Moving Ahead on the Global Oceans Agenda

Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands

2005-2007

Biliana Cicin-SainCo-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 2005-2007

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 2005-2007

1. 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 2005-- 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 2005-2007

2. Review of Progress on WSSD Targets on oceans, at Global Conference, January 23-27, 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

2005-2007 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

2005-2007 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

2005-2007 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

2005-2007 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)

2005-2007 Agenda

– Public outreach through the world’s museums and aquaria (World Ocean Network)

Your participation is essential

www.globaloceans.org