Moving Ahead on the Global Oceans Agenda Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands Biliana Cicin-Sain Co-Chair, Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands
The importance of oceans, coasts, islands OCEANS= 70% OF THE EARTH COASTAL AREAS= 50% OF HUMAN POPULATION ISLANDS= 41 SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES
Significant cause for concern for oceans 1. Declines in marine resources and ecosystems 2. Continuation of poverty and unhealthful conditions in coastal communities in developing world 3. Significant gaps and problems in ocean governance at national, regional, and global levels
Nested Oceans Governance High seas Regional level: –LMEs, Regional Seas, other regional efforts National level: –EEZs –Coastal management –Watersheds/river basin
Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands-- Purposes Multi-stakeholder forum (comprised of govts, international organizations, NGOs, private sector, science groups) for --cross-sectoral dialogues --policy analyses --mobilization of knowledge and other resources to advance the global oceans agenda
Background Mobilized in 2001 to put oceans, coasts, and SIDS on the WSSD agenda and formalized at the WSSD
Advance the Global Oceans Agenda --Promote the implementation of international commitments related to oceans, coasts, and SIDS--especially WSSD -- Consider new emerging ocean issues --Promote consensus building on unresolved ocean issues) --Provide oceans policy advocacy at the highest political levels
Work to date Global Conferences, 2001, 2003 Reports on WSSD implementation Reports on SIDS ocean issues for Mauritius 2005 Information services, global newsletter, etc.
Next Phase GEF financing will enable greater involvement of developing countries, SIDS, and countries with economies in transition Working especially with G77, AOSIS, regional groups such as NEPAD
Global Forum Agenda Advancing integrated oceans management Develop international guidance on best practices in integrated management of oceans in 200-mile EEZs Analyses of 20+ nations and 3 regions of the world, comprising more that 75% of the world’s EEZs TOPS The Ocean Policy Summit, October 10-14, 2005, Lisbon
Examples of Countries and Regions Moving Toward Integrated Oceans Management Asia: China, India, Philippines, Japan, Vietnam Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy Africa/Indian Ocean: New Partnership for Africa´s Development, Tanzania Americas: Canada, United States, Brazil, Mexico Europe: United Kingdom, Portugal, Norway, Russian Federation, France, European Union Maritime Strategy
Global Forum Agenda Review of Progress on WSSD Targets on oceans, at Global Conference, January , 2006, UNESCO, Paris Progress achieved and obstacles faced, new challenges IMPORTANT– SINCE CSD WILL NOT REVIEW OCEANS UNTIL 2014 Special emphasis on SIDS issues and GPA implementation
Agenda 3.Special collaboration with SIDS countries 41 SIDS, Small Islands, Large Ocean States Support AOSIS and UNDESA in rapid implementation of ocean priorities of the Mauritius International Meeting outcomes in 3 SIDS regions
Agenda 4.Capacity building--long-term institutionalization of ocean and coastal management education Work in 4 regions (Africa, Latin America, Asia, East Europe) and 3 SIDS regions
Agenda 5. Connecting freshwater to oceans --Policy analyses of best practices --Preparation for GPA 2006 review --Develop collaboration program with World Water Forum and other water- related institutions
Agenda 6. Initiatives with Key Actors --Ocean Donors Roundtable (private and public) to address gaps in global ocean funding --Industry Roundtable (role of ocean industries in global economy)
Agenda –Public outreach through the world’s museums and aquaria (World Ocean Network)
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