The Global Record Project Plan is focused on developing the necessary information to inform FAO member States, to the greatest extent possible, of the options for and implications of a fully functional Global Record. This information will be presented in the form of a comprehensive report to a FAO Technical Consultation in November 2010.

The process for compiling the necessary information is complex and requires considerable interaction between the project team and a wide variety of stakeholders and experts. Unfortunately, completion of all steps in the project plan is budget dependent but every effort will be made to develop a detailed understanding on which FAO members can base their final decisions.

All funding for the Global Record Project comes from extra-budgetary sources, i.e. donor funding, and so the extent to which comprehensive concept testing can be carried out will be dependent on available budget and sufficient time to complete the work. 

The Global Record project is ongoing under the guidance of a Project Sponsor and a Project Manager who is ultimately responsible for the development of a comprehensive technical report that will underpin the discussions and decision-making processes that will take place at the Technical Consultation. The key elements (work-streams) of the project will be developed as funding allows and include:

1. Project fundamentals established, including governance infrastructure, communication strategy and website.
   
   • Develop Project Plan, funding mechanisms and Project Team.
   • Identify and implement a governance structure.
   • Develop and activate a Global Record information website within FAO.


2. Scope and design essential components of a Global Record technical solution in partnership with identified User Groups and Experts so that where possible, development benefits and opportunities flow directly to those groups through pilot project testing. Note: an element of this work will focus on developing countries.
   
   • Develop options and recommendations for a Unique Vessel Identifier (UVI) scheme for the Global Record and input findings into the ‘Pilot Project’ work-stream.
   • Conduct a comprehensive ‘User Needs’ assessment, identify relevant information sources and input findings into the ‘Pilot Project’ work-stream.
     • Conduct at least two 'user needs assessment workshops' in developing regions; and
     • Conduct 'user needs surveys' as appropriate.
   • Identify and confirm Pilot Project options.


3. Complete development of the prototype technical solution for the conduct of at least one pilot project. (funding dependent).
   
   • Identify potential pilot project hosts and work with them to develop an appropriate technical solution.
   • Alternatively, manage design and build consultancy to ensure the required technical solution is delivered on time.
   • Initiate identified pilot projects and work closely with pilot project partners to compile results and outcomes.


4. Complete Technical Consultation process, report to COFI 2011 and transition project to next phase as directed by COFI.
   
   • Complete Technical Consultation process, including the development of the final report.
   • Report findings to COFI 2011.