REMINDER: Deadline for sending expressions of interest to write papers or participate on panels Vol. 1 No. 2
for the Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts and Islands (November 10-14, 2003, at UNESCO,
Paris) is June 15, 2003. Requests for side events should be made by August 1, 2003.
May 23, 2003
In This Issue
Editorial
CSD-11 Outcomes:
In this issue, we cover the decisions reached at the eleventh meeting of the UN Commission on
Articles
Sustainable Development (CSD-11) in April/May 2003, the first session of the CSD following the
- CSD Results...2
World Summit on Sustainable Development. As discussed by Ronneberg in this issue, decisions
- Decision on SIDS...3
were made on the preparatory process to review the Barbados Programme of Action for Small
Island Developing States (SIDS), leading up to the international meeting in Mauritius in August
2004. This summit, ten years after the 1994 Barbados summit (called for at the 1992 Earth
Global Forum Panel at
Summit), will review progress (or lack thereof) in the past decade on all matters related to environ-
the CSD-11
ment and development in SIDS. Of prime concern will be matters related to the oceans and coastal
- Panel Summary...5
areas under the control of SIDS. The 43 small island developing States involved in AOSIS (Alliance
- Articles:
of Small Island States) are the stewards of a very large portion of the world's oceans, and are
· The Road to
developing innovative strategies for the protection and sustainable use of these areas, such as the
Mauritius...6
coordinated regional ocean policy for the Pacific islands currently under preparation. We urge the
· Global Marine
widest possible participation and the support of governments, NGOs, international organizations,
Assessment...8
and donors, of the SIDS prepatory process toward Mauritius to ensure the sustainable develop-
ment of these states and of the oceans that surround them.
Water Forum
Outcomes
CSD-11 also made important decisions on CSD's mode of operation and future program for the
- Outcomes...9
implementation of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, setting forth a 2-year cycle of review
- Linking Freshwater to
and laying out a schedule for review of the major targets set at Johannesburg (described by Rogers
in this issue). It is disappointing that Oceans and Seas, Marine Resources, and SIDS are not
Coastal
scheduled for review by CSD until 2014-2015. This decision makes it even more important that
Management...11
other formal and informal ocean-related fora involve focused discussion and analysis of important
issues related to oceans, coasts, and islands--e.g., the Mauritius 2004 process, the UN Informal
Opinion
Consultative Process on Oceans and Law of the Sea (scheduled for June 2-6, 2003 and also covered
- Protection of Shallow
in this issue), and informal venues such as the Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands in
Water Ecosystems in
November of this year.
International
Waters...13
The next meeting of the CSD, in 2004-2005, however, will address, as the first issue for review,
Water and Sanitation. This represents an important opportunity for the oceans, coasts, and islands
Forthcoming Meetings/
communities to reinforce the connections between freshwater and coasts and oceans. While the
Deadlines/Other
concept of embracing upstream inland areas and river basins as part of integrated coastal manage-
Announcements
ment (ICM)--"from hilltops to oceans"-- has been part and parcel of the ICM paradigm, it has not
been put into effect often. Progress on making this linkage explicit and providing guidance on how
- 4th UNICPOLOS in
to do it was made at the World Water Forum, held in Kyoto, Shiga and Osaka, Japan this March and
June...14
involving over 24,000 participants, as covered in this issue.
- Biodiversity Conference
in Australia...15
In this issue, we also inaugurate an Opinion section, featuring an Opinion article advocating special
- Coastal Module of
protection of shallow water ecosystems in international waters. Opinion articles from all perspec-
GOOS...15
tives are kindly invited. Please contact the editors for more information.
Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain
About Us...16
Editor-in-Chief
The Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands, created following the WSSD in Johannesburg in September 2002, aims to advance
the interests of oceans - incorporating 72% of the Earth; coasts - the home of 50% of the world's population; and islands - 43 of the
world's nations are small island developing states which are especially dependent on the oceans. The Forum is composed of individu-
als from governments, intergovernmental and international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (environmental, scien-
tific/technical, industry, foundations) with the common goal of achieving the sustainable development of oceans, coasts and islands.
Co-Chairs
Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain, Director
Dr. Patricio A. Bernal, Executive Secretary
Dr. Veerle Vandeweerd, Coordinator
CSMP/University of Delaware
IOC/UNESCO
UNEP/GPA Coordination Office
bcs@udel.edu
p.bernal@unesco.org
v.vandeweerd@unep.nl
1

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CSD-11 OUTCOMES
ELEVENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (CSD-11)
April 28­May 9, 2003; UN Headquarters, New York
Anne H. Rogers
UN Division for Sustainable Development
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
The UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) held
initiatives, means of implementation, institutional framework
its eleventh session at UN Headquarters in New York from 28
for sustainable development, gender equality, and education--
April-9 May 2003. As the first CSD session since the World
are to be addressed in every cycle and for every relevant issue,
Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), held in August-
action and commitment. The Thematic Clusters agreed for each
September 2002 in Johannesburg, the main focus of CSD-11
two-year cycle are as follows:
was to decide on the future programme, organisation and methods
of work of the CSD for the implementation of the Johannesburg
2004/2005:
Water; Sanitation; Human Settlements
Plan of Implementation (JPOI). In addition, there was a Plenary
discussion and negotiation of a draft decision on preparations
2006/2007:
Energy for Sustainable Development; Industrial
for the International Meeting on SIDS to be held in Mauritius in
Development; Air Pollution/Atmosphere;
2004 (see separate article by E. Ronneberg, this issue).
Climate Change
2008/2009:
Agriculture; Rural Development; Land; Drought;
The session began with a three day High-level Segment, chaired
Desertification; Africa
by CSD-11 Chairman Mohammed Valli Moosa, Minister for
Environmental Affairs and Tourism of South Africa. Over forty
2010/2011:
Transport; Chemicals; Waste Management;
Ministers, senior officials of UN agencies and organisations, and
Mining; A 10-Year Framework of programmes
senior representatives of NGOs and other major groups,
on Sustainable Consumption and Production
participated in the High-level Segment, which included three
Patterns
interactive ministerial roundtables on the theme "Priority actions
and commitments to implement the outcomes of the WSSD".
2012/2013:
Forests; Biodiversity; Biotechnology; Tourism;
Five regional implementation forums and a multi-stakeholder
Mountains
dialogue also took place during CSD's first week. In addition, a
"Partnership Fair" and a Learning Centre were new initiatives
2014/2015:
Oceans and Seas; Marine Resources; SIDS;
held throughout the two week session.
Disaster Management and Vulnerability
The second week was devoted to negotiating the future
2016/2017:
Overall appraisal of implementation of Agenda
21, the Programme for the Further
organisation, programme and methods of work of the CSD, based
Implementation of Agenda 21 and the
on various proposals submitted by delegations, groups of
Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.
delegations, the Chair and the Secretary-General in his Report to
the session [E/CN.17/2003/2]. The Secretary-General's Report
A note on oceans: It may seem surprising that CSD members
and other background documents, as well as the final outcomes
chose not to address oceans issues for another ten years,
of the session, are available on the CSD website: http://
especially in light of the considerable attention this sector
www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd.
received during the WSSD process. CSD delegates who negotiated
the future programme of work, however, noted that the JPOI's
Following late-night and even all-night meetings of two Working
targets and goals for oceans generally have deadlines in the 2010-
Groups and several informal contact groups set up by the
2015 period, except for those with earlier deadlines that are the
Chairman, on Friday, 9 May the Commission unanimously
specific responsibility of another UN body (e.g., FAO, UNEP/
approved a draft resolution entitled "Agenda 21 and JPOI
GPA, CBD) or, like the global marine assessment process, will
Implementation Track: Future Programme, Organisation and
be decided by the UN General Assembly this Fall. Furthermore,
Methods of Work of the Commission". CSD's future work is to
the criteria that were considered for the selection of priority
be organised into two-year implementation cycles, consisting of
themes for future sessions--including coherence, manageability,
a Review Session (to be held in April/May of the first year of the
added value, timing of other international events relevant to the
cycle for 2-3 weeks) followed by a Policy Session (April/May of
issue and "homelessness", or lack of a dedicated UN body dealing
the second year, preceded by an Intergovernmental Preparatory
with the subject--also contributed to the decision to postpone
Meeting in New York for one week in February/March). UN
oceans issues, since it was felt by Governments that the UN
Regional Commissions are invited to organise regional
Informal Consultative Process provides a venue for annual
implementation meetings, preferably before the CSD Review
discussions of the issues.
Sessions.
It is also worth noting that a footnote attached to the 4th, 5th and
The focus of the negotiations concerned the elaboration and
6th CSD cycles (from 2010-2015) allows for the Commission to
timetable of a multi-year programme of work for CSD, which is
revise the schedule, should it so decide.
set forth in the Annex to the draft resolution. Somewhat
unexpectedly, agreement was reached for seven two-year cycles,
The draft resolution of CSD will be submitted to the UN
stretching out to 2016/17, when an overall appraisal of
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for final adoption this
implementation of Agenda 21, Rio+5 and the JPOI is scheduled.
summer (Geneva, July 2003).
Twelve "cross-cutting" issues--poverty eradication, changing
unsustainable patterns of consumption and production, protecting
For further information on these topics, contact: Anne Rogers,
and managing the natural resource base of economic and social
Division for Sustainable Development, Department of Economic
development, globalization, health, SIDS, Africa, other regional
and Social Affairs, United Nations, New York (rogersa@un.org).
2

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CSD-11 OUTCOMES
SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES: A SPECIAL CASE IN THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA
Mr. Espen Ronneberg
Inter-regional Advisor for Small Island Developing States
UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs
The disadvantages and vulnerabilities faced by Small Island
Developing States (SIDS) have made sustainable development a
Decision taken by the United Nations Commission on
unique challenge for the island states themselves and the
Sustainable Development at its 11th Session (New York,
28th April to 9th May 2003), on Preparations for the
international community at large. Since UNCED in 1992, SIDS
International Meeting to Review Implementation of the
and islands supporting small communities have been considered
Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable
"a special case both for environment and development." Indeed,
Development of Small Island Developing States
it is widely recognized that their ecological fragility, their small
size, limited resources and isolation from markets have not allowed
SIDS to take advantage of globalization processes, causing major
The CSD reached agreement on the preparatory process for
set-backs to their socio-economic development. Moreover, the
the International Meeting to review the Barbados Programme
effects of global warming, the uncontrolled growth of mass
of Action on Friday May 9, 2003. The decision is based on
international tourism and the increased frequency of natural
the General Assembly resolution, the work done at
disasters have further impacted on islands environments,
Johannesburg and the debate which was held on May 5,
aggravating water and energy shortages and exacerbating
2003. The CSD will at its twelfth session in 2004, undertake
biodiversity losses and habitat degradation.
a three-day preparatory meeting for the international meeting.
This meeting will be provided with a synthesis report from
The sustainable development of SIDS is explicitly addressed
the Secretary General on the basis of various reports from
through the Barbados Programme of Action, a blueprint adopted
the national level and regional preparations. Donors are also
by the General Assembly at the recommendation of the Barbados
encouraged to provide information on their current and
Conference on the Sustainable Development of SIDS in 1994.
planned activities in support of sustainable development in
The relevance of the "special needs" of SIDS was again stressed
SIDS.
in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreed by the
Millennium Summit in September 2000.
The decision emphasizes the importance of the fullest
national preparations, and in this regard urges financial
The 43 Member States and Observers of the Alliance of Small
support to ensure that these are produced in time. The reports
Island States (AOSIS) were very successful participants at the
will be disseminated by means of SIDSNet.
World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). SIDS have
an entire stand-alone chapter in the Plan of Implementation. It
The decision also notes the convening of the regional
reiterates the need to take the necessary action to overcome
preparatory meetings, which will be held as follows:
constraints hindering SIDS' sustainable development. Some
1.
Pacific SIDS, to be held in Apia, Samoa from 4 to
specific adverse factors and their interplay, whose combined
8 August 2003;
effects have negatively affected SIDS economies and
2.
Caribbean SIDS, to be held in Port of Spain,
exponentially accelerated damages to their environments and
Trinidad and Tobago from 18 to 22 August 2003;
societies, are sought to be addressed. The Plan of Implementation
and for the
promotes initiatives, programmes and mechanisms that can
3.
Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South
practically and effectively assist SIDS in their struggle for
China Seas SIDS to be held in Praia, Cape Verde
sustainable development. When specific mechanisms targeted at
from 1 to 5 September 2003,
SIDS are not yet available, like in the case of disaster prevention,
risk management or other environmental emergencies, the Plan
In addition there will be an inter-regional preparatory meeting,
of implementation calls for further assistance and resources in
with ministerial participation, for all SIDS, to be held in
support of local communities and national and regional
Nassau, Bahamas from 26 to 30 January 2004.
organizations to plan for and face those events.
The concern raised by many SIDS that the implementation
SIDS are now re-directing their focus on the next steps in making
to date has been largely by SIDS themselves is recognized
sustainable development a reality, by building on the experiences
through the call on international agencies to support regional
from the Barbados conference and strengthening their
initiatives and to collaborate closely in partnership with the
understanding of key cross-cutting issues. Of particular
regional organizations and institutions. The coordinating role
importance is the agreement at WSSD on a full and comprehensive
of the SIDS Unit is also emphasized.
review of the implementation of the Programme in 2004, on the
occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Barbados conference.
Furthermore, the need for full and effective participation by
An international meeting will be convened in Mauritius in 2004.
SIDS, non-self-governing SIDS and major groups, is given
attention in the provisions for voluntary funding and from
(Continued on p.4)
budgetary savings that are available.
3

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CSD-11 OUTCOMES
The focus of the review is expected to be on implementation
and avoid as far as possible the protracted negotiations that
have become the hallmark of the last decade. To ensure that the
review contributes positively to both the progress of SIDS issues
at the international level as well as the implementation of
sustainable development at national and local levels, the
preparations will need to adopt a clear set of goals and focus on
an achievable set of outputs over the next two years. The
information gathered during the preparatory process should be
presented in a clear and factual manner with a concomitant
discussion that focuses especially on the facts on the ground
and the lessons learned. This should lead to proposals for
practical and pragmatic next steps to ensure that the further
implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action is carried
forward, re-emphasizing its validity.
At the national level, the next 12-18 months will need to be
focused extensively on national engagement in the
implementation of the Summit outcomes and preparations for
the review. This can build on the momentum generated through
the preparations for WSSD. At the regional level there is already
considerable experience with the coordination of and
preparations for an event of this kind. It is important to identify
how this event can focus on delivering benefits at the national
level and how existing regional arrangements can be better
recognized and supported at the international level.
Inter-regional preparations will depend at the international level
on effective planning and preparations by the AOSIS Missions
in New York and the engagement of key regional organizations.
It will be important for early guidance on the scope and possible
outputs for the preparations to be considered and agreed inter-
regionally. Similarly, agreement at an inter-regional level will be
important before the international Preparatory Committee
convenes in April/May 2004. Inter-regional Expert groups will
be used to focus attention and present options to address specific
issues for SIDS, in cooperation with other organizations.
At the international level there will be two key meetings; the
Preparatory Committee that will be convened under the auspices
of the Commission on Sustainable Development (April/May
2004) and the International Meeting itself in Mauritius 2004
(preferred timing is August).
There is no doubt that 2003 and 2004 will be exciting and eventful
years in the international discussion on the sustainable
development of SIDS.
----
For more information please contact: Mr. Espen Ronneberg,
SIDS Unit, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United
Nations, Two United Nations Plaza, DC2-2082, New York, NY
10017. E-mail: ronneberg@un.org
4

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GLOBAL FORUM PANEL AT CSD-11
An oceans side event at CSD-11 entitled: Towards Ambassador Mary Beth West, U.S. Department of State,
Implementation of the Johannesburg Plan of
speaking on the WSSD Type II Partnership Initiative White
Implementation: Oceans, Coasts and Islands, held on
Water to Blue Water Initiative, said the initiative seeks to stimulate
April 30 and organized by the Global Forum, attracted about 90
partnerships that would promote integrated watershed and
participants from various government, intergovernmental and
marine ecosystems-based management in support of sustainable
international organizations (IOs), and nongovernmental
development. The initiative is expected to act as a catalyst for
organizations (NGOs). Major points covered included:
improving collaboration among governments, international
organizations, NGOs and the private sector; enhance existing
Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain, Director of the Center for the Study
partnerships and promote new ones; carry out training and build
of Marine Policy, University of Delaware reviewed the results
capacity; and promote best practices. The initiative is currently
of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)
undertaking consultations in the wider Caribbean, the initial
related to oceans, coasts, and islands, acknowledging the
focus of the initiative, which intends to expand into the South
important role played by the Alliance of Small Island States
Pacific and Africa regions. The initiative involves three stages:
(AOSIS) in reaching global agreement on these issues. She
1) Pre-conference stage involving the setting up of the steering
discussed the origins and activities of the Global Forum on
committee, the international visitor teams, etc.; 2) A conference
Oceans, Coasts, and Islands, and invited participation in the
in Miami designed to identify and form future partnerships; and
Global Conference (November 2003 at UNESCO in Paris)
3) A post-conference phase during which it is hoped that
(details in issue #1 of this newsletter (http://www.udel.edu/
programmes on the ground would blossom to develop integrated
CMS/csmp/globaloceans/pdf/NewsletterIssue_1.pdf).
management programmes in the Region. The Miami Partnership
Conference planned for 2004 will be highlighting integrated
Ambassador Enele S. Sopoaga (Tuvalu), Vice Chairperson of
watershed management, marine ecosystem-based management,
AOSIS spoke on The Importance of the Barbados + 10
and sustainable tourism and shipping as the conference themes.
Assessment for Small Island Developing States. His remarks
may be found in a separate article in this issue.
Dr. Krista Singleton-Cambage, Assistant Director of the
Marine and International Section of Environment Australia spoke
Mr. Manuel Dengo, Chief of Water, Natural Resources, and
on Australia's WSSD Type II Partnerships which are designed
SIDS Branch of UN/DESA, reported on preparations for the
to cover a range of ocean and coastal issues at global, regional
international meeting in Mauritius in 2004 to review the Barbados
and sub-regional levels. Among the initiatives are the High Seas
Programme of Action, focusing, in particular, on DESA's conduct
Biodiversity Conference to be held in June 2003 (covered in this
of a survey which has been sent to all SIDS countries to examine
issue), a coral reefs and fisheries network, and implementation
issues not covered in the national reports presented at the
of the Regional Oceans Policy in collaboration with other Pacific
Johannesburg meeting and allowing for the involvement of all
countries. Dr. Singleton-Cambage also discussed other initiatives
stakeholders. The questionnaire examines specifically the
including conservation of wetland habitats of importance to
relevant sections of the Barbados Programme of Action, such as
migratory birds; accelerating implementation of the FAO
socio-economics, national frameworks for sustainable
International Plan of Action on illegal, unregulated and
development, progress made and impediments encountered, and
unreported (IUU) fishing; establishing the FAO Timor Seas
areas that require further emphasis.
experts forum to look at the sustainable management of the
FAO Timor Seas; establishment of a new water and coastal
Mr. Werner Obermeyer, Programme Officer, UNEP New York
resources management facility to be opened to developing
office, made a presentation on Implementing WSSD
countries; and the Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment
Commitments: Focus on Abating Marine Pollution and Ensuring
established by Australia along with other partners to collect and
the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.
analyze data for the marine environment.
He emphasized the strategic importance of SIDS to UNEP on
account of their geographic isolation and economic disadvantages.
Mr. Manuel Cira of NAUSICAÂ (French National Sea
He talked about the decisions taken during the UNEP 22nd
Experience Centre) spoke on the topic Acting together for the
Governing Council meeting towards advancing the protection
Future of the Blue Planet: Raising Public Awareness on Oceans,
of the marine environment and contributing to the sustainable
Coasts and Islands. He highlighted the importance of aquaria,
development policies of SIDS. For the Mauritius meeting, he
museums and zoos as tools for raising awareness and educating
reported that UNEP is working internally by establishing a plan
the public on issues of conservation and biodiversity. Towards
focused on policy development, support for Regional
this end, NAUSICAÂ has developed an information module on
governments and civil society, outreach programmes and
oceans, a draft of which will be presented on June 8, the World
enhanced programme delivery to raise awareness of
Ocean Day, in Paris, Rome and Washington. NAUSICAÂ is
environmental issues critical to sustainable development.
also supporting the campaign for the official designation of June
8 as the World Ocean Day. A passport for "citizens of the
Dr. Louise de La Fayette, Principal Legal Officer, Division of
ocean" is also being created, and holders will become ambassadors
Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea, discussed the recommendation
of the sea in helping to spread information and take part in
of the WSSD for the initiation of a regular process of reporting
conservation and environmental management actions.
and assessment of the global marine environment (see separate
article).
5

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GLOBAL FORUM PANEL AT CSD-11
Dr. Ellen Pikitch, Director of Ocean Strategy at the Wildlife
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BARBADOS + 10
Conservation Society (based in New York), focused on three
ASSESSMENT FOR SMALL ISLAND
commitments relevant to fisheries: restoration of depleted fish
D
populations to levels that can produce maximum sustainable
EVELOPING STATES
yields by the year 2015, establishment of a global network on
Ambassador Enele S. Sopoaga (Tuvalu)
Vice-Chairperson, Alliance of Small Island States
marine protected areas by 2012 and application of the ecosystem
approach to managing marine areas by 2010. Although there
(AOSIS)
are internationally recognized targets and reference points for
fisheries assessments, there are a number of challenges such as
AOSIS places great importance on the holistic discussions on
lack of data and fisheries monitoring systems, and inadequate
oceans at the United Nations and as a group we are amongst
capacity to perform the needed quantitative assessment of
those advocating a more holistic consideration of ocean issues
fisheries. She indicated that although several nations have shown
beyond the purely legalistic basis. Our group was in favor of
commitment to maintain sustainable fish population levels, there
comprehensive discussion of ocean issues that would capture
have been spectacular collapses of fisheries around the world.
the essence of oceans as the lifeline of all islands and coastal
In her view, it is imperative to remove perverse subsidies that
communities.
enhance over-exploitation and over-capacity while providing
positive incentives to sustain fisheries. Some of the positive
Recognition was needed that in many key areas, discussions
incentives to consider, in Dr. Pikitch's view are:
were not based on experiences of SIDS or on admission of our
· To ensure that all fishing activities within national waters are
increasing vulnerabilities in economic, social and environmental
conducted under an allocation system that provides tenure
aspects of ocean management and governance. Furthermore,
to identifiable groups of domestic fishers;
these discussions seldom recognized that our countries are a
· To empower consumers to use marine resources sustainably
network of small and diverse ecosystems. For this reason, SIDS
by strengthening and implementing verifiable third party
need to adopt a more integrated approach to confronting
certification systems for sustainably produced marine
challenges and approaching solutions, an approach that is also
products, similar to that of the Marine Stewardship Council;
recommended to other concerned countries. Hence, the results
and
of the Johannesburg Summit on ocean issues were meaningful as
· Managing offshore fishing rights to provide equitable benefits
a recognition that AOSIS has called for and the need for such a
within a country.
holistic approach appears to have been heeded for which the
group is very thankful.
Dr. Alfredo Guillet of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
spoke on Partnership Collaboration for Poverty Alleviation in
AOSIS is now at a critical stage where commitments, promises
Islands with High Biodiversity Value: Galapagos and Socotra
and fine words should now be translated into actions, and this
Archipelagos. Dr. Guillet discussed a partnership model
will become a major substantial matter for the UN and CSD.
emerging from a Type II initiative that was presented in
Under the General Assembly, AOSIS has the UNICPOLOS
Johannesburg involving two biodiversity flagship archipelagos
process going and it is essential that CSD now complement that
of the Galapagos in Ecuador and the Pacific Ocean and Socotra
effort. This can be done through the streamlining of work
in the so-called Yemen Indian Ocean. Islands with high
programmes and agendas, and above all, through improved
biodiversity value typically face unique problems that attract
coordination among UN agencies and departments, and between
considerable international support for the conservation of their
national authorities and organizations.
biodiversity but very little support for the development of
their human inhabitants. This can result in conflicts between
In 2004, the international community will meet in Mauritius to
the interests of residents and conservation activities. As demand
review the implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action
for development increases, biodiversity comes under increasing
for the Sustainable Development of SIDS. We look forward to
danger. A lack of institutional capacity for systemic management
welcoming you all there. You can rest assured that oceans are
compounds the risk resulting from the excessive number of
likely to be very high on our agenda and we expect to develop
tourists, uncontrolled fishing, and air and water pollution both
strategic actions on oceans in the coming months.
at sea and on land. Furthermore, the current lack of involvement
of communities in the planning and management of use and
Already a great deal of cooperation on ocean issues exists among
conservation of natural resources has led to generally low levels
SIDS and some of the regions are already moving forward with
of awareness of the linkages between conservation of
regional policies and action plans on oceans. Others in the group
ecosystems as resources and the generation of concrete and
are considering sustainable development frameworks for their
sustainable development opportunities. The main objective of
surrounding seas as well. Marine Protected Areas have been
this partnership is therefore to contribute to the consolidation
established in many countries and more are being considered in
of relevant institutional capacities in systemic cross-sectoral
the context of national sustainable development strategies.
planning and management of sustainable development, while
promoting linkages and information exchange between
The preparatory process for the Mauritius meeting in 2004 will
institutional development and administration as well as boosting
allow for further opportunities to discuss ocean issues with
capacity provided to local communities, NGOs and the general
experts. To ensure the widest possible consensus among SIDS
public.
6

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GLOBAL FORUM PANEL AT CSD-11
Ambassador Sopoaga (continued)
and the rest of the international
The Pacific Regional Oceans Policy presents a vision for a
community, it is essential that
healthy oceans that sustain the livelihoods and aspirations of
there is transparency and the
Pacific island communities. The principal goal is to:
fullest possible representation of
AOSIS members in relevant
·
Ensure future sustainable use of oceans and resources
meetings.
·
Promote stewardship and ownership
·
Articulate the following principles:
There are examples of regional
-
Improving understanding of the oceans
ocean policies that have been developed and I want to touch on
-
Sustainably managing oceans resource use
the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy because it is a very
-
Maintaining the health of oceans
important example of how SIDS are committed to dealing with
-
Promoting the peaceful use of oceans
issues of oceans and islands systems of the world. The Pacific
-
Creating partnerships
Islands Regional Ocean Policy originated from the
-
Promoting cooperation
recommendations from a workshop on the implementation of
the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 that was held
The policy provides the basis for the harmonization that
in Tonga in 1999. The outcomes of that workshop were later
strengthens national and regional actions in relation to oceans
endorsed in the same year by leaders of all Pacific Island member
and coastal resources. We see the critical importance here of
countries that articulated the need for developing a regional
developing and maintaining linkages among all issues of
integrated ocean policy with the overriding objective of ensuring
sustainable development relating to oceans.
the sustainability of ocean resources.
A related and important activity to developing the Pacific
A regional ocean policy has not been formally implemented in
Regional Oceans Policy is the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean
any other part of the world; therefore to a large extent the Pacific
Forum being developed and planned for early next year to further
Region will be setting the international trend in this regard. The
advance dialogue and consultations among Pacific island
idea of a regional ocean policy, however, is not new. The existing
countries and other interested parties. Participants at CSD-11,
regional institutions supported by large conventions provided a
funding agencies and development partners are invited to the
framework for such a policy. The possible advantages foreseen
forum.
in a regional ocean policy for the Pacific region are:
·
Consolidation of current achievements of regional
institutions
·
Assistance to regional organizations in developing
compatible and transparent oceans programs, and providing
international leadership
·
Provision of a highly effective framework for assessing
and managing high-cost managerial technologies and
infrastructure for ocean governance
·
Avoidance of duplication of efforts
·
Avoidance of politically and economically damaging
demarcation or disputes
·
Attracting donor funding on the basis of coordinated
policies and longer term focus
·
Assistance with improvement in capacity and confidence
building
·
Provision of a robust and consensual agreed reference point
for developing national ocean policy
·
Provision of a robust and consensual agreed reference point
for developing and presenting regional positions at the
international level
The appointed marine-sector working group of the regional
organizations in the Pacific has prepared the Pacific Islands
Regional Oceans Policy document for endorsement by the Forum
leaders. The policy was prepared in consultation with key
stakeholders in the region including the Pacific Island countries
themselves and territories to ensure their commitment and
endorsement of the policy.
7

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GLOBAL FORUM PANEL AT CSD-11
GLOBAL MARINE ASSESSMENT AND AGENDA FOR THE INFORMAL CONSULTATIVE
PROCESS ON OCEANS
Dr. Louise de La Fayette
UN Division of Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UN/DOALOS)
Global Marine Assessment
The survey, which was published in January 2003, concluded
that although there was considerable information currently
One of the recommendations of the WSSD was the initiation of
available, it was scattered, inadequate and had many gaps, in
a regular process of reporting and assessment of the global
particular with regards to information on the marine environment
marine environment. This recommendation was discussed at
of SIDS, the high seas and deep oceans. This also applied to the
the General Assembly during the negotiations for the annual
relationship between freshwater and marine resources.
omnibus resolution on oceans and the Law of the Sea and agreed
to in paragraph 45 of Resolution 857141. This Resolution called
There are assessments currently going on under various regional
upon the Secretary General to prepare proposals on modalities
seas programmes but there is lack of uniformity in the modalities,
for the regular process of global reporting and assessment of the
information and data collection, and these need to be harmonized
state of the marine environment, in collaboration with other UN
before global assessment can be done.
agencies and organizations and relevant NGOs.
Many developing countries lack the capacity to assess their
There is currently a process of consulting these groups on their
marine environments; hence GMA would also have to evolve a
views on modalities for the Global Marine Assessment (GMA)
certain amount of capacity building in developing countries,
programme. Unfortunately, very few responses have been
including SIDS.
received so far and I wish to use this CSD-11 forum to appeal to
the relevant groups for their inputs within the next two weeks.
Presently, more proposals on how to conduct global marine
The non-response by some organizations was perhaps because
assessment are being expected as mentioned earlier. A number
they did not know about the GMA programme. The GMA is a
of states have indicated their preparedness to discuss the issue
proposal for the assessment of the marine environment of all
at the upcoming meeting of the consultative process during the
the oceans; it would investigate the physical state and threats,
first week of June. The next stage is the preparation of a report
and the socio-economic impacts of the threats of oceans to
to the General Assembly. Some states are calling for an
coastal communities. The purpose of this assessment would be
intergovernmental meeting at the beginning of 2004 to establish
to provide information for policy makers in government and
the details.
regional organizations and global institutions, to enable them
take decisions and form their integrated ocean policy for the
United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process
purpose of sustainable development of the oceans.
on Oceans and the Law of the Sea
The history and background to the GMA go as far back as the
The General Assembly decided to establish a new consultative
Law of the Sea Convention, which deals with provisions for
process, which would consider all issues and developments
monitoring the state of the oceans and assess the impact of any
relating to the oceans and the Law of the Sea each year and also
planned projects. It also assesses the state of marine resources,
to make recommendations to the General Assembly on certain
especially fisheries. Following this is Agenda 21, Chapter 17,
issues. Initially, the consultative process was to go for three
which talks about establishing regular reviews of the marine
years and this came to an end in 2002, but the General Assembly
environment and developmental issues.
in its Resolution 857141 decided to continue it. The fourth
consultative meeting will take place in the first week of June
The initial impetus for the current initiative came from a
2003. All states, regional economic organizations,
proposal by Iceland in the UNEP Governing Council meeting in
intergovernmental organizations, and NGOs in consultative
2001. UNEP took up this idea and convened two meetings in
status with the UN are invited. The focal areas chosen by the
Reykjavic and later in Bremen. The former meeting decided that
General Assembly for this year are: " safety of navigation; for
such a global marine assessment was desirable and useful and
example, capacity-building for the preparation of nautical charts;
the latter meeting considered some proposals for modalities for
and protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems". Background
carrying out the assessment. The issue was brought up at the
information on the Consultative Process is available on the
Informal Consultative Process last year for discussion and the
DOALOS website at <http://www.un.org/Depts/los/
reports presented to the preparatory committee of the WSSD
consultative_process/consultative_process.htm>.
for adoption and tabling at the General Assembly for resolution.
Information about the meetings on the GMA can be accessed
This year special reports will be presented to inform the Process
from the UNEP website at <http://www.unep.org/DEWA/water/
of developments since the first meeting regarding the Global
MarineAssessment/meetings.htm>.
Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine
Environment from Land-Based Activities, and FAO actions to
Since then, the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre
combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing. Finally,
has initiated a survey to find out what assessments were already
recommendations will be submitted to the General Assembly
being done because one of the principles accepted was that
on issues to be considered during the debate on the resolution
there should be no new institutions created and that GMA
on ocean affairs and the law of the sea.
should build upon existing ones.
8

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3rd World Water Forum Outcomes
OUTCOMES FROM THE
where there is increasing water demand due to increased human
3RD WORLD WATER FORUM
populations such as Asia and the Pacific.
Kyoto, Shiga and Osaka, Japan
A new approach that has attracted much attention and
March 16-23, 2003
discussion in the Water Forum is virtual water trade. "Virtual
water'' -- the amount of water needed to create goods -- is a
Dr. Miriam Balgos
new concept that is gaining strong ground among the water-
Center for the Study of Marine Policy
scarce countries to determine their agricultural and industrial
production strategies. "When you consume one kilogram of
The 3rd World Water Forum attracted some 24,000 participants
grain, you are also consuming 1,000 litres of water needed to
from 182 countries who attended 351 sessions on 38 interlocking
grow that grain; when you consume a kilogram of beef you are
water themes. The Forum focused on the need for balancing
consuming 13,000 litres of water needed to produce that amount
increasing human requirements for adequate water supplies and
of meat, and this is the hidden or virtual water,'' explained
improved health and sanitation with food production,
Daniel Zimmer, Director of the World Water Council, in his
transportation, energy and environmental needs, as well as on
presentation at the session on "Virtual Water Trade and
the imperative for more effective governance, improved capacity
Geopolitics" at the Water Forum. The amount of "virtual water"
and adequate financing.
that people consume everyday varies by region, depending on
people's diet. In Asia, people consume an average of 1,400
The World Water Forum consisted of three elements: 1) a forum
litres of `virtual water' a day, while in Europe and North
that provided the opportunity for policy makers, academic
America, people consume about 4000 litres. About 70 per cent
experts, technology experts, people from private industries,
of all water used by humans goes into food production. A
and those from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), to meet
widespread consciousness of "virtual water" consumption can
under one roof and discuss solutions to future water-related
inform decision-making at all levels in improving the
issues; 2) a Ministerial Conference that convened Ministers
management of water resources. Countries that opt to be net
dealing with water-related issues to discuss the global water
importers of "virtual water," as opposed to real water, can
crisis and to work towards the framing and adoption of a political
relieve pressure on their own water resources.
declaration concerning water-related issues; and 3) a Water Fair,
consisting of a series of water-related events, that was held
The Statement recorded more than 100 commitments reached
before, and during the period of the 3rd World Water Forum to
during the Forum in support of major actions that are deemed
raise awareness and interest among the general public, and to
needed in addressing key issues, namely, 1) creating global
raise the level of motivation for concrete solutions. The Forum
awareness and political support; 2) building bridges; and 3)
produced three major outcomes: 1) the Forum Statement; 2) the
local actions. The climate change theme accounted for more
Ministerial Declaration; and 3) the Portfolio of Water Actions,
than 20 commitments, and the gender issues elicited 13
briefly described in the following paragraphs.
commitments. Some of the global agreements included:
Forum Outcomes
·
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan:
Establish the International Flood Network (IFNet) for
A. Preliminary Forum Statement
flood mitigation at the global stages. IFNet will launch the
"Global Flood Warning System" project that will create
Components
precipitation maps all over the world every 3 hours.
An 8-page Preliminary Forum Statement issued by the Forum's
·
The World Water Council: Develop and implement with a
Organizing Committee on March 21, 2003, contained issues,
consortium of International financial institutions, UN
actions, commitments and recommendations that participants
agencies, international non-governmental organizations,
to the Forum pledged to support and carry through in order to
and research institutions a program aiming at identifying
achieve a safe and secure water future for all. Among the issues
and highlighting the benefits brought by sound water
specifically addressed are 1) safe clean water for all; 2) water
management, and providing governments with appropriate
governance; 3) capacity building; 4) financing; 5) participation;
tools and analysis so that they may be considered in
and 6) regional issues. The key issues cited indicated the need
priority setting, planning, development, management, and
for demand-side as well as supply-side management, with
budgeting for the water sector.
emphasis on the latter. Regarding governance, there is a need for
wide adoption of the integrated water resources management
·
UN-HABITAT and Asian Development Bank (ADB):
approach and for national governments to make water a priority.
Create a program to build the capacity of Asian cities to
The need for community-based management, and for various
secure and manage pro-poor investments and to help the
forms of partnerships ensuring inclusiveness is unquestioned.
region meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
Planning and implementing water projects require greater
of halving, by 2015, the proportion of people without safe
efficiency and better financial management, especially in regions
drinking water and basic sanitation.
9

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3rd World Water Forum Outcomes
·
UNESCO and the World Water Council: Promote, develop
key challenges for the future. This tone is made explicit in two
and support the establishment and operation of an
recommendations set forth in the Forum Statement (2 & 4),
independent, easily accessible facility that can help solve
which recommends wider application of integrated, adaptive,
problems related to trans-boundary waters.
ecosystem, basin or watershed, and demand-side management
approaches, which take into consideration societal as well as
·
WWC, UNESCO-IHE, FAO, KIP, IFPRI, IWMI and
ecological goals. Recommendation 2 specifically mentions
SOAS: Continue their efforts and to lobby for financial
implementation of environmental flows for downstream
support to develop a better understanding of Virtual Water,
ecosystems and users, although there is no explicit mention of
and to provide governments with information and tools to
the need to consider the impacts of upstream activities to marine
consciously utilize virtual water trade as an effective way
ecosystems and resources and vice versa.
to promote water saving and make it an integral part of
government's water, food and environmental policies.
B. Ministerial Declaration
·
A consortium of organizations (GWP, NRC, FAO, WWC,
Key Features
IWA, WMO, UNEP, IUCN, UNESCO, UNDP, WB,
ISDR): Continue building bridges between the climate and
The Ministerial Declaration, adopted on March 23, 2003 by
water sector, and develop activities to better cope with
Ministers and Heads of Delegation assembled in Kyoto, Japan,
climate impacts, through an "International Water and
is composed of a General Policy and five key themes: 1) Water
Climate Alliance."
resources management and benefit sharing; 2) Safe drinking water
and sanitation; 3) Water for food and rural development; 4)
·
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
Water pollution prevention and ecosystem conservation; and
Establish a Community Water Initiative, aimed at building
5) Disaster mitigation and risk management. The Declaration
on the power of the local community to solve water and
reiterates the WSSD target of halving the proportion of people
sanitation challenges by providing innovative communities
without access to safe drinking water by 2015. A noteworthy
with small grants to expand and improve their solutions to
feature in the Declaration is the identification of specific roles
the water and sanitation crisis.
for each major group of players, e.g., who develops water
efficiency plans, who equips countries to be able to do so, who
·
The indigenous participants of the 3rd World Water Forum:
should participate in the planning process, etc.
Form a network on water issues that will strengthen the
voice of indigenous people generally, and help empower
Financing is one of the important aspects stressed in the General
local communities struggling to protect their water rights,
Policy as needed for the water initiatives to succeed. The
through the Indigenous Peoples Kyoto Water Declaration.
strategies recommended are to prioritize water issues and to
reflect these priorities in national development plans; adopt
·
The Water and Sanitation Program (World Bank): Fund
cost-recovery approaches and the "polluter-pays" principle;
national capacity building projects for monitoring of
promote efficiency and effectiveness; and encourage public-
Millennium Development Goals.
private partnerships.
·
Pricewaterhouse Coopers, UN Water and Care International:
The latter strategy provoked a debate between advocates of
Establish a Global Water Initiative, to bring a substantial
privatization and defenders of pure public sector provision of
contribution to the Millennium Development Goals, that
water services as to how the public and private sectors can best
will start with a pilot project in Africa supported by the
cooperate to bring better access and quality of water to people
French Government, with results by the end of the year
of all socio-economic levels. What is encouraging is that the
2003.
public and private sectors seem to have a mutual understanding
that they need each other although they do not always agree on
Details of water commitments may be accessed from the 3WWF
the mode of cooperation.
website, along with information on regional, national and other
commitments (http://www.world.water-forum3.com/2003/eng/
In the management of water resources, supply-side management
secretariat/0322-3.html).
policies, e.g., development and deployment of non-conventional
water resources, were balanced by demand-side management
Environmental Elements and the Freshwater-Oceans Link
policies, e.g., promote reduction in losses from distribution
systems and the use of cost-effective measures. The Declaration
Environmental concerns are mentioned throughout the
acknowledges the potential of local or indigenous technology in
preliminary forum statement. The preamble sets the
developing efficient and low-cost water systems. Another
environmental tone of the Statement by citing the Ministerial
noteworthy feature is the recognition of hydropower as a
Declaration of the 2nd World Water Forum in The Hague, 2000,
renewable and clean energy source provided it is tapped in "an
which identified protecting ecosystems along with meeting basic
environmentally sustainable and socially equitable manner."
water needs, securing food supply, sharing water resources,
managing risks, valuing water and governing water wisely as the
10

---

3rd World Water Forum Outcomes
A prominent feature of the Ministerial Declaration are the
3rd World Water Forum Shiga-Kyoto-Osaka Planning
references to equity and fairness in the proposed measures.
Coordination Committee. Available: http://
Equity in sharing benefits with due regard to pro-poor and gender
www.kkr.mlit.go.jp/water/e_yokoso/yokoso.html
perspectives in water policies is emphasized in the General
Policy statements while the provisions in the sections on Water
List of "Portfolio of Water Actions". March 2003. Available:
Resources Management and Benefit Sharing, Safe Drinking Water
http://www.world.water-forum3.com/jp/mc/
and Sanitation, and Water for Food and Rural Development are
pwa_list.pdf
targeted to assist the interests of the poor and the low-income
Ministerial Declaration. March 23, 2003. Available: http://
bracket of the population or give due consideration to social
www.world.water-forum3.com/jp/mc/md_final.pdf
equity.
Preliminary Forum Statement. March 21, 2003. Available: http:/
A system for implementation and review was mentioned in the
/www.world.water-forum3.com/2003/eng/secretariat/
General Policy statements indicating recognition of the necessity
files/Preliminary_SFS.pdf
for countries to better coordinate monitoring and assessment
systems at the local, basin, and national levels, with the
Regarding the Portfolio of Water Actions (PWA). March 2003.
development of relevant national indicators, where appropriate,
Available: http://www.world.water-forum3.com/jp/
and to build capacity to implement the systems.
mc/pwa_info_e.pdf
Environmental Elements and Links to Oceans and Marine
Roberts, J. 2003. A Delicate Balance: Bringing the public and
private sectors together for better water supply and
Ecosystems
management is proving a challenge. Water Forum
Shimbun 1(3):4-5.
All five key themes of the Declaration incorporate environmental
considerations. However, it is in the Water Pollution Prevention
Venkataramani, G. Nations opting for virtual water trade. March
and Ecosystem Conservation theme that environmental concerns
2003. Available: http://www.thecyberhood.net/
are firmly articulated. The integrated perspective is apparent in
R e s i d e n t s _ e n t e r _ h e r e / p r i v a t e / n e w s _ f l a s h /
the inclusion of watersheds, ecosystems including rivers,
nations_opting_for_virtual_water.htm
wetlands, forests and soils, and the entire water cycle, into
management considerations. The mention of wetlands and their
protection in the document is the only explicit indication of
Linking Freshwater to Coastal
figuring in downstream ecosystems and resources, specifically
Management at the World Water
coastal and oceanic ecosystems, into water management
strategies.
Forum
Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain
C. Portfolio of Water Actions
Center for the Study of Marine Policy
A total of 422 actions were submitted from 36 countries and 16
international organizations covering the themes of 1) Water
While the links between freshwater and water downstream in
Resources Management and Benefit Sharing; 2) Safe Drinking
coasts and oceans were not addressed explicitly by the
Water and Sanitation; 3) Water for Food and Rural Development;
Ministerial Declaration emanating from the World Water Forum,
4) Water Pollution Prevention and Ecosystem Conservation;
a number of panels at the Forum emphasized these linkages and
and 5) Disaster Mitigation and Risk Management. Overall, most
paved new ground in detailing how these linkages might be
of the actions involve water resources management and benefit
addressed. In particular, two panels, one organized by the
sharing, and safe drinking water and sanitation. A full list of
Institute for Ocean Policy, Ship and Ocean Foundation (Japan),
water actions may be viewed from the Water Forum website at
and a second panel organized by UNESCO, examined in detail
this location <http://www.world.water-forum3.com/jp/mc/
the science underlying the entire water cycle--from hilltops to
pwa_list.pdf>.
oceans. A third session, organized by UNEP/GPA and by the
UNEP Collaborating Centre on Water (Denmark), examined
Conclusion
specific case studies of linking watershed management, river
basin management, and coastal management, through a nested
Overall, the 3rd World Water Forum outcomes represent a robust
governance approach, drawing lessons from these experiences
set of implementation targets and plans addressing the challenges,
on obstacles faced and successes achieved.
complexities and uncertainties in water resources management.
In this panel, Martin Adriaanse (UNEP/GPA) and Niels Ipsen
References
(UCC-Water) presented draft guidelines for linking freshwater
management to coastal and ocean management. These are
3rd World Water Forum Concludes 100 New Commitments
reproduced here with the goal of encouraging dialogue between
Made. March 23, 2003. Available: http://
the freshwater and ocean communities.
www.world.water-forum3.com/2003/eng/topics/
topics0323-02.html
11

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3rd World Water Forum Outcomes
Draft Guidance on Linking Integrated
responsibilities, legislation, regulations and management
Coastal Area and River-basin Management
structures for river basins and coastal areas.
10 Guiding Principles for Policy and Decision
6. Involve all stakeholders from the very beginning to secure
Makers
their commitment.
1. Identify the shared issues for river basin, coastal area
Involve relevant stakeholders in a dialogue process from
and marine environment.
the identification and prioritisation of issues to the analysis
for management planning and decision making. Special
River basin management is focused on its own specific
attention should be given to stakeholders interests and
issues, as is the management of the coastal area and marine
concerns and to moderate and building consensus in the
environment. Some of these issues are common to river
dialogues.
and coast and necessitate an integrated approach.
7. Establish a common knowledge and information
2. Prioritize the shared issues and assess the need for and
platform as a major tool for participatory planning
benefits of integrated management of river basin and coastal
processes.
area. Also assess the constraints of an integrated approach
and define goals of the management initiative.
Lack of information is a key impediment to public
participation. Sometimes information is abundant, but
Integrated management is complex because river basins
scattered and access is lacking. A knowledge platform
and coastal zones have different communities and separate
should be specific to the socio-economic conditions of the
management structures. The needs and benefits of
region and should optimally provide for transparency of
integration should be explicit as well as the constraints that
information.
prohibit an integrated approach. Defined goals for the short
and long term should be realistic, as unrealistic goals risk
8. Facilitate knowledge and awareness raising at all
a loss of credibility.
relevant levels to create optimal conditions for a
participatory approach.
3. Analyze cause and effect relations for the identified
issues in the river catchment and coastal area.
Awareness raising on freshwater-coast interactions and
knowledge building about the benefits of integrated
Pressures and driving forces behind the shared issues
management are needed to create an involved general public
should be analysed, as well as the impacts on environ-
and build support for positive institutional, legislative and
mental or socio-economic conditions. The potential for
regulatory change.
environmental change and societal response should be
explored. For shared issues the causes, effects and
9. Create an enabling environment for the management of
possible solutions may involve river basin and coastal
river and coast to achieve sustainable solutions at national,
area in a complex manner, making an integrated
river basin, and local level.
approach a prerequisite.
Governments should be challenged to set integrated policies
4. Define the problem area for the integrated approach and
and legislation that constitute the `rules of the game' and
identify the stakeholders relevant to the issues, causes
enable all stakeholders to play their respective roles in the
and effects.
context of a joint management of river basin and coastal
area.
As Integrated Management of River-basin and Coastal Area
(ICARM) builds on the good practices of Integrated Water
10. Encourage coastal and freshwater management
Resources Management (IWRM) and Integrated Coastal
institutions to make arrangements for an integrated
Zone Management (ICZM), the focus of the integrated river-
management of catchment and coastal zones.
coast management should in principle be on the missing
link for the shared issues. Each issue defines its own problem
Integrated management does not necessarily imply the
area and each problem area defines its own relevant
integration of institutions. However, it requires coordinated,
stakeholders
strategic, administrative and institutional cooperation at
local, national and international levels, through the
5. Secure political commitment as an absolute prerequisite
establishment of basin committees, or other cooperative
for appropriate integrated management.
bodies to address the practical issues of integrated
management of river basin and coastal area.
Build broad political commitment for the integrated
management of shared issues for river and coast. This is a
Drafted by Martin Adriannse, UNEP/ Global Programme of
pre-condition for effective involvement of relevant
Action (GPA) (m.adriaanse@unep.nl) and Niels Ipsen, UNEP
stakeholders in dialogues and planning processes. This is
Collaborating Centre on Water and Environment, Denmark)
especially needed to harmonise separate institutional
(nhi@dhi.dk)
12

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Editors' Note: Opinions and other advocacy materials for the promotion of oceans, coasts and islands issues included in
the Global Forum Newsletter are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the
Global Forum and its organizers.
OPINION
CALL FOR PROTECTION OF ALL CORAL REEF, SEAGRASS, AND SHALLOW WATER ECOSYSTEMS
IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS
Dr. Thomas J. Goreau
President, Global Coral Reef Alliance
The Global Coral Reef Alliance calls for immediate
7) Shallow water ecosystems in International Waters are highly
international agreements to protect all shallow water ecosystems
vulnerable because they are easily accessible and lines and
in International Waters, especially coral reefs and seagrasses.
trawling gear can be quickly lowered to them, making them
much more profitable to exploit than deep sea ecosystems
Coral reef and seagrass ecosystems, among the most
where it takes hours to raise and lower gear.
productive, biodiverse, and economically important marine
ecosystems, are confined to shallow water (generally less than
8) They are easily found because the most productive areas can
100 m depth), because of their need for light. While almost all of
be seen from boats, planes, or satellite images, and even the
them are found near coastlines of continents and islands, and
deeper ones where the bottom may not be visible from the
therefore lie within national Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs),
surface may be easily located from changes in water color and
coral reef, seagrass, and other shallow water ecosystems can also
wave patterns.
be found in the high seas on shallow submerged banks and
seamounts. These ecosystems in international waters have no
9) Shallow water ecosystems have much higher biomass than
protection of any kind, nevertheless they are disproportionately
deep-sea ecosystems, providing larger catches, and giving a
important, and urgently need to be protected.
strong incentive for overharvesting. For example the Saya de
Malha Banks in the Indian Ocean has been extensively trawled
Recently an international call to protect deep sea ecosystems
in the past by industrial fishing fleets from the former Soviet
and seamounts has been made to the United Nations and the
Union, Eastern Europe, and East Asia, and has become an
Law of the Sea Conference by a group of marine scientists and
important fishing area for Mauritius as fish stocks within the
conservationists coordinated by Matt Gianni of the Greenpeace
Mauritius EEZ have sharply declined. The Fish catches of
Oceans campaign. Deep sea species are highly diverse, but are
Mauritius and Seychelles could collapse further if this
vulnerable because they are often extremely slow growing, and
important nursery area that restocks their EEZ zones is not
are increasingly being targeted by industrial fishing fleets as
protected.
shallow water species are being fished out. We strongly support
these important conservation efforts aimed at protecting deep
The issue to protect deep sea ecosystems and seamounts
sea fauna, but it is important to also focus on protection of shallow
will be carried forward at the next meeting of the UN GA's
water ecosystems in the high seas. Like deep sea ecosystems
Informal Consultative Process on oceans, which will take place
they are totally unprotected from destructive fishing methods
2-6 June 2003 in New York, which will be in a position to make
and over-harvesting, but they may be even more in peril because
a recommendation for further action by the UN General
of several unique characteristics.
Assembly in 2003. A process within the UN system has begun
1) Shallow water ecosystems in the high seas are extremely rare
that will require a lot of effort to ensure that the outcome of this
and virtually all are very small areas, occupying only a very
biodiversity in the deep sea and on the high seas.
tiny fraction of the ocean surface.
The Global Coral Reef Alliance urges over 100 countries,
2) Despite their small size these ecosystems are of incredible
biological importance because they are the only stepping
for whom coral reefs are the major source of marine biodiversity,
stones by which shallow water organisms can migrate across
fisheries, tourism, sand supplies, and coastal protection, to take
oceans and colonize new areas if climate changes.
steps to ensure that the forthcoming UN negotiations also make
specific recommendations to protect all shallow ecosystems in
3) They are central to maintaining gene flow of shallow water
the high seas which may be extremely important sources of
species across oceans, maintaining the genetic identity of
genetic diversity for the living resources within their EEZs.
species and the genetic diversity, which is essential for
adaptation to changing environmental conditions, such as
The Global Coral Reef Alliance, Sun and Sea, and the
global climate change and pollution.
Lighthouse Foundation have recently issued a report on the Saya
de Malha Banks calling for special international protection for
4) Shallow water ecosystems are essential nursery areas and
them, as the largest seagrass and coral reef ecosystem in
refuges for coral reef and other shallow water fish species that
International Waters in the Indian Ocean, and perhaps in the
may form part of economically important straddling stocks.
world. For the full, illustrated report on Saya de Malha, please
go to: <http://globalcoral.org/SAYA%20REPORT.pdf>. For
5) Shallow water seagrasses and reef areas are essential feeding
more information on sustainable development and protection of
habitats for many endangered species of turtles, and important
ocean resources in the face of global ocean change please go to:
breeding or calving grounds for endangered whales and
< h t t p : / / w w w . g l o b a l c o r a l . o r g /
dolphins.
World%20Summit%20on%20Sustainable%20Development.htm>.
6) These ecosystems are of global importance because they are
Dr. Thomas J. Goreau
highly productive and export large amounts of seagrass
President, Global Coral Reef Alliance
detritus to surrounding deep ocean sediments, acting as a sink
37 Pleasant Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
for carbon dioxide and source of oxygen.
Tel: 1-617-864-0433; Fax: 1-617-864-4226
Email: goreau@bestweb.net
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOURTH MEETING OF THE UNITED NATIONS OPEN-ENDED INFORMAL CONSULTATIVE PROCESS
ON OCEANS AND THE LAW OF THE SEA
New York, 2-6 June, 2003
The Fourth Meeting of the United Nations Open-ended
The Global Forum on Oceans Coasts and
Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the
Islands at the UNICPOLOS Fourth Meeting
Sea will be held in New York between 2-6 June, 2003. The
UN General Assembly (GA) recently reaffirmed the
"Mobilizing for a Renewed Global Ocean Agenda": Side
important contribution of the Consultative Process to
Event, Thursday, June 5, 2003
developments relating to ocean affairs and the Law of the Sea
and called for a continuation of the Consultative Process for a
The Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands will host a
further three years (GA Resolution 57/141, February 2003).
side event at the fourth Meeting of UNICPOLOS on
"Mobilizing for a Renewed Global Ocean Agenda." The side
After three dynamic and productive years under the strong co-
event aims to contribute to the meeting by addressing the
chairship of Ambassador Tuiloma Neroni Slade of Samoa and
following issues on the agenda: protecting the marine
Mr. Alan Simcock of United Kingdom, the Consultative
environment and vulnerable ecosystems, integrated ocean
Process will continue under the guidance of two new co-
management, and fisheries.
chairpersons: Ambassador Felipe H. Paolillo (Uruguay) and
Mr. Philip D. Burgess (Australia). The Fourth meeting will be
A panel of experts will present perspectives on the
organized around two broad issues: (a) protecting vulnerable
advancement of the global ocean agenda related to, in
ecosystems; and (b) safety of navigation. Specific aspects for
particular, threats to vulnerable marine ecosystems,
discussion include:
management approaches and tools to protect vulnerable
marine and coastal ecosystems, and international cooperation.
Protecting vulnerable ecosystems:
·
What are the key threats to the protection of
Invited panelists and presentation topics include:
vulnerable marine ecosystems and what further
global and regional coordination and cooperation is
Patricio Bernal, IOC/UNESCO, Chair
needed to reduce these threats?
·
Do we have adequate information and knowledge
Veerle Vandeweerd, UNEP/GPA, "Protecting Vulnerable
about these ecosystems and the threats to them?
Ecosystems from Land-Based Activities: Integrated
What can be done to ensure there is sufficient and
Management through the Global Programme of
accessible information for all decision makers and
Action"
users of the marine environment?
·
What are the key management approaches and tools
Tim Adams, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, "Towards
to protect vulnerable marine and coastal
an Integrated Regional Ocean Policy for the Pacific
ecosystems?
Islands"
·
What international cooperation or coordination is
required to assist States to ensure the protection of
Tullio Scovazzi, University of Milan - Bicocca, "New
vulnerable marine ecosystems?
Directions in Marine Protected Areas:
Opportunities at the Regional Sea Level"
Safety of navigation:
·
What capacity building is required for the
Sian Pullen and Simon Cripps, WWF International,
production, updating and standardization of nautical
"Applying the Ecosystem Approach in Fisheries
charts? How can States obtain assistance in
Policies to Protect Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems"
producing accurate charts of waters within their
jurisdiction? What are some recent examples of
Marea Hatziolos, World Bank, "Conserving Coral Reefs:
assistance to States for the production of such
Science-based Management and Regional
charts?
·
What are global and regional organizations doing to
Cooperation"
enhance the safety of navigation?
·
What are some examples of the relationship between
Stefano Belfiore, CSMP/NOAA, "The Global Conference on
the safety of navigation and the protection of
Oceans, Coasts and Islands: Assessing Progress
vulnerable marine ecosystems, including recent
towards the Commitments of the World Summit on
developments regarding the transportation of
Sustainable Development"
dangerous goods?
A report of the fourth Meeting will be posted on the website
of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea at
www.un.org/Depts/los.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
WORKSHOP ON THE GOVERNANCE OF HIGH SEAS BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Radisson-Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre, Cairns, Australia
June 16-20, 2003
Over 100 million species of life forms are known to inhabit
2. To identify gaps in international governance
the high seas and there are many more to be discovered.
arrangements, which impede addressing the conservation
This marine life is little understood, and scientific
of biodiversity of the high seas and deep oceans; and
knowledge to guide management is very limited. There are
identify a range of approaches to reduce these gaps.
many examples of severe, and potentially irreversible,
damage to the biodiversity and environment of the high
This initiative is being undertaken in partnership with the
seas under present management and jurisdictional
following nations: UK, New Zealand, Canada, USA, and
arrangements.
Cambodia; and non-government organizations including:
WWF, IUCN, and IOI. All relevant intergovernmental
These issues will be the focus of discussion in a major
organizations will be invited. Attendance at the Workshop
international conference on high seas biodiversity, which
will be by invitation and will be limited to 150 people.
aims to advance practical action to improve the
Practitioners who wish to attend the Workshop should
conservation and management of the biodiversity of the
inform the Secretariat as soon as possible. There will be
high seas and deep oceans (http://www.ea.gov.au/coasts/
no fees charged for registration or attendance.
international/highseas/).
The final day of the Program shifts "beyond biodiversity"
The Workshop specifically addresses the World Summit
to a one-day workshop on ecosystem based management
on Sustainable Development (WSSD) Plan of
of deep-sea activities titled "Beyond Biodiversity ­
Implementation call to `maintain the productivity and
Sustainable Management and Conservation of the Oceans
biodiversity of important and vulnerable marine and coastal
using Ecosystem-based Management".
areas...beyond national jurisdiction' (para. 31a). The
expected workshop outcomes are:
Philip Burgess
Director, Marine and International Section
1. To identify institutional gaps in the United Nations
Marine and Water Division, Environment Australia
system which impede addressing the conservation of
GPO Box 787, CANBERRA ACT 2601
biodiversity of the high seas and deep oceans; and identify
Tel.: (02) 6274 1418; Fax: (02) 6274 1006
a range of approaches to reduce these gaps; and
E-mail: philip.burgess@ea.gov.au
STRATEGY PLAN AVAILABLE FOR THE COASTAL MODULE OF GOOS
The "Integrated Strategic Design Plan for the Coastal
Report (http://ioc.unesco.org/goos/docs/
Ocean Observations Module of the Global Ocean
GOOS_066_act_pl.htm), and to the publication "Observing
Observing System", GOOS Report No 125, is now available
the Oceans in the 21st Century" by Koblinsky, C.J., and
on the GOOS web site and can be accessed at the following
Smith, N.R., 2001, available from the GODAE Project office,
URL:
Bureau of Meteorology, P.O.Box 1289K, Melbourne, VIC
< h t t p : / / i o c . u n e s c o . o r g / g o o s / d o c s /
3001, Australia (n.smith@bom.gov.au).
GOOS_125_COOP_Plan.pdf>. This design plan provides
advice on how to start implementing GOOS in coastal seas
and Exclusive Economic Zones. The report will be available
Thorkild Aarup, PhD, Programme Specialist, Technical
in printed form in June 2003. The next step is to prepare
Secretary for the Coastal Ocean Observations Panel,
advice on implementation, which is expected to be ready in
GOOS Project Office
2004.
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission,
UNESCO
For complementary advice on implementing GOOS for
1, rue Miollis, 75732 Paris Cedex 15 France
climate and weather forecasting purposes and global scale
Tel: + 33 (0) 145 684019; Fax: + 33 (0) 145 685812
ocean services, the interested readers are referred to GOOS
Email: t.aarup@unesco.org
15

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ABOUT US
The Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands Newsletter (http://www.udel.edu/CMS/csmp/
globaloceans/) covers:
· Major global news related to oceans, coasts, and islands
· Major developments in international negotiations and implementation of international agreements
related to oceans, coasts, and islands
· Major news from Global Forum partners-- international organizations, governments, non-
governmental organizations, private sector
· Progress in the implementation of the commitments made at the World Summit on Sustainable
Development (WSSD) and the voluntary partnerships (Type II) created at the WSSD
· Regional and national-level news related to oceans, coasts, and islands of global significance
· Events, conferences, and major meetings related to oceans, coasts, and islands.
Contributions are invited in the following categories:
· Feature articles: Interpretative articles about developments related to oceans, coasts, and islands
· News reports from international organizations, governments, non-governmental organizations,
private sector
· Reports about WSSD implementation and progress in WSSD partnership initiatives
· Summaries of reports and meetings
· Opinion section: Critical analyses of important issues related to oceans, coasts, and islands
The newsletter will be published on a bimonthly basis. This schedule may, at times, be altered to focus, in
a timely manner, on an important international development. The newsletters will be archived as part of
the Oceans, Coasts, and Islands website accessible at www.globaloceans.org, and also at icm.noaa.gov.
Potential contributors are kindly requested to follow the schedule noted below. Submissions will be
evaluated by an editorial committee. Please note that some submissions may not be accepted due to
appropriateness, timeliness, and space considerations.
Contributions to the Newsletter should be sent to Dr. Miriam Balgos, Center for the Study of Marine
Policy, mbalgos@udel.edu, two weeks before each of the following publication dates:
Issue 3: July 15, 2003
Issue 4: September 15, 2003
Issue 5: November 1, 2003 (with final program for Global Conference)
Issue 6: December 15, 2003
The Global Forum Newsletter is prepared at the Center for the Study of Marine Policy (CSMP) at the
University of Delaware. A multi-national team of researchers under the editorship of Dr. Biliana Cicin-
Sain manages the Newsletter, including Dr. Miriam Balgos (Philippines), lead editor, Catherine Johnston
(U.S.), Isabel Torres de Noronha (Portugal), Fernanda Pinheiro (Brazil), Deborah Freitas (Brazil),
Bernice McLean (South Africa), Danielle Tesch (U.S.), Meredith Blaydes (U.S.), Stefano Belfiore
(Italy), Jorge Gutierrez (Mexico), and Dr. John Blay (Ghana). Funding and other forms of support are
provided by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission/UNESCO, UNEP/GPA Coordination
Office, International Program Office/National Ocean Service, NOAA, the World Bank, and the Center
for the Study of Marine Policy/University of Delaware.
We kindly request your involvement in making this newsletter a useful contribution in the global dialogue
on oceans, coasts, and islands.
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