The National Fisheries Refugia Committees shall operate on the basis of consensus to:

1. Assume overarching responsibility for the execution of national level activities of the SEAFDEC/UN Environment/GEF Fisheries Refugia Project [Insert Country Name];


2. Receive, review, and approve reports from the Fisheries Refugia Management Boards regarding the outputs and outcomes of efforts to establish and manage fisheries refugia sites;


3. Meet on a quarterly basis during the operational phase of the project to guide the timely execution of project activities, particularly activities at the individual refugia sites, and to consider, amend and endorse quarterly work-plans, narrative progress and financial reports for submission to the regional Project Coordinating Unit;


4. Provide direction and strategic guidance to the National Lead Agency and site-based management boards for individual refugia sites on the national and local reforms to enhance the uptake of the fisheries refugia approach and strengthen the integration of fisheries and environmental management;


5. Review planned and ongoing fisheries and environment projects being operated along the South China Sea coast of the Philippines with the aim of minimising duplication of efforts, and to identify opportunities for cooperation and the sharing of examples of best practices in integrated fisheries and environmental management;


6. Assess stakeholder involvement in fisheries and environmental management and to take action where necessary to ensure appropriate levels of government, civil society and community organisation, environmental NGOs, Women’s groups, and private sector engagement in project activities.


7. Ensure compatibility between site-based activities of the fisheries refugia project and other National, provincial and municipal activities in fisheries and environmental management;


8. Approve annual progress reports for transmission to the SEAFDEC Council, UN Environment and the GEF Secretariat;


9. Assist the national lead agency and focal point in securing co-financing committed to the project and in leveraging additional funding that may be required from time to time.


10. Agree at their first meeting:

a. the membership, meeting arrangements, and terms of reference of the committee; and

b. such standing orders and manner of conducting business as may be considered necessary by the committee.