In February 2014, SocMon/SEM-Pasifika partners met in Washington DC for a three day planning meeting to share lessons learned and to contribute ideas towards the development of a new strategy for the Global Socioeconomic Monitoring Initiative (SocMon). (In the Pacific Region, SocMon is known as SEM-Pasifika. In this document we refer to all human dimension Global Monitoring Initiative activities as SocMon, but this includes SEM-Pasifika.) This Global Initiative fills a critical need by advancing a global and regional understanding of human interactions with and dependence on coastal resources. As a result of the deliberations during this meeting some expectations were articulated in the hope that if achieved they would contribute towards overall improvement of SocMon.
The participants expressed the hope that at the end of the three days of deliberations the following would be realized:
An exploration of existing and new relationships between SocMon and other major projects and entities such as the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) leading to sustainable monitoring in the regions
Sharing of lessons and examples where SocMon has been used for policy and management decisions
Strengthening of SocMon networking and durable partnerships
Learning about new methods and approaches for human dimensions monitoring
Adoption and use of other innovative monitoring techniques and the sharing of survey/data collection techniques with others
Improved collaboration to address real challenges, within and outside the SocMon network
Better understanding of SocMon's relationship with ICRI/GCRMN leading to strengthening of integrated coral reef monitoring
Better understanding of how people value oceans and seas. Understanding value-added human dimension component
These expectations along with prior input from regional coordinators and other partners were used to develop this strategic plan.
The (first ever) strategic plan was developed to identify and prioritize the way forward for the network. The strategic plan reflects the input from coordinators from the regional nodes, key stakeholders and partners interested in improving the integration of human dimensions monitoring into wider coastal ecosystem monitoring efforts. The plan presents a vision for short, medium and long term expectations for the initiative.
Citation
Edwards, P. E. T. Global Socioeconomic Monitoring Initiative for Coastal Management (SocMon/SEM-Pasificka).
Strategic Plan: 2015-2019. (2014). Global Socioeconomic Monitoring Initiative (SocMon). 17p.
