3 8 S O U T H E R N A F R I C A N Sector are to control, conserve and protect forest D E V E L O P M E N T • C O M M U N I T Y Need for a regional strategy to develop small and resources; sustainably manage and develop forest medium scale forest-based industries, as well as resources as the major source of energy in the region; and appropriate fuel wood and charcoal production to facilitate the development of trade in forest products. systems, especially in rural areas; The strategies for attaining these policies include co- • Lack of information to facilitate trade in forest operating in the sustainable management of shared products and a strategy to develop standards, forests; developing human resources for the Sector; guidelines and other mechanisms for recording, harmonizing approaches to sustainable forest research preserving and equitably sharing of benefits from management; and establishing equitable and efficient the use of traditional forest related knowledge; and ways of facilitating public access to forests. • Lack of concrete interventions to address the constraints faced by women. 3.4.6.2 Evaluation of Current Policies and Strategies For purposes of implementing its policies, the Sector has 3.4.7 FISHERIES developed programmes on Training and Education, Improved Resource Management, Improved Knowledge of the Resource Base, Focused Research, Resource Utilization and Marketing and Environmental Management. But most of these programmes have focused on data and information gathering, and institution building at the national level. There has been limited regional collaboration and cooperation in areas of common concern, such as overexploitation, law enforcement and promotion of community-based programmes. Problems of sustainable forest output persist, as millions of rural households use fuel wood for energy. There is a paucity of regional interventions aimed at developing and promoting appropriate alternative energy sources. 3.4.7.1 Review of Current Policies and Strategies The Fisheries Protocol was signed in 2001, but the required number of Member States has not yet ratified it. The goal of the Sector is to promote responsible and sustainable use of the living aquatic resources and aquatic ecosystems in order to enhance food security and human health. The specific policy objectives are to promote effective management of fish stocks, protect and preserve fish resources, promote aquaculture and mariculture development and promote trade in fish. The strategies of the Sector include establishing a Information regarding appropriate forest manage- regional stock assessment and fisheries management ment systems for the various indigenous forest types is system; promoting regional trade; and building capacity lacking in most Member States. This is partly attributed to for better fisheries management. past national policies that gave higher priority to the establishment, management and protection of exotic 3.4.7.2 softwood and hardwood forest plantations than to the Evaluation of Current Policies and Strategies indigenous forests. To implement its strategies, the sector has embarked on the Assessment of the Marine Fisheries and Research 3.4.6.3 programme commonly known as the Benguela Environ- Challenges in Current Policies and Strategies mental and Fisheries Interaction and Training Programme • Need to create public awareness and education to (BENEFIT); the Monitoring, Control and Surveillance of address agro-forestry practices, afforestation, fire Fishing Activities; the Regional Fisheries Information control and overgrazing; System and the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem. • Need to improve forestry and sericulture practices to For the purpose of promoting aquaculture, the Sector address deforestation, genetic erosion, forest pests, initiated an Aquaculture for Local Community (ALCOM) disease control, invasive alien species, management Programme, which was phased out. It is desirable to revive and conservation of shared forests and forest and promote this programme throughout the region since it resources, and law enforcement. targets local and poor communities in rural areas, and