The overall objective of the project is to enhance sustainable management and conservation of natural coastal and marine resources, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation amongst the coastal population of the South Western Indian Ocean (SWIO). Hence, it is important that these natural resources (fish, coral reefs and mangrove forests in particular but not only) are able in the medium-term to provide the coastal populations with diversified and sustainable sources of incomes.
The specific objective of the Programme is to strengthen the regional capacities of local communities and public/private bodies in order to achieve a sustainable integrated coastal zone management.