{"id":7510,"date":"2022-03-01T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-01T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.underwatertales.net\/2022\/03\/01\/co-ge-pa-il-contratto-sociale-tra-luomo-ed-il-mare\/"},"modified":"2022-07-07T11:14:08","modified_gmt":"2022-07-07T09:14:08","slug":"co-ge-pa-the-social-contract-between-man-and-the-sea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.underwatertales.net\/en\/2022\/03\/01\/co-ge-pa-the-social-contract-between-man-and-the-sea\/","title":{"rendered":"CO.GE.PA: the “social contract” between man and the sea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The social contract between man and the sea was born in Sicily, thanks to a consortium. CO.GE.PA is a wonderful example of integration between companies, organizations and people who live thanks to the sea. And who have decided to respect it.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

CO.GE. P.A. -CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO AND PALERMO OVEST- is a consortium of direction, coordination and management between coastal, local, artisanal and close fishing companies of Castellammare del Golfo and Palermo Ovest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was the promoter and implementer of various Local Management Plans<\/strong> introduced with the European programming implemented through the European Fisheries Fund 2007-2013 and the European Fund for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries 2004\/2020<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The top management of Co.Ge.P.A.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

At the top of the Co.Ge.P.A<\/strong> are the President, Mr. Salvatore Lucido and the Head of the Technical-Scientific Committee Dr. Marco Toccaceli<\/strong>. Who, strengthened by their respective professional experiences, have been able to carry on this project until its realization despite the numerous administrative, social and environmental obstacles encountered along the way. Together they gave rise to Co.Ge.P.a, the social contract between man and the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Captain Toti Lucido<\/strong> was born in 1964 and is an islander in all respects. Belonging to one of the oldest families of Isola delle Femmine (Pa), he was Deck Officer. And in the good tradition of the inhabitants of Isola, he has explored all the seas of the world for a few years. At the local political level, he was Councilor of the Municipality and was part of the Board of Directors of the Capo Gallo-Isola delle Femmine Marine Protected Area<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 2011 he has been President of the Co.Ge.P.A.<\/strong> and it is undoubtedly the historical memory of Palermo fishing of the last 50 years.
From the various collaborations with the biology faculty of Palermo, the meeting with Dr. Toccaceli took place from which the aforementioned Local Management Plan will arise.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"CO.GE.PA:<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
The head of the Technical-Scientific Committee<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Marco Toccaceli<\/strong>, holder of a PhD in Marine Biology and Marine Environmental Sciences, is the Managing Senior Partner of the \u201cC.R.E.A. – Cooperative for Ecological and Environmental Research<\/a> “. It is a cooperative company, founded in Palermo in 1986. With the aim of collecting, in an autonomous work organization, the professional experiences gained by marine biologists at national and foreign universities in the field of scientific research applied to the management and enhancement of natural resources and environmental analysis. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"CO.GE.PA:<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
C.R.E.A. Cooperative for Ecological and Environmental Research<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The areas in which C.R.E.A<\/strong> intervenes are numerous. Among other things, they concern: the sampling, analysis and study of waters, plankton, microorganisms, fish and invertebrate fauna, Phytobenthos and Zoobenthos. As well as the creation of databases (biological and chemical-physical parameters of the waters, problems related to coastal fishing), of the geomorphology of the seabed and of integrated management plans of coastal and maritime areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The C.R.E.A., registered in the National Research Registry of the Ministry of Public Education, has hosted for years, thanks to an agreement with the University of Palermo, undergraduate students of graduate courses in Environmental Sciences, Management of Marine Resources and Marine Biology. For the execution of training internships and 1st and 2nd level degree theses.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"CO.GE.PA:<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The birth of CO.GE.PA<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In a first program (FEP 2007-2013) the so-called Measure 3.1 – “Collective actions”. Which led to the creation of some PdGLs in the Sicilian coastal territory. On this occasion the \u201cCO.GE.PA. CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO AND WEST PALERMO<\/strong>“.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subsequently, the Mediterranean Fisheries Department of the Sicilian Region<\/strong>, within the framework of Regulation (EU) no. 508\/2014 “Innovations in the fishing sector”<\/strong>, promoted the updating of a PdGL, following the expression of interest of the same Co.Ge.P.A. With the aim of contributing, in a sustainable way, to a better management and conservation of fish resources. Through the management and control of the conditions of access to fishing areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The PdGL Local management plan of the management unit of West Palermo and Ustica Island<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The PdGL “Local management plan for the management unit of West Palermo and Ustica Island” was therefore implemented. This was followed by a three-year monitoring<\/strong> of the measures included in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The PdGL, currently in force, was approved by the Fisheries Department of the Sicilian Region<\/strong> (DDG 178\/2012). Subsequently adopted by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies (D.D. 2\/2012). And it became operational with two Ordinances of the Port Authority of Palermo <\/strong>(n. 22\/13 and n. 51\/13).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The drafting of a gestione plan such a complex had to first of all take into account the fact that the area of \u200b\u200binterest insists on coastal artisanal production contexts<\/strong>. Characterized by the multi-specificity of the resources, the seasonality and the diversification of the catching equipment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These circumstances have made it very difficult to adopt management strategies associated with the introduction of property rights on catches, that is, of fish quotas. However, it was possible to establish management rules shared by the actors of the system. So that they themselves can give life to an exploitation organization capable of better protecting resources and increasing the income<\/strong> that derives from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corporate Governance<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

While reading the documentation provided to me, I glimpsed that the development of this project is intended for the biological, social and economic sustainability of the area in question<\/strong>. The achievement of which rests on the attribution of a “management power<\/strong>” in favor of the same actors in the system and their future generations. It recalls the economic-entrepreneurial<\/strong> concept called “Corporate Governance<\/strong>” which I would like to focus on briefly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, every company, whatever its size or the sector in which it operates, has a set of rules, processes and systems at the basis of its operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal of it is the proper management of the organization. Therefore an efficient application of the so-called “Corporate Governance<\/strong>“, a term that is very often indicated with the English translation of “Corporate Governance”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a fairly complex concept that depicts the system through which companies are managed and controlled. An idea that takes on a certain abstract connotation. But that finds as many practical implications in daily life both in business management and, if you think about it, in managing your family!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, “Corporate Governance” is a basic organizational system for each reality, through which a group of people is managed, directed and controlled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, we are talking about the set of tools, rules and systems that belong to an entity, both public and private. And that its purpose is correct management as well as efficient organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is based on a pyramidal structure but based on equity and the balance of the forces involved<\/strong>. Affecting the decisions of the company and aimed at achieving objectives, defining the methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main objective is above all to facilitate effective and prudent <\/strong>management of the company. In order to ensure its long-term success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the main and fundamental feature of this system is to ensure transparency and accountability<\/strong> within the structures involved. Working for the benefit of all concerned in compliance with accepted ethical standards<\/strong> and formal laws.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"CO.GE.PA:<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Equal treatment<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Consequently, all shareholders must be treated fairly. That is, each party must comply with its obligations through a predefined code of conduct and transparent company policies. All this will make it possible to minimize conflicts of interest between the main players, namely the shareholders (shareholders), the board of directors and the company management (management). Which generally arise when the parties involved have opposite opinions on how the business should be conducted!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In any case, we must be confident in the fruitful and aware comparison of the practical needs of all components. Especially when the goal aims at environmental sustainability and consequently also human sustainability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mission of CO.GE.PA<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, the mission of the \u201cCO.GE.PA. CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO AND PALERMO OVEST<\/strong>“, which resides in the exercise of a right of territorial use<\/strong>, finds substance in the adoption of local management plans<\/strong>. Articulated in technical and managerial measures<\/strong> as well as in the identification of social and economic support measures permitted by the regulations in force. Here the social contract between man and the sea is born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These plans are of particular interest as they depict sea regulatory plans<\/strong>. As well as development models<\/strong> integrated with the operational and professional realities of a given territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, by enhancing the specific characteristics of the area, the land use plans complete the process of modernization of the fishing sector<\/strong>. By focusing on safeguarding employment and income levels and environmental sustainability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It therefore appears undisputed that the management system proposed in the PdGL prepared by the Co.Ge.P.A.<\/strong> \u201cCastellammare del Golfo and Palermo Ovest<\/strong>\u201d found its foundation in the institutionalization of a privileged dialogue<\/strong>. Between the public administrative management authority, the research organizations and the consortium<\/strong> promoting the same and, it is not difficult to imagine, the immense work done to implement it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important intervention<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Among the appropriate interventions, the most important is to find ways to enforce existing laws. In particular, compliance with minimum catch sizes and the non-use of illegal fishing methods<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to achieve these objectives, two types of interventions have been envisaged. Greater control by the competent authorities and greater awareness and involvement of all types of fishermen on environmental problems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The involvement of the seafarers<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

In fact, the methods of approach were implemented through, first of all, the involvement of at least 70% of the marineries adhering to the Plan. And by way of example but not exhaustive, some of the most relevant measures taken can be mentioned:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Preliminary and operational meetings between exponents of the maritime industries interested in the PdGL and scientific research operators, for the dissemination of the measures, the creation of the Governance Body, the identification of problems and management proposals;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Document collection (licenses, CP lists, scientific and technical bibliography, thematic maps, existing legislation, etc.) and organization of data in G.I.S. (Geographical Information System);<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Identification and choice of biological and socio-economic indicators suitable for ex-ante and ex-post evaluation;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Review of contents and management proposals with scientific research and with the marine industry;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Approval of the PdGL by the Board of Directors of the Co.Ge.P.A. and the Governance Body and finally presentation of the Local Management Plan to the Fisheries Department of the Sicilian Region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A model of “co-management”<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The distribution of skills and responsibilities<\/strong> determined according to the objectives and internal and external factors existing in the area, configures a “co-management” model. Between the administrative authority, the managing authority, the local community and each operator of the system concerned. An essential “Shared Management” combined with the transfer of skills, and therefore also of rights, from the public authority to local communities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We note that the management model adopted, studied in detail in order to achieve greater socio-economic-environmental<\/strong> protection, is very similar to the “Corporate Governance<\/strong>” business management model mentioned above. And together with the famous social contract between man and the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compared to the previous PdGL (2012-2015), the new plan contains additional and supplementary measures related to the experience already underway as well as the arising of new environmental needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n