Targets:
Start date: January 2003
Completion: December 2003

Action 3.1.
Develop detailed regulations for the Park

Regulations are discussed in the draft Management Plan (section 10.6 p 141). These deal with residency and access, extractive use of resources and other activities, buildings and infrastructure.

The recommended regulations need to be looked at and discussed by Sabah Parks, the Management Committees, Fisheries Forum and Local Community Forum, to make sure that they are workable and will be effective in achieving the objectives for the Park.

Action 3.2.
Establish protocols for impact assessment

The legal provisions for the park will include an obligation to assess all proposed activities and developments before a decision is made about implementation.

Impact assessment is a powerful tool which, if properly used, should be of great benefit in the management of the Semporna Islands Park. Key features include identification of all relevant issues relating to activities and developments, assessment of costs and benefits and application of solutions before problems occur.

A basic checklist of information needed for impact assessment is included in the Management Plan for the Semporna Islands Park (section 10.6 p. 143). The Management Committees will consider this list and draw up further requirements as appropriate.

Action 3.3.
Impact assessment of established activities and of development plans

The assessment process will also be applied to activities such as cultivation that are already established. Some information on impacts and possible prescriptions are included in the relevant sections of the Management Plan, but more detailed work needs to be done.

Independent experts will be appointed to look further at a wide range of existing activities, from seaweed farming to collection of water and use of fertilisers. They will work closely with local communities during these investigations, and come up with practical solutions to reduce environmental or other impacts. Impact assessments will continue to be made on all planned developments and activities.

Action 3.4.
Work on overall design concept for the Park Centre, Pearl Farm and Police Field Force Building.

Currently, Sabah Parks staff and the Police Field Force are located at the old Pearl Farm. These buildings were constructed in 1963 and many of them are now in a state of disrepair and are structurally unsafe. Also the units are out of keeping with the beautiful surroundings of the lagoon and islands. The site needs to be completely re-designed to accommodate the Park Centre, Pearl Farm and Police Field Force, with buildings based on local, traditional styles and built to the highest ecological standards. The design should be based on the assumption that all the buildings currently on the site (with the possible exception of the jetty) will be removed.

Action 3.5.
Boundaries between State Land and land under Native Title delineated

The Task Force established in the previous year will aim to resolve the land claims and related issues as quickly as possible, but this may take many months. Once it has been done, the boundaries can be properly delineated and records made of the people with whom management agreements need to be made.

Action 3.6.
Launch and continue Awareness and Education programme

Planning for the awareness and education programme will have taken place in the latter part of 2001 and early 2002. The aim will be for the first activities in the programme to begin around the middle of 2002. This will provide an opportunity to publicise the Park and the progress made so far. Educational activities will continue throughout the developmental and operational phases of the Park.

Action 3.7.
Begin giant clam cultivation and establish operational farm

Once start-up funding has been secured, the giant clam farm will be constructed, spawning stock introduced and training of local people will begin.

Action 3.8.
Alternative livelihood scheme operational and expanding

Creation of alternative livelihoods (away from direct use of resources) is bound to be a gradual process, but it is important that new jobs are made available as soon as possible in the development of the Park, and at least before the regulations restricting fishing are introduced.

Action 3.9.
Intensive campaign to introduce regulations.

The Park will succeed only if people are aware of the regulations and appreciate the reasons why they are necessary. The campaign will be designed to reach everyone who uses or visits the Park, or is involved in its administration. It will provide the opportunity to use some novel and entertaining techniques, such as quizzes and other competitions.

Action 3.10.
Surveillance and enforcement programme devised and launched.

Successful enforcement of Park regulations will be another key factors in ensuring the success of the Park. A well organised surveillance and enforcement regime with regular patrols should also help greatly to promote security and protection against other unlawful activities not connected with the Park.

The surveillance and enforcement will be most effective if it is a joint effort led by Sabah Parks, but also involving the Police, Navy, Fisheries Department, local communities, tour operators and possibly others.

A Surveillance and Enforcement Unit will therefore be established, and a detailed plan of action drawn up to define the needs (e.g. boats, trained staff) and responsibilities of each party. Guidelines will also be drawn up on the most effective and fair way of dealing with infringements.

Action 3.10
Monitoring programme devised, launched and operational

Design and execution of the monitoring programme will be a joint effort between Sabah Parks and relevant experts and institutions, especially those who were involved in the baseline surveys. The aim will be to provide up-to-date information on the condition of the park, and the impact of human use and management strategies. This will help to ensure that management of the Park is adaptive and responds to changing needs and circumstances.

Action 3.11.
Clearance of old Pearl Farm site on Pulau Boheydulang

Site clearance can begin once the design for the new complex has been completed and approved. Removal of the old buildings will have to be done very carefully in order to avoid damaging the nearby reefs and disturbing wildlife. A proper strategy will be needed, with measures in place to ensure all the old building materials and rubbish are taken away and disposed of properly. Clearance is likely to take several months.