Knowledge Management and Communication Strategies

Introduction

The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) Secretariat has entered into a Grant Agreement with WWF-US, as Global Environmental Facilities (GEF) Agency, to implement the Project “Blue Horizon: Ocean Relief through Seaweed Aquaculture,” hereafter referred to as “Seaweed” Project, funded by the GEF and endorsed by the GEF CEO on 12 July 2022, runs from 1 May 2024 to 31 December 2028, with the possibility for extension period. The overarching goal of the Seaweed Project is to establish sustainable seaweed value chains that enhance ecosystem services and generate socioeconomic benefits for coastal communities, particularly those reliant on marine ecosystems for their
livelihoods. The project has four main components: 1) Regional approach and capacity for seaweed value chains in Southeast Asia; 2) Enabling Environment for Seaweed Aquaculture in the Philippines and Viet Nam; 3) Seaweed Value Chains (supporting production, processing, and marketing); and 4) Knowledge Management, M&E, and IW Learn (regional, facilitating information sharing and regional learning).

Implementation of the Project involves three (3) Executing Agencies: The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) as a regional Executing Agency and host the Project Management Unit (PMU); Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) of the Philippines, and the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance (DFIS) of Viet Nam as national Executing Agencies, working closely with the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (AQD).

This document presents the Knowledge Management and Communications Strategy (CS) for the Seaweed Project, developed by the Project Management Unit (PMU). It serves as a guideline for executing agencies to enhance project visibility, facilitate knowledge management, and guide communication and dissemination efforts, ensuring the effective scaling up of the Project outcomes.

Ojectives

This Communication Strategy provides for a framework for SEAFDEC, DA-BFAR, DFIS/VN in developing  and deploying communication tools, products, and outreach activities. Its primary objective is to  inform the target audience and the public about how activities and initiatives are undertaken under  the “Seaweed” Project and to contribute to its overall objectives and expected outcomes. Moreover,  the strategies (communication tools, products, and outreach activities) are aimed at facilitating  the broader adoption of project promoted initiatives, extending the impact of WWF support beyond  the current sites to the locations, countries, or regions worldwide.

Furthermore, the outreach and communication efforts under this Seaweed Project shall also demonstrate and showcase how the Project aligns with GEF priorities and objectives.