The Coast secretariat participated in the above workshop where the ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zonal Management) Action plan has identified the lack of proper mechanisms for sharing of information and networking between the scientific community and managers as a key factor limiting the supply and availability to provide of information needed for effective planning, decision making and stakeholder involvement in the coastal zone. It is against this background that the need to strengthen linkage between science and management was identified as an important action in order to ensure availability of information needed for planning and decision making processes.

Identification and implementation of mechanisms to strengthen scientists and management will contribute to successful implementation of the ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zonal Management) Action Plan. Such mechanisms could include establishing a forum for sharing of information; and experiences on coastal zone management between managers and scientists among others.

The main objective of the proposed workshop was to provide a forum for scientists and managers to interact, discuss and identify strategies for strengthening linkage between science and management in order to promote sustainable development and conservation of country’s coastal and marine resources.