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TRINCOMALEE BAY SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA Page | 13
III.
PREPARATION OF INTERIM SMA PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION BY NECCDEP
A. SMA process adopted in NECCDEP
60. The comprehensive SMA planning process (currently the SAM planning process) can
take several years. The CCC needs to be formed, made operational, strengthened and
integrated into the wider stakeholder community. At least 1-2 years are also needed to
complete the data collection process and to complete necessary studies such as
participatory rural appraisal (PRA), development of resource profiles, water quality studies
and other related studies. The comprehensive SAM Plan then needs to be developed in a
consultative way that is gender sensitive and includes isolated and vulnerable stakeholders.
61. In view of the timeframe and the delay in mobilizing the international consultants due
to the poor security situation prevailing at the time, NECCDEP has adopted a parallel two
track process involving the development of a fast-track interim SMA Plan and a slower more
formal comprehensive SAM planning process. The development of resource profiles, water
quality studies, tourism development studies follows the slower more formal comprehensive
SAM planning process
62. The fast track approach recognizes the precautionary principle “Noting also that
where there is a threat of significant reduction or loss of biological diversity, lack of full
scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to avoid or
minimize such a threat” (Ref. 0121) . Waiting for several years to conserve the environment and
bring benefits to local communities may aggravate the situation by letting the environment
deteriorate still further and losing the support of stakeholders due to lack of action.
63. The NECCDEP “fast track” interim SMA planning approach focused on identifying and
addressing priority issues through a work plan implemented during 2005-2006. The
comprehensive slower SAM planning process continued in parallel. The combined process is
briefly listed below:-
1. Review existing study and research reports;
2. Start new studies to fill the gaps in information flow;
3. Undertake a resource inventory and prepare the environmental profile;
4. Identify core environmental issues;
5. Undertake stakeholder workshops;
6. Undertake field visits;
7. Develop work plan 2005-2006;
8. Form the SMA Committee (SMA C);
9. SMA Committee approval of the work plan;
10. Implementation of work plan through IP-NGO and IPs;
11. Monitoring and evaluation;
12. Formation of the District SAM Community Coordinating Committee
(DSAM CCC);