|
The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) is governed by a "Management Conference". This is the major component of all National Estuary Programs. The function of the Management Conference is to develop a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and then to implement its goals and objectives. The CCMP addresses issues toward the wise stewardship of the water quality and living resources of the Mobile Bay and Delta estuarine system. The Management Conference is not a one-time meeting but an ongoing effort of activities involving a team of volunteers and a forum for open discussion, cooperation, and consensus on area environmental issues.
During the summer of 2005, MBNEP initiated a strategic planning process that included an assessment and subsequent reorganization of the Management Conference. The structure was revised to better maintain a mix of Policy Makers (both public and private), Implementers (both public and private), and Grassroots (community groups and citizens) to ensure expanding support for CCMP implementation and identification and engagement of emerging issues related to CCMP objectives.The Mobile Bay NEP Management Conference (click to view a schematic diagram) consists of four main committees: Community Action Committee, Community Resources Committee, Government Networks Committee, and Project Implementation Committee.
- The Community Action Committee is comprised by representatives of environmental grassroots organizations who work together to network, share information, develop issues, and provide cooperative training.
- The Community Resources Committee brings together a balance of interested community leaders from industry, business, environmental services, and the non-profit sector to identify commonalities among sectors to resolve coastal issues that impact their interests.
- The Government Networks Committee is made up of state agency heads, regional government administrators, and local officials of the target area to more effectively communicate local needs.
- The Project Implementation Committee includes representatives of resource management agencies and organizations to undertake projects related to CCMP objectives and goals.
A Science Advisory Committee includes experts from the various scientific disciplines who provide insights used by the other committees in their decision making processes. An Executive Committee – made up of representatives from each of the four main committees, an EPA Region IV representative, a representative from the Science Advisory Committee, and a minimum of three at-large members – develops policies on issues and funding, reviews/approves work plans and budgets, evaluates the performance of the Director, and sets financial goals for non-federal share. The Management Conference is supported by a small program office staff that works closely with committee members in implementing initiatives relating to the CCMP and coordinating estuary projects and outreach activities.
In summary, the MBNEP Management Conference is composed of representatives of local, state, and federal governmental agencies, representatives of all resource management organizations, and a wide variety of interested citizens and community stakeholders interested in protecting and conserving the living resource and habitat base of the Mobile Bay estuary. It sets direction for the MBNEP as well as the routine operation of the Program office and coordinates cooperation with other resource management activities to avoid unnecessary duplication.
If you would like to share some of your expertise or become a volunteer please call the program office at (251) 431-6409 or email us. |
