27th ICRI General Meeting
27th Annual ICRI General Meeting
The first General Meeting under the Australia-Belize Secretariat was held from the 16-19 July 2012 in Cairns, Australia. Australia and the UNEP provided travel support to a number of delegates therefore enabling their participation in the meeting. A total of 50 delegates from 24 countries attended (list of participants).
Minutes of the meeting (PDF File)
New Members
The ICRI Membership welcomed two new Members:
Ad Hoc Committees
It was decided that the Ad Hoc committee on Enforcement & Investigation, and the Ad Hoc committee on Economic Valuation of Coral Reef Ecosystems will both be continued and revived, with the possibility of new Chair(s) and Members being appointed. New Terms of Reference (ToRs) will be developed out-of-session and will be presented to the ICRI membership at ICRI GM28. Motions were adopted to that effect (see below). The Ad Hoc Committee on the lionfish invasion in the Caribbean (or Regional Lionfish Committee, RLC) remains active; its future directions were discussed at the meeting and include the possibility of extending its work to all marine invasive species in the area. The issue of dedicated funding was also briefly discussed without resolution. The RLC will remain under the ICRI flag for now, but modalities for embedding lionfish management efforts in existing institutions within the Caribbean will be discussed at GM28. Revised Terms of Reference for the RLC will also be presented then.
Resolutions
Two resolutions were adopted:
- resolution on the activities of the Ad Hoc Committee on Economic Valuation (PDF File)
- resolution on the activities of the Ad Hoc Committee on Enforcement & Investigation (PDF File)
These two resolutions called for ICRI members to note the continuation of these two committees' and consider whether members wish to play a role in their activities.
Management Effectiveness Day
Congruent with on the hosting themes of the joint Australia-Belize Secretariat, a full day of the 27th General Meeting was devoted to the theme of Management Effectiveness Assessment for coral reef and related systems.
The workshop inspected several approaches to undertaking an assessment of management effectiveness and focussed on the various types of assessments that can be undertaken and how the results of these assessments are being used.
Following the workshop, a resolution was adopted encouraging ICRI members to conduct management effectiveness assessments which engage indigenous and local communities, as well as other stakeholders, and to use the results to adapt and improve management action. The resolution also encourages members to report on these assessments and to contribute to global datasets on management effectiveness. Download the Resolution on Assessing the Effectiveness of Marine Protected Area Management (PDF File).
Workshop page: http://www.icriforum.org/ICRIGM27-ME-Workshop
Networks
A side meeting was held to discuss the new directions of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN). The outcomes of these discussions were reported on the last day of the meeting, and included:
- The need for GCRMN to clarify the directions it is taking, through a revised concept note addressing comments raised.
- More concerted efforts in engaging GRCMN nodes and regional networks or organisations (such as UNEP's Regional Seas), including through enhanced communication with past GCRMN contributors and collaborators in all regions and in particular where existing regional structures are strong (i.e. East Asia and Pacific).
- Enhanced links between ecological, social and economic processes, and continued discussions with SocMON and other partners to look at practical and meaningful ways to integrate GCRMN activities.
- Increased funding needed achieve the above, as well an efforts and input from all partners.
Call to Action, Organisation & Management Procedures
The work to 'refresh' ICRI's Call to Action and its organisation and management procedures will be undertaken inter-sessionnally leading to the next General Meeting in 2013; results of these interessional discussions will be presented at GM28.
International Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management Symposiums (ITMEMS)
A summary of outcomes of the International Coral Reef Symposium 2012 was presented. It was clear from this summary that the ICRS series has evolved to be more management-focussed than in the past. This, combined with the fact that the international conference calendar on marine management is nowadays much more filled that it was at the time when ITMEMS was launched, poses the question of the future relevance of ITMEMS. ICRI Members will discuss this topic further at GM28.
Images from the Meeting
Click the above image to view the entire gallery.
The next General Meeting (ICRI GM 27) will be held in Cairns, Australia, from July 16-19, 2012, just after the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS). The General Meeting will focus on the theme of Management Effectiveness: assessing the effectiveness of management actions in protected areas is about how well management is protecting the area's values and to what extent management goal and objectives are being met. This theme will explore evolving management effectiveness tools, particularly the current IUCN framework, in developed and developing countries.
Latest news
- July 9th, 2012 - the agenda for the management effectiveness workshop and the field trip are now available
- June 25th, 2012 - First batch of working documents posted
- June 18th, 2012 - Draft Agenda is now available
- The member's report template is now available: Word file
Key dates
- 27 April - Registration opens with initial draft of the agenda. - REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
- 15 June - Deadline for posting "motions" etc.
- 22 June - Deadline for registration, Members' Reports (Word file), comments on draft Agenda
- 6 July - Final agenda posted
- 16 July - Meeting commences
Visa requirements
Visitors to Australia will require a visa. Details of the process and the type of visa that you will require can be found in a Department of Immigration and Citizenship factsheet at: www.immi.gov.au/visitors/_pdf/general-events.pdf.
Please read and follow the directions in the factsheet carefully. The passport which you hold determines whether you can apply online, or if you need to lodge a paper-based application. Should you need to lodge a paper-based application please contact the Secretariat (icri@gbrmpa.gov.au) to obtain your "letter of invitation".
All ICRI General Meeting participants should apply for a visa at least two months prior to the intended date of departure.
About Cairns
The city of Cairns is located on the northeast coast of Australia in the state of Queensland, about 2500km from Sydney and 400km from Townsville. Nestled on the coast, the city is tucked between the Great Barrier Reef to the east and the rainforests of the Wet Tropics and the lush rolling downs of the Atherton Tableland to the west. Cairns is home to more than 130,000 people. The region includes Queensland's tallest mountain, Mr Bartle Frere,and two World Heritage-listed attractions - the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforests. For more, please visit the Cairns Visitor Centre at: www.cairnsvisitorcentre.com/
Friday July 20 is the "Cairns Show Day" (a bit like the North American "County Fair"). Delegates should be aware that most shops in Cairns will be closed on this day, however, tourist facilities and outlets, including Reef operations, should all remain open.
Official language: English
Currency: Australian Dollar (currency convertor - www.xe.com )
Timezone: GMT/UTC +10
Communications: Country Dialing Code: 61 Queensland Dialing Code: 07.Mobile phones: Australia operates most Global Roaming carriers.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all government offices (including schools and day care centres), all bars, nightclubs, restaurants, shops, shopping centres, casinos and hotel public spaces and most hotel rooms.
Electricity: 240V/50Hz (http://electricaloutlet.org/type-i)
Weather: July averages: max 26oC, min 16oC with a low chance of rain www.weatherzone.com.au/qld/nth-cst-and-tableland/cairns
Airport
The entry airport for the meeting is Cairns Airport (CNS).
A taxi fare from the airport to the CBD (where most hotels are) will cost around AU$20.
A shuttle bus service from the airport to hotels and the city centre is also available. For timetables and online bookings visit www.sunpalmtransport.com or phone +61 7 4087 2900.
Your hotel may operate its own courtesy coach service to and from the airport. Contact them direct for more information.
Visa requirements
Visitors to Australia will require a visa. Details of the process and the type of visa that you will require can be found in a Department of Immigration and Citizenship factsheet at: www.immi.gov.au/visitors/_pdf/general-events.pdf.
Please read and follow the directions in the factsheet carefully. The passport which you hold determines whether you can apply online, or if you need to lodge a paper-based application. Should you need to lodge a paper-based application please contact the Secretariat (icri@gbrmpa.gov.au) to obtain your "letter of invitation".
All ICRI General Meeting participants should apply for a visa at least two months prior to the intended date of departure.
Accommodation
The following hotels have been selected by the ICRI Secretariat. All these hotels are walking distance from the venue (Sebel).
PLEASE NOTE: rates provided are negotiated rates for ICRI guests – please mention that you are attending the ICRI General Meeting when making your reservations. Also note that unless specified, these rates do not include access to Wi-Fi.
The Sebel Cairns Hotel – MEETING VENUE
17 Abbott Street Cairns QLD 4870
P: + 61 7 4031 1300 F: +61 7 4031 1801
Email: TSC_Reservations@mirvac.com
Website: www.sebelcairns.com.au
Rates
Cnr Spence & Grafton Streets Cairns QLD 4870 Cnr Florence & Abbott Streets Cairns QLD 4870 53-57 The Esplanade Cairns QLD 4870 Guests must refer to special 'ICRI General Meeting' rates when booking rooms. 80 Abbott Street Cairns QLD 4870 Guests must refer to special 'ICRI General Meeting' rates when booking rooms. 1 Pier Point Road Cairns QLD 4870 Superior room (King or Twin): $170 (free wi-fi) + $25 breakfast 1 Marlin Parade Cairns QLD 4870 Guests may call 1300 076 703 and ask for special ICRI rates.
Rydges Plaza Hotel Cairns
P: +61 7 4046 0300 F: +61 7 4046 0333
Email: reservations_plazacairns@rydges.com
Website: www.rydges.com/plazacairnsRates
The Hotel Cairns
P: +61 7 4051 6188 F: +61 7 4031 1806
Email: Reservations@thehotelcairns.com
Website: www.thehotelcairns.comRates
Mantra Esplanade
P: +61 7 4046 4141 F: +61 7 4046 4242
Email: esplanade.res@mantra.com.au
Website: www.mantra.com.au/EsplanadeRates (based on 3+ nights stay)
Mantra Trilogy
P: +61 7 4080 8000 F: +61 7 4080 8001
Email: trilogy.res@mantra.com.au
Website: www.mantra.com.au/TrilogyRates (based on 3+ nights stay)
Shangri-La Cairns
P: + 61 4031 1411 F: +61 4031 3226
Email: reservations.slmc@shangri-la.com
Website: www.shangri-la.com/en/property/cairns/shangrilaRates
Guests must refer to special 'ICRI General Meeting' rates when booking rooms.
Cairns Harbour Lights
P: + 61 4057 0800 F: +61 7 4057 0899
Email: luke_kotai@mirvac.com.au
Website: www.mirvachotels.com/cairns-harbour-lightsRates
Agenda, working documents and presentations
- Final Agenda (PDF File)
- List of participants (PDF File)
| Monday 16th - Morning |
|---|
| Opening and welcome |
| Present & adopt the agenda |
Welcome new members and observers
|
| Morning tea |
Actions arising from previous meetings
|
ICRI Networks: GCRMN update (presentation)
|
| Outcome report: Rio+20 |
| Lunch |
| Monday 16th - Afternoon |
Meeting Report: ICRS
|
Members' reports
|
| Afternoon tea |
| Launch of the GCRMN Pacific Report (presentation) |
Updates from Ad hoc Committees
|
| Introduction to Day 2 activity, particularly the Management Effectiveness Workshop |
| Afternoon |
| Cocktail |
| Tuesday 17th - All Day |
| Report on the results of the France/Samoa ICRI hosting |
|
Management Effectiveness workshop - Outline agenda (PDF File) Agenda, presentations: http://www.icriforum.org/ICRIGM27-ME-Workshop |
| Wednesday 18th - All Day |
| FIELD TRIP: A Reef Guardian experience |
| Thursday 19th - Morning |
ICRI communication tools
|
|
ICRI Small Grants - winners announced |
| Reports from regional initiatives |
Misc. Presentations
|
| Lunch |
| Thursday 19th - Afternoon |
| Motions arising from the meeting |
| Upcoming Secretariat activity and coming meetings (IUCN-WCC, Belize) |
| Wrap-up and close |
