4TH GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON OCEANS,
COASTS, AND ISLANDS
Working Group on Small Island Developing
States (SIDS) and Implementation of the
Mauritius Strategy
POLICY BRIEF ON SIDS AND IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE MAURITIUS STRATEGY
Global Oceans Conference
GOC 2008
Vietnam
R O Korea
Indonesia
Organized by the
Global Forum on Oceans,
Coasts, and Islands and
Hosted by the Government of
CANADA
Vietnam, Ministry of
Flemish Government,
Belgium
Agriculture and Rural
Development
with principal funding
from the Global
Environment Facility
Pre-conference version, March 30, 2008
Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands--Strategic Oceans Planning to 2016
The Global forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands has undertaken a strategic planning effort for the period 2006-2016
to develop policy recommendations for specific next steps needed to advance the global oceans agenda aimed at
governments, UN agencies, NGOs, industry, and scientific groups. To this effect, Working Groups have been
organized around 12 major topic areas related to the global oceans commitments made at the 2002 World Summit on
Sustainable Development and to emerging issues facing the global oceans community.
The Working Groups have been organized and coordinated by the Global Forum Secretariat, under the direction of
Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain, Co-Chair and Head of Secretariat, Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands, and
involving the following staff from the Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy, University of Delaware: Miriam
Balgos, Kateryna Wowk, Caitlin Snyder, Shelby Hockenberry, and Kathleen McCole.
Working Group on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Implementation of
the Mauritius Strategy
WORKING GROUP
Vincent Sweeney,
Marina N'Deye Pereira Silva,
LEADERS:
UNEP/Integrating Watershed
Independent Consultant, Portugal
(Cape Verde)
and Coastal Areas
Rolph Payet, Advisor to the
Management Project,
Nguyen Hong Thao, Frontier
Committee, Ministry of Foreign
President, Seychelles
Caribbean
Affairs, Vietnam
Ambassador Jagdish Koonjul,
Nirmal Jivan Shah, Nature
Ambassador Tuiloma Neroni
Seychelles
Mauritius, former Chair,
Slade, Former Permanent
Alliance of Small Island States
James Hardcastle, TNC Australia
Representative of Samoa to
(AOSIS)
the United Nations, former
Alf Simpson, Independent
Chair of AOSIS, and former
Consultant, Pacific Islands
Judge, International
WORKING GROUP
Asterio Takesy, Director, Secretariat
Criminal Court
MEMBERS:
for the Pacific Regional
Environment Programme
Hon. Ronny Jumeau, UN
Alfred Duda, Global
Cesar Toro, IOCARIBE
Ambassador for Seychelles
Environment Facility
Dirk Troost, formerly Coasts and
Fazal Ibrahim Ali, University
Small Islands, UNESCO
Cristelle Pratt, Pacific
Consortium of Small Island
Islands Applied Geoscience
States
David VanderZwaag, Dalhousie
University, IUCN Specialist Group
Commission (SOPAC)
Christopher Corbin, UNEP
on Ocean Law and Governance
Caribbean Environment
Tim Adams, Secretariat of
Programme, Regional
Jon Van Dyke, University of Hawaii
Law School
the Pacific Community
Coordinating Unit
(SPC)
Laleta Davis-Mattis, Jamaica
Fathimath Ghina, Intergovernmental
National Heritage Trust
Oceanographic Commission,
Ambassador Angus Friday,
UNESCO
Chairman, Alliance of Small
Annick de Marffy, Independent
Consultant, former Director,
Raj Mohabeer, Indian Ocean
Island States (AOSIS),
UN-DOALOS
Commission
Permanent Representative of
Gerald Miles, The Nature
Grenada to the United
Arthur Webb, Pacific Islands
Conservancy
Nations
Applied Geoscience
Commission (SOPAC)
Nelson Andrade, Caribbean
LaVerne Walker, Coastal
Rudolf Dorah, Constitutional
Environment Programme, UNEP
Zone Unit, Ministry of
Reform Congress of Solomon
Dominique Benzaken, Pacific
Physical Development,
Islands
Regional Environment Programme
Environment and Housing,
Arthur Gray, Representative of
(SPREP)
St. Lucia
the Organisation of American
Mary Seet-Cheng, Ambassador of
States (OAS) to Haiti
Singapore to the Republic of
Garfield Barnwell,
John Low, Adviser to the
Panama
Caribbean Community and
Minister of Marine Resources
Edna Chia, Permanent Mission of
Common Market
for the Cook Islands
Singapore to the United Nations
(CARICOM)
Franklin McDonald, UNEP
Caribbean Environment
Natasha Turnquest, Ministry of
Dianne Quarless, UNDESA
Programme
Foreign Affairs, Bahamas
SIDS Unit
Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands
Working Group on Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
and Implementation of the Mauritius Strategy
Policy Brief:
Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
and Implementation of the Mauritius Strategy
Lead Author
Rolph Payet, Advisor to the President of Seychelles
Draft March 30, 2008
Table of Contents
Foreword by Biliana Cicin-Sain, Global Forum
iii
Policy Brief
1. Introduction
1
2. Overview of General Status and Trends
2
3. Priority Policy Issues
5
4. Goals, Targets, and Objectives to Address Priority
6
Areas
5. Recommendations to Achieve Targets
7
6. Other Areas of Concern
8
7. Conclusions and Future Projections
9
References
9
ii
Foreword
Small Island Developing States and Implementation
of the Mauritius Strategy
As stewards of vast ocean resources, small island developing States (SIDS) play a key
role in efforts to sustainably manage ocean and coastal resources. SIDS are often the first
to feel the effects of global environmental problems, due to their often small size, isolated
locations, and vulnerability to climate change. It is clear that most SIDS countries are
keenly aware of the importance of the marine environment and its resources to their
sustainable development and economic stability. SIDS countries, however, are sometimes
constrained by weak institutions and administrative processes and need enhanced human,
technical, and financial resources to develop and implement cross-cutting approaches to
the planning and management of oceans and coasts.
In April 1994, the Global Conference on Sustainable Development of Small Island
Developing States was convened in Barbados. This was the first conference that
translated Agenda 21 into a programme of action for a group of countries: the Barbados
Programme of Action on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States
(BPoA). The BPoA set forth a fourteen point program identifying priority actions and
measures to be taken at the national, regional and international levels in support of the
sustainable development of SIDS.
The 2002 WSSD called for States to "undertake a full and comprehensive review of the
implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development
of Small Island Developing States in 2004, in accordance with the provisions set forth in
General Assembly resolution S-22/2..." The ten-year review of the BPoA was held in
Port Louis, Mauritius in January 2005. The Mauritius International Meeting resulted in
the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for
the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. The Mauritius Strategy
noted the actions needed in order to achieve implementation of the BPoA. Section IV of
the Mauritius Strategy relates to coastal and marine resources and includes seven items
(26-32), including issues associated with delimitation of maritime boundaries, assessment
of living and non-living marine resources, financial and technical assistance, capacity
building, ascension to the U.N. Fish Stocks Agreement, enforcement, and the
implementation of the UNEP Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the
Marine Environment from Land-based Activities, among other issues. Another outcome
of the Mauritius International Meeting was the creation of the University Consortium of
Small Island States to further SIDS cooperation on sustainable development education
and to strengthen the national capacity of small island states to implement the Barbados
Programme of Action and the Mauritius International Strategy. The five founding
member institutions include the universities of Malta, Mauritius, South Pacific, Virgin
Islands, and West Indies.
To contribute to the review of progress achieved on the Barbados Programme of Action
at the 2005 Mauritius International Meeting, the Global Forum (with support from
iii
UNEP/GPA) carried out several studies to ascertain progress achieved, since 1994, on the
ratification of international environmental agreements, on oceans and coasts, and on
related areas of climate change and sea level rise, waste management, and sustainable
tourism.
These data, reported in the Global Forum's 2006 Report How Well Are We Doing? show
a high level of ratification among SIDS of major international conventions, as called for
in the Barbados Programme of Action, most prominently, the Framework Convention on
Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Law of the Sea
Convention. There has been good progress on some aspects of ocean and coastal
management, such as the establishment of marine protected areas by 61% of reporting
countries. Despite this progress, as of 2005, no SIDS had delimited its EEZ due to lack of
capacity and/or boundary delimitation conflicts with neighboring states. Only 20% of
SIDS had developed specific institutions or interagency mechanisms for the coordination
of integrated coastal and ocean management, and only 7% had enacted coastal legislation.
Most SIDS have not developed EEZ management plans; rather, they have created
localized plans to manage fisheries and pollution issues. The SIDS countries generally
face significant difficulties in surveillance and enforcement within their EEZs, due to
logistical and financial constraints, as well as the expansive nature of the areas they
control. Fisheries enforcement within EEZs is thus a primary area of concern and
difficulty.
With regard to climate change and sea level rise, a majority of reporting SIDS had
produced national sea level rise adaptation plans (63%), had a national disaster
preparation and response plan (61%), and had prepared greenhouse emissions
assessments (54%). On the other hand, only 20% had installed equipment for
environmental monitoring such as tidal gauges and metereological stations, 34% had
implemented projects for public education about climate change and sea level rise, and
10% have produced specific assessments on the socio-economic impacts of sea level rise
and climate change.
Discussion of SIDS Issues at the Global Conference
The Policy Brief presents a detailed set of recommendations on actions that could be
taken in the following priority areas:
(i) Adaptation to climate change and role of integrated coastal zone management;
(ii) Adoption of ecosystem-based approach to marine and coastal management, including
fisheries;
(iii) EEZ and high seas marine resources management;
(iv) Capacity building for coastal and marine management; and
iv
(v) The emerging threat of marine invasive species.
Conference participants should consider the specific recommendations made on the
topics above.
Participants may also wish to focus particular attention on the following issues:
1. Generating appropriate responses and funding with respect to the effects of climate
change on SIDS;
2. Enhancing the periodic monitoring of implementation of the Mauritius Strategy;
3. Enhancing the capacity of SIDS nations in coastal and EEZ management (including
EEZ planning and management, continental shelf and EEZ delimitation, favorable ocean
use agreements, coastal management), including their capacity to respond to and adapt to
climate change and threats to their coastal areas and their ocean industries. Capacity
measures might include:
--enhancing the ocean and coastal management curriculum of the University Consortium
of Small Island States
--enhancing the "ocean awareness" of high-level SIDS decisionmakers through
targetted high-level workshops
The leadership of Rolph Payet, Advisor to the President of Seychelles, in mobilizing and
chairing the Working Group on SIDS is acknowledged with sincere thanks, as is the
guidance and insights provided by the leaders of the Working Group, especially
Ambassador Neroni Tuiloma Slade (first chair of the Alliance of Small Island States,
Ambassador Angus Friday (current chair of the Alliance of Small Island States), and
Garfield Barnwell, CARICOM. Mr. Payet's efforts to convey a personal message from
Seychelles President James Alix Michel to the Global Conference are also acknowledged
with deep gratitude.
Biliana Cicin-Sain
Global Forum on Oceans,
Coasts,
and
Islands
v
Policy Brief:
Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
and Implementation of the Mauritius Strategy
1. Introduction
and their specific vulnerabilities are not
addressed by the international community.
Spread across the Atlantic, Pacific and
Indian Oceans, and the Caribbean and
SIDS are also especially vulnerable to
Mediterranean Seas, small island
climate change as concluded by the IPCC.
developing States (SIDS) form a
The Fourth Assessment Report of the
distinctive group, each with their own
IPCC is also of the view that SIDS have
unique characteristics but nevertheless
legitimate concerns over their future based
sharing many features in common. SIDS
upon observational records, experience
are recognized by virtue of their small
with current patterns and consequences of
size, small populations, lack of substantial
climate variability, and climate model
natural resources, remoteness,
projections. The same report concludes
vulnerability to natural disasters, excessive
with a very high level of confidence that
dependence upon imports or few economic
SIDS will be affected by global sea level
sectors, high costs of transportation and
rise, which will increase coastal
communication, inaccessibility to
inundation, erosion and magnify the
economies of scale and disproportionately
impact of storm surges and affect coastal
higher costs of conducting business. Many
agriculture. Coral bleaching, climate
SIDS have sought to overcome such
change impact on fisheries and ocean
challenges by expanding development in
acidification are threats that will
tourism, fisheries, sugarcane, offshore
undermine food security and livelihood in
financial centers, gambling havens and
SIDS. Changes in precipitation will also
trading hubs. However, through years of
affect water resources availability, which
exploitation, the ecosystem use and service
will in turn affect biodiversity (including
of natural ecosystems of many SIDS have
high-altitude islands) and other ecosystems
reduced causing further erosion to socio-
dependent upon water. Climate change
economic growth.
will as directly impact human health in
SIDS as well as key economic sectors such
Despite progress in the majority of these
as tourism and fisheries.
states, at least 20% of them are still
qualified as Least Developed Countries or
The attention of the global community on
LDCs. As these states grow in real GDP
the vulnerability of SIDS began in 1989
terms, many face `graduation' which leads
when the United Nations General
to loss of access to low interest loans and
Assembly (UNGA) approved a resolution
attractive development concessions.
(GA 44/206) on the possible adverse
Coupled with their inability to cost-
effects of sea-level rise on islands and
effectively compete on the global arena
coastal areas, particularly low-lying
and their extreme economic vulnerability,
coastal areas. This was further reinforced
it is evident that SIDS will continue to
at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, whereby
impact negatively on the status of their
the vulnerability and specific needs of
coasts and oceans. Sustainable
islands was enshrined in Agenda 21,
development in SIDS is thus questionable
Chapter 17G. However, it was not until
in the long-term unless these disparities
1994, when the Small Islands Developing
States gathered together in Barbados and
1
developed the Barbados Programme of
bleaching, sea level rise, and coastal
Action (BPoA) for the Sustainable
degradation.
Development of Small Island Developing
States that the specific issues of SIDS took
The SIDS Working Group of the Global
centre stage. Subsequent reviews of the
Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands
BPoA culminated in the International
recognizes the Mauritius Strategy as the
Meeting to Review the Implementation of
overarching framework for addressing the
the Programme of Action for the
sustainable management of coastal and
Sustainable Development of Small Island
ocean resources as an integral part of the
Developing States in Mauritius in January
sustainable development of SIDS.
2005. A decade on, the meeting
reaffirmed the continued validity of the
1994 Barbados Programme of Action as
2. Overview of General Status
the framework for sustainable
and Trends
development in SIDS, whilst also taking
into account the WSSD Plan of
Further to the adoption of the Mauritius
Implementation and the Millennium
Strategy, a number of initiatives have been
Development Goals. The resulting
launched to support the implementation of
Mauritius Strategy for the further
this strategy in SIDS.
implementation of the Programme of
Action for the sustainable development of
The Convention on Biological Diversity
SIDS builds on and reassesses the 15
(CBD) Programme of Work on Island
major areas of concern adopted in
Biodiversity, adopted in 2006, is the first-
Barbados and highlights new priorities and
ever programme of work dedicated to
emerging issues including culture,
island biodiversity. Since the adoption of
graduation from LDC status, trade, and the
the work programme, the CBD secretariat
role of modern information and
has established a number of partnerships to
communication technologies.
promote its implementation, for example
with the South Pacific Regional
The Mauritius Strategy specifically called
Environment Programme (SPREP) to
for priority to be given to ocean and
support the implementation of the
coastal issues, including action to
programme of work and several regional
complete delimitation of maritime
initiatives, such as the Action Strategy for
boundaries of SIDS, assessment of seabed
Nature Conservation in the Pacific Islands
resources, effective monitoring and
Region, the development of a web portal
enforcement of their territories, implement
on island biodiversity, and workshops
sustainable fisheries strategies including
focusing on ecosystem approach in
support from distant fishing nations,
protected areas and tourism.
strengthen capacity to implement
international ocean and maritime laws,
The Global Island Partnership (GLISPA),
increase ocean observing systems and
a global SIDS initiative by island state
development of sound ocean policies. On
leaders to build leaderships and
the issue of coastal policy, the Mauritius
partnerships to support the island
Strategy called for integrated coastal
biodiversity programme of work, has been
management policies supported by the
successful in mobilizing over 30 million
management of coastal ecosystems,
USD for implementation of the Pacific
including coral reefs, the implementation
Challenge, an initiative aimed at
of networks of marine protected areas, and
conserving more than 20% of the marine
called for support from the international
ecosystems of SIDS in Micronesia. In
community to address the issue of coral
2006, many SIDS had made efforts
2
towards establishing marine protected
and Sustainable Development in Small
areas but challenges remain, especially in
Island Developing States. The main aim of
the management and protection from
this meeting was to endorse the
development encroachment of these areas.
preparation of a series of project proposals
on issues concerning food security and
UNDESA, the arm of the UN responsible
environment resilience with respect to
for SIDS issues, convened a number of
agriculture and fisheries. On specific
regional intergovernmental meetings to
coastal and ocean issues, at a high level
take the Mauritius Strategy forward. These
meeting of the FAO on food security in
meetings, held between October and
SIDS, it was resolved that FAO would
November 2005, brought together
establish regional programmes for food
stakeholders to discuss follow-up to the
security in all of the SIDS regions, as well
Mauritius Strategy for Implementation and
as provide support for the promotion of
agreed for the development of enabling
responsible fisheries and trade.
mechanisms to be developed at the
national, regional and international levels.
Efforts at gaining representation at the
The meetings were held in St. Kitts &
World Trade Organization have attracted
Nevis (5-7 October), Samoa (17-19
some support but are far from being
October), Seychelles (26-28 October), and
acceptable. In order to maintain
Rome (15-16 November). Subsequently,
membership in regional trade blocks and
UNDESA has organized a number of
global organizations, SIDS pay
workshops aimed at mainstreaming
considerably more than larger economies
sustainable development and adaptation to
on a per capita basis, thus reducing their
climate change into national agendas.
ability to participate adequately in regional
Within the framework of the Commission
partnership agreements and hence secure
on Sustainable development (CSD), DESA
essential development objectives as
has been instrumental in advancing ocean
required under the Millennium
energy issues and the Mauritius Strategy,
Development Goals.
dedicating a day for the SIDS at the yearly
meetings of the CSD.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF)
has funded over 180 USD million worth of
The 2008 CSD theme focuses on land
projects in SIDS, which inevitably touch
management, rural development,
on coastal and ocean issues. The GEF has
agriculture, drought and desertification.
recently announced that it will be
The theme can indeed be linked to climate
increasing its assistance to SIDS, targeting
change impacts such as sea level rise (e.g.
biodiversity, climate change, international
through loss of coastal areas and arable
waters and ozone as focal areas. GEF now
land due to salinisation). This theme is
has the portfolio responsibility for the
also linked to the efforts of the FAO (Food
Adaptation Fund, an important financial
and Agriculture Organisation) to address
mechanism for supporting adaptation of
the issue of and Climate change which
SIDS to climate change.
will culminate into a High-Level
Conference on World Food Security and
Intrinsic and systemic disadvantages
the Challenges of Climate Change and
impact on sustainable development and
Bioenergy to take place 3 - 5 June 2008.
environment protection in many SIDS. In
Prior to this the FAO has been
many cases, the coastal areas and oceans
instrumental is bringing the SIDS issues to
are affected as a result of extensive
the highest levels, for example in
tourism development, pollution, over-
November 2005, it organised a one-day
fishing, trawling, mining, waste disposal,
Special Ministerial Event on Food Security
oil pollution and coral reef destruction.
3
Furthermore, the increasing impacts of
Promote implementation of Agenda 21,
climate change coupled with the fact that
Chapter 17 This comprehensive list of
these SIDS have very little or no access to
guidance actions remains valid to this day.
the means to adapt to climate change
Regional SIDS assessments leading up to
places an enormous burden on their
the Mauritius International Meeting
limited human and financial resource.
indicate that there are still many gaps in
Often, SIDS governments have had to
implementation and coordination of
divert precious budgetary resources to
integrated coastal zone management. The
address damage caused by increases in
Global Island Partnership with the support
extreme events. Such events as hurricanes
of the CBD Work Programme on Island
and floods cause damage in excess of 20%
Biodiversity has been able to promote the
of GDP in many SIDS.
protection of significant marine areas in
the Pacific (e.g. Micronesia Challenge),
The Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and
strengthening of Protected Area
Islands, created at the WSSD, has been
management in the Indian Ocean, and the
instrumental in advancing the SIDS
launching of the Caribbean Challenge in
agenda, especially as it concerns
May 2008. These efforts, combined with
sustainable development of coasts and
financial support from key partners are
oceans. The Global Forum is committed to
significant contributors to the Biodiversity
the implementation of the WSSD Ocean
2010 targets as well. Management and
targets, ocean issues identified within the
conservation of resources on the high seas
Mauritius Strategy, and in advancing
remains a formidable challenge for SIDS
capacity development needs on ocean and
in view of their limited resources.
coastal management in SIDS countries.
However, some SIDS have pushed
strongly for international bans on deep sea
WSSD recognized that islands and coastal
trawling and other destructive forms of
areas form an integrated and essential
fishing in the high seas.
component of the earth's ecosystem and
are thus critical for global food security
Implementation of integrated coastal zone
and for sustaining economic prosperity and
management in the majority of the SIDS is
the well-being of many national
still not haphazard and in 2006, it was
economies. It also outlined a number of
reported that only 20% of countries had
actions at all levels, inter alia:
developed specific institutions or
interagency mechanisms for the
Ratification of island states to the
coordination of integrated coastal and
United Nations Law of the Sea The
ocean management; and only 7% had
majority of SIDS have ratified UNCLOS,
enacted national coastal zone acts. Some
however in 2006 not one of the SIDS had
of the challenges include weak
successfully delimited their EEZs or
institutional structures, lack of capacity,
deposited the appropriate instruments with
inconsistent policies, poor consultation
the UN Division of Ocean Affairs and Law
with stakeholders and little consideration
of the Sea. However many are now in the
and investment in environment issues.
process of finalizing their submission to
Since only 32% of the SIDS have in place
UNCLOS on the delimitation of their
Environment Impact Assessment
EEZs and continental shelves with the
regulations and processes, coastal
support of key UN Agencies such as
development still occurs at an
UNEP and in some areas the government
unprecedented pace with serious
of Norway has provided substantial
consequences for the ecological services
support.
provides by coastal ecosystems. The
availability of effluent quality standards
4
and management of solid wastes is also an
adaptation plans. Those most likely to
important concern. Although the majority
have developed adaptation action plans are
of SIDS have laws pertaining to water and
those SIDS which have benefited from the
coastal pollution, very few (about 27%)
National Adaptation Plan of Action
have in place working mechanisms for the
(NAPA) programme, which is open only
management and minimisation of wastes.
to LDC SIDS. The NAPA process
The Global International Waters
identified priority activities that are
Assessment (GIWA) singled out solid
required for adaptation to climate change.
waste as one of the growing threats to
According to the 2006 data, although 63%
ecological damage in SIDS.
of SIDS have a national sea level rise
adaptation plan, only about 22% have
In general, SIDS are still unable to put in
established national institutions to handle
place robust management mechanisms to
climate change and adaptation issues.
address the threat of climate change.
Despite the fact that many SIDS are
Significantly more effort needs to be made
located in potentially hazardous zones,
to establish strategies and mechanisms for
such as cyclone belts, tsunami risk areas,
adaptation to climate change. SIDS have
storm surges and volcanic eruptions, only
been particularly instrumental in
about 49% have a national agency
advancing global and regional issues, such
responding to disaster preparedness and
as the memorandum for the protection of
only 29% have early warning systems in
various marine species under the
place. Such systems are important
Convention on Migratory Species.
foundations for establishment of
Significant resources have been allocated
adaptation mechanisms at the national and
by the GEF to meet the goals of
the community level. Efforts to ensure that
mainstreaming biodiversity in island
all SIDS develop national adaptation plans
economic sectors, sustainable fisheries,
are critical to ensure relevant enabling
large marine ecosystem management, and
institutions are established, appropriate
transboundary diagnostic analyses
development of national and grassroots
(TDA/SAPs). UN agencies, in particular
capacities as well as robust financing
UNEP and UNDP, have been active in
mechanisms are established. Adaptation to
promoting reduction of land-based sources
climate change is central to sustainable
of pollution, reduction in oil spills and
development and ocean governance in
other forms of pollution, as well as
SIDS.
strengthening mechanisms and
environmental management tools such as
Environment Impact Assessment and Risk
3. Priority Policy Issues
Assessments. The European Union
through the African, Caribbean and Pacific
While progress has been achieved on
group of states (ACP) cooperation
protected area management and integration
framework has also provided support in
of socio-economical issues within the
developing approaches to coastal marine
governance of oceans, significant gaps
resource management and sustainable
exist including in the:
fisheries.
(i) Adaptation to climate change and role
The ability of SIDS to adapt to climate
of integrated coastal zone management;
change represents one of the highest areas
of concern. Assessments undertaken by the
(ii) Adoption of ecosystem-based approach
Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and
to marine and coastal management,
Islands in 2006 revealed that very few
including fisheries;
SIDS have developed appropriate
5
(iii) EEZ and high seas marine resources
(i) Adaptation to climate change and role
management;
of integrated coastal zone
management:
(iv) Capacity building for coastal and
marine management; and
· Network of global expertise on
adaptation, adaptation technologies
(v) The emerging threat of marine invasive
assembled and disseminated;
species.
· Capacity building in adaptation
planning, integrated coastal zone
Major hurdles to addressing those gaps
management and mainstreaming;
include lack of in-country structures to
· An assessment of climate change
mainstream adaptation to climate and
risks in the context of SIDS and
enforce wiser coastal practices. Efforts by
adaptation plan defined;
UNDESA and UNESCO could be further
· Adaptation strategy developed and
strengthened. Lack of resources, for
implemented within a multi-
example, to tackle the issue of high seas
stakeholder framework;
management, is critical, as most of the
· Required policy, institutional and
SIDS do not even have enough resources
legal reforms undertaken with the
to manage their own EEZs. Strengthening
aim of mainstreaming adaptation;
mechanisms to reduce IUU fishing and the
· Awareness and communication
use of satellite technology may reduce
strategy developed and
costs and make management of EEZ, as
implemented.
well as high seas resources, much more
affordable. The adoption of ecosystem-
(ii) Adoption of ecosystem-based approach
based management requires further
to marine and coastal management,
emphasis and efforts aimed at
including fisheries:
operationalising it in SIDS needs to be
explored, as it involves consideration of a
· Access to global databases such as
number of significant steps such as good
FishBase, ReefBase, WCMC
data collection and analysis, modeling
strengthened and national data
tools, and interpretive skills. Strengthening
management systems put in place;
of research and university infrastructure is
· A needs analysis undertaken with a
a critical need to successfully adopt
view to implement EBM in SIDS;
Ecosystem-based Management (EBM) and
·
for it to become relevant to policy-makers.
Resources and sustainable
However, its use becomes ever more
financing plan identified and
critical as resources are further constrained
developed;
by rising demand and human pressure. The
· Linkages with research institutions
threat of marine invasive species is real
and strengthening of university
and some studies have been undertaken in
research departments undertaken;
some SIDS, such as the Seychelles, by
· Existing models, such as those for
IUCN. However, there is a need to
coral reefs, are extended for use in
consider the ramifications to coastal
developing decision scenarios to
livelihood and food security in the SIDS.
illustrate to policy-makers the
relevance of EBM in sustainable
management of coastal and marine
4. Goals, Targets, and Objectives
resources;
to Address Priority Areas
· Approaches to include
stakeholders, including the private
sector, put in place.
6
· Baseline data assessment and
(iii) EEZ and high seas marine resources
identification database in place;
management:
· Capacity building in monitoring for
invasive implemented;
· Framework for sustainable ocean
· Biosecurity strategy and measures
policy and law which recognizes
in place, including established
the sustainable management of
procedures for minimizing risk of
fisheries resources, responsible
introductions introduced;
shipping traffic and movements,
· Awareness programme developed
precautionary seabed resources
to implement the biosecurity
exploitation including oil/gas
strategy.
extraction, networks of
representative protected areas,
5. Recommendations to Achieve
environmentally sound
Targets
aquaculture/mariculture
development, coastal management,
and access and benefit sharing bio-
These priority issues all fall under two
prospecting regimes in place;
basic categories, Climate Change and
·
Biodiversity. Whilst there is a global
Capacity building to implement
mechanism for advancing island
oceans policy in place;
biodiversity, the one for climate is less
· Innovative and cost-effective
clear, although much effort has been
technologies, including those based
placed by the Alliance of Small Island
upon satellite communications
States (AOSIS) in the climate change
allowing the monitoring of the
negotiations.
oceans and the activities of
humans, transferred to SIDS;
The Island Biodiversity Programme needs
· Existing knowledge networks on
to be further strengthened to be able to
practices and management of the
address those specific priority areas.
oceans are strengthened and
Whilst the GEF has set aside significant
expanded to reflect the emerging
resources through its RAF for projects in
management challenges and
SIDS, the capacity of SIDS to access these
potential solutions.
funds is still limited. Consequently the
GEF has embarked on national capacity
(iv) Capacity building for coastal and
self-assessment programmes, and also
marine management:
developed approaches at supporting SIDS.
The GEF should be further strengthened to
· Research institutions and
be able to address the specific needs of
universities strengthened to deliver
SIDS and the implementation of the CBD
ocean, coastal management and
Work Programme on Island Biodiversity.
fisheries related courses and
Priority areas such as adoption of
curricula at various levels;
ecosystem-based approach to marine and
· Capacity building workshops on
coastal management, including fisheries;
the key priorities areas
capacity building for coastal and marine
implemented;
management; and addressing the threat of
· Public sector management and
marine invasive species can be adequately
policy-making tools adopted and
covered by the Global Environment
strengthened.
Facility with the support of CBD, FAO,
UNESCO-IOC and UNEP Regional Seas.
(v) Threat of marine invasive species:
7
The management of areas under the
from the World Summit on Sustainable
jurisdiction of SIDS poses a challenge as
Development as partnerships between
these areas are extensive and resources are
parties, including the private sector, which
limited to ensure monitoring, enforcement
emerged `outside' the formal negotiation
and management. The European Union
process.
through its ACP Programme could be
further enhanced to cover the EEZ and
The University Consortium of Small States
high seas marine resources management
(UCSIS) was launched in Mauritius in
priority issues. In 2006, the EU funded a
2005 with the mandate to enhance
regional tuna tagging and tuna fisheries
knowledge and advanced graduate studies
monitoring programme for the islands of
in SIDS. The role of tertiary level
the Western Indian Ocean. Through this
education is fundamental to economic
initiative, considerable capacity was
growth and sustainable development in
developed at the regional level for the
SIDS. Whereas, many SIDS face the
management of industrial fisheries. The
problem of brain drain, tertiary level
UNEP/GRID-Arendal `shelf programme'
education tries to incorporate SIDS
was established to support SIDS in the
challenges within the curriculum and
delimitation of their EEZ exercise. Almost
promote research and development into
22 states have received support, such as
SIDS issues. The UCSIS needs to be
the collection and analysis of seabed data.
further strengthened as a platform to
They also wish to explore opportunities to
stimulate development in SIDS, better
develop the capacity of SIDS to manage
governance of the oceans and in
resources within areas of national
responding to climate change.
jurisdiction and on the high seas.
As for climate change, the adoption of the
6. Other Areas of Concern
Adaptation Fund under the Global
Environment Facility represents an
A number of other issues of concern
important step forward in establishing a
include ocean-related forms of energy,
workable mechanism for promoting
marine genetic resources, ocean
adaptation in SIDS. Clearly GEF now has
acidification, land degradation, disaster
to set-up the appropriate accessibility
response and tsunami early warning
mechanisms, but above all build support
systems, and algal blooms.
for consolidating the Adaptation Fund.
The Sea Level Rise Foundation,
The Global Forum is an important
established as a platform of excellence on
platform for enabling SIDS issues to be
sea level rise and adaptation in SIDS, may
integrated across a number of member
provide one such approach.
organizations. The Forum also allows a
number of issues to be discussed, which
A proportion of funds being generated
are cross-sectoral in nature, and serves to
under the Clean Development Mechanism
bring together biodiversity, climate change
(CDM) and other voluntary carbon trading
and other global issues. The Global Forum
schemes should be devoted towards the
is also firmly rooted in the Global
Adaptation Fund, as it is unlikely that new
Summits on Environment and other global
and uncommitted funds will be diverted to
processes such as the Mauritius Strategy. It
the Adaptation Fund. Synergies with the
is therefore important that the Global
private sector, including Type-two
Forum continues to be supported.
partnerships, are another important
Emissions reduction approaches and
financing modality that will need to be
mitigation technologies are opportunities
explored. Type-two partnerships emerged
and also dangers that many SIDS will face
8
as solutions to global climate change are
sought. For example, extensive seeding of
United Nations Environment Programme
the oceans to capture carbon may disrupt
(1999), Western Indian Ocean
the very ecosystems that support life in
Environment Outlook, UNEP/Earthscan
SIDS and a likely cause of red tides. Such
experiments need careful study as to likely
Briguglio, L. and Cordina, G., (eds), 2004:
impacts and long-term consequences to the
Economic Vulnerability and Resilience of
oceans. The Global Forum should call for
Small States.Commonwealth Secretariat
further studies and evaluations before such
and the University of Malta.
wide scale experiments are undertaken in
the oceans. There is a growing body of
Hay, J., N. Mimura, J. Cambell, S. Fifita,
research on ocean energy technologies. It
K. Koshy, R.F. McLean, T. Nakalevu, P.
is important that SIDS benefit from these
Nunn, and N. deWet., 2003: Climate
technologies in order to contribute to
Variability and Change and Sea-level Rise
climate change mitigation.
in the Pacific Islands Region. A Resource
book for policy and decision makers,
UNESCO could in particular strengthen its
educators and other stakeholders. South
work in SIDS by increasing focus on
Pacific Regional Environment Programme
harmful algal blooms, coastal management
(SPREP), Apia, Samoa, 94 pp.
issues, and global ocean observing systems
including sea level rise monitoring.
Huq, S. and Reid, H., 2004:
Mainstreaming Adaptation in
Development" in Climate Change and
7. Conclusions and Future
Development. IDS Institute of
Projections (to be completed)
Development Studies, 35 (3), 40
Payet, R., 2003: Coral reefs in small island
__________________________________
states: status, monitoring capacity and
References
management priorities. International
(to be completed)
Journal of Island Affairs, 12 (1) 57-65.
Jennifer L Molnar, Rebecca L Gamboa,
World Bank. 2000. Cities, Seas, and
Carmen Revenga, Mark D Spalding.
Storms: Managing Change in Pacific
2008. Assessing the global threat of
Island Economies. Pacific Islands
invasive species to marine biodiversity.
Regional Economic Report, Papua New
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment.
Guinea and Pacific Islands Country Unit,
6.
The World Bank, November 13, 2000.
Small Island Developing States
UN (United Nations). 1992. Agenda 21.
Agricultural Production and Trade,
United Nations, New York, NY, USA.
Preferences and Policy FAO Commodities
and Trade Technical Papers - 7 2005
Garcia, S., A. Zerbi, C. Aliaume, T. Do
Chi and G. Lasserre. 2003. The ecosystem
Commonwealth Advisory Group (1997), A
approach to fisheries: Issues, terminology,
Future for Small States: Overcoming
principles, institutional foundations,
Vulnerability, London: Commonwealth
implementation and outlook. FAO
Secretariat
Fisheries Technical Paper, No. 443.
United Nations Development Programme
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. 2005.
(2006), Human Development Report 2006,
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment.
New York: Oxford University Press
9
Available:
Global Forum: Climate Change and
http://www.millenniumassessment.org/en/i
Energy Issues in Small Island Developing
ndex.aspx.
States (2005)
MPA News. 2006. The Micronesia
UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK
Challenge. Vol. 7 No. 9. Available:
CONVENTION ON CLIMATE
http://depts.washington.edu/mpanews/MP
CHANGE (1992) available at
A73.pdf.
http://www.unfccc.org.
Pikitch, E. 2006. Environmental
CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL
Sustainability, Ocean Issues and the
DIVERSITY (1992) available at
Millennium Development Goals.
http://www.cbd.org.
Available:
http://www.globaloceans.org/globalconfer
Commission on Sustainable Development
ences/2006/pdf/EllenPikitch.pdf.
(CBD) available at
http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd.htm.
Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
Undated. Pacific Islands Regional Ocean
UNEP/GRID-Arendal Shelf Programme
Policy. Available:
available at:
http://www.spc.int/piocean/forum/New/we
http://www.continentalshelf.org/
lcome.htm.
University Consortium on Small Island
United Nations. 2006. Oceans and the law
States, available at:
of the sea: Report of the Secretary-
http://www.myucsis.com/about.asp
General. A/61/63. Available:
http://daccessods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?O
pen&DS=A/61/63&Lang=E.
United Nations Division for Sustainable
Development. 2005. Plan of
Implementation of the World Summit on
Sustainable Development. Available:
http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/
WSSD
UN DESA. 2006. Follow-Up Regional
Meetings for the Implementation of the
Mauritius Strategy Available:
http://www.sidsnet.org/
Global Forum: Small Islands, Large Ocean
States: A Review of Ocean and Coastal
Management in Small Island Developing
States since the 1994 Barbados
Programme of Action for the Sustainable
Development of Small Island Developing
States (SIDS) (2005)
10
Steering Committee, Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands*
Co-Chairs
Management Project (MACEMP),
Satya Nandan, Secretary-General,
Charles Ehler, Consultant to UNESCO
Biliana Cicin-Sain, Director, Gerard J.
Ministry of Natural Resources and
International Seabed Authority,
Julius Francis, Executive Secretary,
Mangone Center for Marine Policy,
Tourism
Jamaica
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science
University of Delaware (also Head of
Rolph Payet, Advisor to the President,
Tiago Pitta e Cunha, Member, Cabinet
Association, Tanzania
Secretariat, Global Forum)
Seychelles
of Fisheries and Maritime
Matthew Gianni, Political Advisor,
Patricio A. Bernal, Executive-
Lori Ridgeway, Director-General,
Commissioner, European Commission
Deep Sea Conservation Coalition,
Secretary, Intergovernmental
International Coordination and Policy
Mary Power, Director, Resource
Netherlands
Oceanographic Commission,
Analysis, Department of Fisheries and
Mobilization Office, World
Vladimir Golitsyn, Professor of
UNESCO, Paris, France
Oceans, Canada, and Camille Mageau,
Meteorological Association
International Law, Moscow State
Veerle Vandeweerd, Director,
Director, Marine Ecosystems
Cristelle Pratt, Director, South Pacific
University of International Relations
Environment and Energy Group,
Conservation Branch, Department of
Applied Geoscience Commission
Lynne Hale, Director, Marine
United Nations Development
Fisheries and Oceans, Canada
(SOPAC), Fiji
Strategy, The Nature Conservancy
Programme (UNDP)
Mario Ruivo, Intersectoral
Diane Quarless, Chief, Small Island
Art Hanson, former Ministerial Ocean
Governmental
Oceanographic Commission, Ministry
Developing States Unit, UNDESA
of Science, Technology, and Higher
Ambassador, Department of Fisheries
David Balton, Deputy Assistant
Education, Portugal
John Richardson, Head, Maritime
and Oceans, Canada, member of the
Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries,
Policy Task Force, European
Canadian Foundation for Innovation
Indroyono Soesilo, Chairman, Agency
Bureau of Oceans, U.S. Department of
Commission
(CFI)
for Marine and Fisheries Research,
State
Department of Marine Affairs and
Anne Rogers, United Nations
Gregor Hodgson, Director, Reef
Phil Burgess, Director, Cetacean
Fisheries, Indonesia
Department of Economic and Social
Check
Policy and Recovery, Department of
Affairs (UNDESA)
Ambassador Enele S. Sopoaga,
Paul Holthus, Independent Consultant
the Environment and Water
Tuvalu, Former Vice-Chair, Alliance
Eduard Sarukhanian, Director, World-
Gunnar Kullenberg, Independent
Resources, Australia
of Small Island Developing States
Weather-Watch-Applications, World
Consultant and former Director,
Nguyen Chu Hoi, Director, Institute of
(AOSIS)
Meteorological Organization (WMO),
Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Fisheries Economics and Planning,
Switzerland
Chris Tompkins, Independent
Commission (IOC)
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Consultant
Alan Simcock, Independent
Dan Laffoley, World Commission on
Development, Vietnam
Consultant
Intergovernmental
Protected Areas-Marine, IUCN
Aldo Cosentino, Director-General,
Dann Sklarew, Director and Chief
Carl Lundin, Head, IUCN Marine
Directorate for Nature Protection, Sea
Salvatore Arico, Programme
Technical Advisor, GEF, IW:LEARN
Programme
Protection, Ministry for Environment
Specialist, Ecological Sciences,
Asterio Takesy, Director, Secretariat
and Protection of the Territory, Italy
UNESCO
Dawn Martin, President, Sea Web,
for the Pacific Regional Environment
USA
Margaret Davidson, Director, Coastal
Julian Barbiere and Stefano Belfiore,
Programme
Services Center, National Oceanic and
Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Gerald Miles, The Nature
Khulood Tubaishat, Advisor, The
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commission, France
Conservancy, Pacific Region,
Regional Organization for the
USA
Chua Thia-Eng, Partnership in
Brisbane, Australia
Conservation of the Environment of
Antonio Diaz de Leon, Director-
Environmental Management for the
the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Iouri Oliounine, Executive Director,
General, Environmental, Regional
Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA),
(PERSGA)
International Ocean Institute, Malta
Integration and Sectoral Policy,
IMO/UNDP/GEF, Philippines
Chika Ukwe, Industrial Development
Pietro Parravano, President, Institute
Environment and Natural Resources
Anjan Datta, Global Programme for
Officer (International Waters), United
for Fisheries Resources, World
Ministry (SEMARNAT), Mexico
the Protection of the Marine
Nations Industrial Development
Fisheries Forum
Ambassador Angus Friday, Chair,
Environment from Land-Based
Organization (UNIDO)
Sian Pullen, Independent Consultant,
Alliance of Small Island States
Activities, The Hague
Marjo Vierros, Visiting Professor,
New Zealand, and former Head of
(AOSIS), Permanent Representative of
Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary,
Institute of Advanced Studies, United
European and Middle East Marine
Grenada to the United Nations
Convention on Biological Diversity
Nations University, Vancouver
Program, WWF International, UK
Gi-Jun Han, Ministry of Maritime
Al Duda, Senior Advisor, International
Eugenio Yunis, Chief, Sustainable
Victoria Radchenko, Director,
Affairs and Fisheries, Republic of
Waters, Global Environment Facility
Development of Tourism World
International Ocean Institute, Ukraine
Korea
(GEF)
Tourism Organization
Tony Ribbink, Director, Sustainable
Elie Jarmache, Chargé de Mission,
Serge Garcia, Independent Consultant,
A.H. Zakri, Director, Institute of
Seas Trust
Secrétariat Général de la Mer, France
and Former Director, Marine Fisheries
Advanced Studies, United Nations
Evelia Rivera-Arriaga, Centro de
Magnus Johannesson, Secretary-
Resources Division, Food and
University, Yokohama
Ecologia, Pesquerias y Oceanographia
General, Ministry for the
Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Nongovernmental
del Golfo de Mexico (EPOMEX),
Environment, Iceland
Marea E. Hatziolos, Senior Coastal
Mexico
Ambassador Jagdish Koonjul,
and Marine Specialist, Environment
Milton Asmus, International
Nirmal Jivan Shah, Chief Executive,
Mauritius, former Chair, Alliance of
Department, The World Bank
Representative, Brazilian Agency for
Nature Seychelles
Small Island States (AOSIS)
Coastal Management
Indumathie Hewawasam, Independent
Alan Simcock, former Executive
Gerhard Kuska, Associate Director
Consultant
Awni Behnam, President, International
Director, OSPAR, and former co-
and Director of Ocean and Coastal
Ocean Institute, Malta
Andrew Hudson, Principal Technical
chair, UN Informal Consultative
Policy, White House Council on
Advisor, International Waters,
Charles A. Buchanan, Administrator
Process on Ocean Affairs and Law of
Environmental Quality, USA
UNDP/GEF
Luso-American Development
the Sea
Tom Laughlin, Deputy Director,
Foundation, Portugal
David Johnson, Executive Secretary,
Nancy Targett, Dean, University of
International Affairs Office, National
OSPAR Convention, London
Torkil J. Clausen, Managing Director,
Delaware College of Marine and Earth
Oceanic and Atmospheric
DHI Water Policy and Senior Adviser,
Studies
Administration (NOAA), USA
Vladimir Mamaev, GEF Regional
Global Water Partnership
Technical Advisor, UNDP, Europe
Kristian Teleki, International Coral
Haiqing Li, Deputy Director-General,
and the CIS, Slovak Republic
Simon Cripps, Director, Global
Reef Action Network, Switzerland
State Oceanic Administration (SOA),
Marine Programme, World Wide Fund
Hiroshi Terashima, Executive
China
Franklin McDonald, Adviser, UNEP
For Nature (WWF) International
Caribbean Environment Programme
Director, Institute for Ocean Policy,
John Low, Adviser to the Minister of
(UNEP/CEP), and former Director,
Richard Delaney, Executive Director,
Ocean Policy Research Foundation,
Marine Resources for the Cook Islands
National Environmental Policy
Center for Coastal Studies,
Japan
Rejoice Mabudafhasi, Deputy Minister
Agency, Jamaica
Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA
Grant Trebble, African Marine and
of Environmental Affairs and
Vaclav Mikulka, Director, UN
Annick de Marffy, former Director of
Coastal Resource Over-exploitation
Tourism, South Africa
Division for Ocean Affairs and the
Division of Ocean Affairs and Law of
Prevention Strategy (AMCROPS),
Jan Mees, Director, Flanders Marine
Law of the Sea
the Sea (UNDOALOS), United
South Africa
Institute, Belgium
Nations International Consultant
Ali Mohamed, Coordinator, Coastal
Philippe Vallette and Manuel Cira,
Guillermo Garcia Montero, President,
and Marine Secretariat, New
Sylvia Earle, Chair, Deep Ocean
NAUSICAA, France, and the World
National Aquarium, Havana, Cuba
Partnership for Africa's Development
Exploration and Research (DOER),
Ocean Network
and Explorer-in-Residence, National
Magnus Ngoile, Team Leader, Marine
(NEPAD), Kenya
Geographic Society
David VanderZwaag, IUCN Specialist
and Coastal Environmental
Group on Ocean Law and Governance
* Please note: Members of the Steering Committee participate in their individual capacities.