EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IMO-IPIECA REGIONAL OIL SPILL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PROGRAMME FOR CENTRAL WESTERN AFRICA (GI-WACAF)

摘要

The GI WACAF programme is led and funded jointly by the IMO and IPIECA members. Its purpose is to improve oil spill preparedness and response capability across 21 coastal states of West and Central Africa. Launched in 2006, this programme takes earlier IMOIIPIECA work forwards in a newly focused, structured and sustained manner to progress tangible change.rnThe programme faces many challenges with rapidly increasing oil activities in the region and a generally low level of current preparedness; set against improvements needing to suit individual country circumstances and also be consistent and coordinated across the region.rnReference is made in this Paper to the IMO's strategy for oil spill preparedness and response (OPRC Convention 1990). Drawing these together, the six Key Elements of Preparedness, which underpin the GI-WACAF programme, are summarised.rnThe GI-WACAF programme has a Project Coordinator, working under the guidance of the IMO and IPIECA funding members. An action plan was developed after consultation with government and oil industry representatives from the countries in the region, taking the six Elements of Preparedness and translating them into a workable plan for action and improvement.rnThis Paper describes the programme management system and the key features critical to make tangible progress. These include Clarity of Purpose; Commitment from Key Stakeholders; a gap analysis on the Elements of Preparedness and measurable objectives; a Network of 'Implementers' and 'Influencers' at different levels of government and industry; follow-up and monitoring of results and achievement; and a Biennial Review to ensure process improvement and action planning. Through this refocused and business-like approach, demonstrate success is being achieved, and will be illustrated in the Paper.rnEvery country and region has unique circumstances but the underlying principles of oil spill preparedness and response are common. This Paper has relevance for any organisation involved in change/improvement processes; both in setting programme objectives and in the essential programme management and implementation.