Overview

To ensure the long-term preservation and environmentally sound development of the Archipelago, the Socotra Conservation and Development Program (SCDP) Coordination Unit was set-up within the Ministry of Planning and Development (MOPD), Sana'a, in January 2002.

The Unit's main task is to guide, oversee and support the implementation of all conservation and development initiatives of the Government of Yemen and international donors in the Socotra Archipelago. The Unit's team is in continuous contact with all concerned stakeholders in the island and in the mainland.

Main Objectives and Expected Outputs of the SCDP Coordination Unit

1. Ensure that the long-term conservation and development vision for the Archipelago, expressed in the Conservation Zoning Plan (Presidential Decree no. 275, 2000), and by the subsequent Development Masterplan (MOPD-EU), is implemented in collaboration with all stakeholders at local and central level.
   
   
2. Support a high-level steering committee which will oversee the implementation of the SCDP at central level.
   
   
3. Support and lead a SCDP Working Group in Socotra including all stakeholders at local level.
   
   
4. Develop and support an annual SCDP planning and reporting cycle.
   
   
5. Assist relevant Government Agencies, International Donors and NGOs in the identification and preparation of new development and conservation initiatives in the Archipelago.

Background and Partners

The setup of the SCDP Coordination Unit is part of UNDP project YEM/01/003, for the conservation and development of the Socotra archipelago, supported by the Royal Netherlands Embassy and UNDP. The Project started in mid 2001 and will extend until mid 2003.

Main partners of the SCDP include: All relevant GOY Agencies with activities in Socotra and particularly the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Environment Protection Authority, Island Development Authority, Governor of Hadramawt, Local Councils and Local Authorities in Socotra (Hadibu and Qalansya).

The SCDP comprises a wide range of small and medium-scale initiatives supported by the UNDP, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Governments of Italy, Poland, Germany, France, UK, Oman, Kuwait. Other partners are sought for joining in to support the conservation and sound development of this unique treasure of Yemen. So much still needs to be done in what is yet the poorest part of Yemen.

What You Will Find at the SCDP Coordination Unit

• Summary information on the status of all recently completed, ongoing and pipeline projects in the Socotra Archipelago.
  
  
• Library and database with general background information on the Archipelago's geography, socio-economics, population, health, infrastructure, biodiversity and natural resources, agriculture and livestock, water resources, fisheries, history and present situation.
  
  
• Copy of Presidential Decree no. 275, 2000 (Conservation Zoning Plan for the Socotra Archipelago) and associated maps.
  
  
• Socotra Archipelago Development Masterplan (2000) and associated sectoral reports, maps and development proposal concepts.
  
  
• Contact information for all relevant stakeholders (Local Authorities in Socotra, GOY agencies involved at central Level, Donors, local and international NGOs, private sector, etc.)
  
  
• Annual SCDP Reports, newsletters, pipeline proposals and issue papers

Contacts

Ministry of Water and Environment
PO Box 16494
Sana'a, Yemen
Phone: (+967 1) 425310
Fax:     (+967 1) 425309
Email: scdp@socotraisland.org

In Socotra:
Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Building, Hadibu
Phone: (+967 5) 660253
Fax:     (+967 5) 660577

Contacts:
Malek A. Abdulaziz – National Programme Manager
Dr. Ir. Paul Scholte – Chief Technical Advisor