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The programme of capacity development for technical
personnel from each of the West African States has also
commenced. It aims to develop an understanding of the
concepts of Article 76 of the UN Convention on the Law of
the Sea (UNCLOS),7 the steps involved in the submission
process, and the technical capacity to participate in
the preparation of the submission. Two workshops
organised in 2011 successfully established the framework
for producing the submissions and strengthened the
capacity of country officials to analyse the geo-scientific
data currently being collected. MoFA provided each of
the 12 participants (2 from each state) with computer
equipment and GEOCAP software8 licences to enable
them to continue working in the period between the
scheduled workshops.
“I first encountered the UNEP Shelf Programme in
September 2008 in Windhoek when I attended a
workshop organized by amongst other institutions,
UNEP. The training workshop was on the procedures
and processes of delineating the outer limits of the
continental shelf in accordance with article 76 of the
UNCLOS. This event and my subsequent interactions
with the programme have not only enhanced the
advancement of the target project, but (have) also
positively impacted my personal career development.
At the national level, the interactions kick-started a
process (still going on) that would eventually result
in a submission on the continental shelf project. It
has reinvigorated our efforts and built momentum
for our national committee. On the personal level,
these interactions have increased my understanding
of UNCLOS-related concepts, hence broadened my
experience. The programme has also served as a
platform for networking with colleagues from different
professions and countries. These experiences I continue
to share with colleagues and members of The Gambian
national committee on continental shelf project.”
Extract from a personal communication from Jerreh Barrow, Assistant
Director, Geological Department, Office of the President and focal
point for the Gambian continental shelf project, 3 February 2012
i Although the long-term training programme is at an
early stage, a high level of enthusiasm and
commitment from the participants has been observed
(see box), which is a precondition for success. Significant
cooperation among participants in regard to data sharing
and knowledge transfer – “geoscientists without
borders” – is further evidence that the programme is
having the intended effect.
i The OSDS currently facilitates access to data
generated by approximately 17,000 marine surveys.
Developing countries have made extensive use of this
unique resource for preparing shelf submissions,
demonstrating relevant and tangible outcomes from the
use of theOSDS. By early 2012 there hadbeen 5,258 external
downloads of Extended Continental Shelf data files (so-
called ‘shapefiles’) from 1,008 unique sites.
The UNEP Shelf Programme has continued to work with
partners in the Pacific region, principally the Applied
Geoscience and Technology Division (SOPAC) of the
Secretariat of the Pacific Commission (SPC), Geosciences
Australia and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Of the nine
states engaged in extended continental shelf delimitation
over the last four years, five – Papua New Guinea, Solomon
Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu and
Fiji, as displayed in the map below – are still working to
convert PIDs into final submissions. Part of this work is
now moving forward due to the collection of new data by
the Government of Papua New Guinea.
GRID-Arendal has supported development of the data
acquisition plan and coordinates data compilation for
distribution at the regional workshop scheduled for
February 2012. All states now have sufficient data to finalise
their submissions apart from the remote island state of
Kiribati, which is still in the process of collecting the underlying
data to support their submission, planned for May 2013.
Shelf data acquisition mission conducted by Mauritanian & Cape Verdian scientists
7.
overview_convention.htm
8.