The Strategic Action Programme for the protection of the coastal and marine environment of the Western Indian Ocean from Land-based sources and activities (SAP) has been completed at a time when it is most needed. The SAP will in particular help the governments in the WIO region to jointly or individually deal with the challenges associated with the increasing demand for coastal and marine resources and the consequent destruction and degradation of critical habitats, changes in freshwater flow and sediments loads, as well as challenges resulting from global climate change. Decision-makers, administrators, planners, resource managers and scientists, will in particularly find this document valuable in the conception, formulation and implementation of specific projects aimed at enhancing the protection of the coastal and marine environment