ASEAN Region (Singapore among SIDS)

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and the ASEAN Secretariat. The ASEAN countries cooperated in the implementation of the CPMS through National Coordinating Agencies (NCAs) whose members, together with a delegate from CIDA, constituted the Programme Steering Committee (PSC) that provided policy direction and guidance for the programme.

The ASEAN-Canada Cooperative Programme on Marine Science (CPMS) was implemented between 1991 and 2000. The goal of the CPMS was to support the regional effort of ASEAN countries to cooperatively optimize marine science capabilities through environmental maintenance in a manner that would ensure the integrity of the resource base and protect human health.
The following main activities were undertaken by the programme:
• Implementation of background studies on formulation and application of environmental criteria as established by other tropical regions in the world, the undertaking of toxicity testing using regional species, and preparation of criteriadocuments;
• Establishment of pollution monitoring programmes and quality assurance/quality-control procedures for field samplingand laboratory analysis;
• Establishment of a regional Red Tide Alert and Information Network, enhancement of monitoring programmes, and ecophysiological studies on red-tide organisms;
• Implementation of technical planning workshops and preparation of training and research activities to be undertaken by ASEAN and Canadian technical specialists;
• Transfer of technology through training, and supply of equipment and materials.

• Natural and environmental disasters (Chapter II of the Barbados Programme of Action)
• Science and technology (Chapter XIII of the BPoA)
• Regional institutions and technical cooperation (Chapter XI of the BPoA)
• Coastal and marine resources (Chapter IV of the BPoA)
• Human resource development (Chapter XIV of the BPoA)

The programme:

• Brought about closer technical cooperation among ASEAN countries in the field of marine science, and a growing information exchange between scientists in universities and government institutions of the participating countries;
• Contributed significantly to the upgrading of marine sciences institutions and capabilities in ASEAN, particularly in the areas of marine environmental quality criteria formulation, toxicity testing, marine pollution monitoring, and studies on harmful algal blooms;
• Contributed to the standardization of marine science methodologies,
in quality assurance/quality control, and in the preparation of criteria documents for several priority parameters in the ASEAN region;
• Led to the adoption of a common set of marine environment quality criteria for ASEAN which provides a framework that will enable ASEAN countries to legislate appropriate regulatory standards for the sustainable development and management of regional living marine resources;
• Contributed to the protection of human health in the ASEAN region by the establishment of marine environmental quality standards, the Red Tide Alert Network, the enhancement of marine pollution monitoring programmes,and the ensuring of quality/safety standards for seafoods.

• The success of a complex regional programme depends on the strong commitment by all the partners and their relevant institutions.
• Flexibility, adaptability and responsiveness from both the donor agency and partners are essential for the efficient implementation
of programme activities.
• The technical and scientific communities of the region are receptive to networking and cooperation on activities relating to research and capacity building.
• The programme provides a model of a successful implementation
mechanism, warranting consideration of other programmes of a similar nature.

Mr. Lennox Hinds
Sr. Oceans and Marine Affairs and Fisheries Advisor
Policy Branch, CIDA
200 Promenade du Portage
Hull, Quebec
Canada K1A 0G4
Tel.: (819) 997-0483
Fax: (819) 953-3348
E-mail: lennox_hinds@acdi-cida.gc.ca