Mandate

Various tidal areas have been developed as arable land throughout the world. As one of natural resources of earth, tidal areas should be protected on one hand and developed in a sustainable manner on the other.

The Mandate of the Working Group is as follows;

Identify criteria or decision support system to find sustainable development schemes for the planning and design of dikes and related structures

This implies identification of criteria to find sustainable development schemes. Such criteria or decision support system would help find a balance between the preservation and development of tidal areas.

Integrate irrigation, drainage and flood management practices in reclaimed area

Guidelines may be developed for integrating irrigation, drainage and flood management practices in reclaimed areas to minimize the impact of land use and development projects.

Study physical, chemical and biotic characteristics of the tidal areas

Studying physical, chemical and biotic characteristics could result in assessment of tidal areas. The identification of appropriate indicators for assessment of tidal areas may be done. A tidal area policy could be developed as a result of such assessments.

Examine management and institutional aspects and production system in reclaimed area

Identify relevant institutions involved in management and production in reclaimed area. An operational plan needs to be developed to encourage participation from different institutions.

Enhance community participation in the sustainable development of tidal areas

There is a need to encourage stakeholders' involvement in the sustainable development and conservation of tidal areas, in particular, the local community and the private sector. Identify ways and means to provide incentives to stakeholders.

Study socio-economic impacts and cost/benefit analysis of various development alternatives

The WG carries out socio-economic impact assessments and cost benefits analysis for various alternate developmental approaches. Socio-economic and cultural factors may be considered. Successful developmental approaches (country case studies) can then be disseminated for use all over the world.

Establish historic aspects of tidal reclamation

The WG considers establishing historical aspects (extent of tidal areas in the world) of tidal areas. Then historic land use patterns on these land could be established, followed by historic aspects of tidal reclamation.

Incorporate integrated approaches for sustainable development and conservation options

Guidelines need to be developed for managing tidal areas for sustainable development and conservation options. The WG needs to define the extent of involvement of stakeholder in the integrated approach for sustainable development of tidal areas.