Request for DVC Speaker for World Oceans Day/World

UNCLAS KINGSTON 001274 SIPDIS FOR IIP/G/WHA CBARONE; INFO WHA/PDA MJOHNSON; APRUITT; RBANKS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KPAO JM SUBJECT: Request for DVC Speaker for World Oceans Day/World Environment Day on Coral Reef Preservation ¶1. SUMMARY: Post seeks a DVC speaker to discuss the issue of coral reef conservation for a program around the date of World Oceans Day, June 8, 2005. This would also tie in with celebrations of World Environment Day, June 5, 2005. END SUMMARY ¶2. Proposed Program Date: Preferred dates June 8 to 10, ¶2005. ¶3. MPP Theme: Strategic Goal "Social and Environment Issues" ¶4. Purpose of the Program: Post seeks a speaker to participate in discussions focusing on coral reef preservation, especially in the Caribbean region; with a particular focus on how land-based activities affect the health of coral reefs. Coral reefs in Jamaica and across the Caribbean are under constant pressure from human activities. Poor land management practices, such as the use of agricultural fertilizers, inadequate disposal of solid waste and pollution of the water table, are affecting Jamaica's reefs. Over-fishing and "dynamite fishing" are also major local concerns that actually encourage the growth of algae, which smother corals. The health of coral reefs is vital to the region's fragile tourism industry and to its economy. Jamaica depends on its "sun, sea and sand" image to attract the tourists who bring much-needed foreign exchange. Stakeholders in the tourism industry - hotel owners, dive boat operators, craft vendors - all depend either directly or indirectly on the coral reef, besides fishermen themselves. The purpose of the program is to heighten awareness of the impact of environmental degradation on a vital component of Jamaica's economy, and to help them understand the role that they can play in protecting their precious natural resources. Post will arrange a "pre-DVC" session to include short presentations on the topic from local environmentalists and USAID representatives. This will pave the way for a fruitful discussion with our guest in the United States. ¶5. Audience: Representatives of NGOs and CBOs, especially those working in the environmental field; public sector representatives of GOJ environmental agencies; representatives of the tourism industry, including those working on "green tourism" programs; students who are members of school environmental clubs; members of the media. ¶6. Proposed topics and nature of events: A digital video conference with the audience in the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Auditorium (maximum 50). Suggested length of program: 90 minutes. ¶7. Type of specialist required: A spokesperson from a USG agency such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),which administers the Coral Gardens Initiative under the White Water to Blue Water program with Counterpart International, as well as its own Coral Reef Conservation Program; or a research institution such as the Florida Marine Research Institute, Earthwatch Institute or the Coral Reef Alliance. The speaker should not be too highly "technical" and should be able to explain the issue in layman's terms. ¶8. Language: English. ¶9. Funding specifics: I Bucks. ¶10. Post program officer: Glenn Guimond, PAO; tel: (876) 935- 6053; fax: (876) 929-3637; email:guimondg@state.gov. Back- up program officer: Emma Lewis, PAA, tel: (876) 935-6009; fax: (876) 929-3637; email: lewisec@state.gov. Regards, Tighe