waters decision-making and management. This discussion also highlighted future learning needs.
For more information on the Conference, please visit: http://www.getf.org/iwc4/ |