www.globaloceans.org
Vol. 2 No. 1 March 10, 2004
Global Conference Convened
In This Issue
The Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands: Mobilizing for Implementation of
the Commitments Made at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development was
successfully convened in UNESCO, Paris, on November 10-14, 2003. Outcome highlights,
Editorial...1
as well as materials and presentations given at the Conference are posted at the Confer-
ence website at www.globaloceans.org.
2003 Global
Conference and
Editorial
Mauritius 2004
In this issue we begin reporting on the outcomes of the Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and
- Statement on SIDS
Islands on Mobilizing for Implementation of the Commitments Made at the 2002 World Summit on
Sustainable Development, convened on November 10-14, 2003, at UNESCO in Paris, organized by
Issues and Preparation
the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands. The conference sought to examine progress
for Mauritius 2004 by
achieved, obstacles faced in, and mobilization around the implementation of the targets and timetable
Ambassador J.
of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) related to oceans, coasts, and small island
Koonjul...2
developing states (SIDS). The conference involved 223 participants from 48 countries, representing
- Towards Responsible
perspectives from governments, nongovernmental organizations, intergovernmental and international
organizations, private sector, and public outreach organizations.
Ocean and Coastal
Fisheries...6
This was the first effort, out of all of the thematic areas addressed by the WSSD, to systematically
- U.N. Inter-agency
assess WSSD implementation progress and prospects. Since the oceans and coasts area will not be
Coordination
addressed and reviewed by the UN Commission on Sustainable Development until 2014, it is
especially important for the oceans, coasts, and small island developing states community to
Mechanism on Ocean
organize its own assessment of progress being achieved, obstacles faced, and strategies for effective
and Coastal Issues...8
implementation of WSSD targets and timetables.
- Capacity Building...13
- Statement by Mr.
In this issue we report on discussions and outcomes related to fisheries, SIDS, improved UN
Anwarul Chowdhury,
coherence on oceans, and capacity building. Other WSSD targets related to cross-sectoral issues,
Secretary-General of
biodiversity, marine protected areas, marine pollution, the global marine assessment, among others,
will be addressed in next month's newsletter issue. The report from the conference will be available
the Mauritius
in April 2004.
International Meeting
...16
The last two months have also seen important developments related to the preparatory process
leading up to the International Meeting for the 10-year Review of the Barbados Programme of Action
for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (Mauritius). On January 26-30,
Announcements
2004, the Inter-Regional Preparatory Meeting took place in Nassau, the Bahamas, which highlighted
- Forthcoming Major
actions taken and the challenges faced in the implementation of BPoA. The SIDS nations agreed on an
Ocean Events in
AOSIS Draft Strategy Paper (http://www.sidsnet.org/docshare/other/
20040206162842_AOSIS_strategy_final_version.pdf) which will be further discussed and negotiated
2004...19
at the forthcoming 12th meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Development (April 14-16, 2004).
The paper by Mr. Chowdhury (Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Least
About Us...21
Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, and
Secretary-General of the Mauritius International Meeting) in this issue, presents an overview of the
continuing and new problems affecting SIDS and the perspectives that need to be adopted.
The SIDS nations in the Pacific region met in a landmark meeting on February 2-6, 2004, in Suva,
Fiji, to operationalize the regional ocean policy for the Pacific Islands region, a policy adopted by the
Pacific Islands Forum. This is a very important development since this is the first region in the
world in which a coherent regional ocean policy is being implemented at both regional and national
levels. Materials and discussions from the conference will be summarized in the next issue of the
newsletter. - Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain, Editor-in-Chief
The Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands, created at 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 individuals from
governments, intergovernmental and international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (environmental, scientific/techni-
cal, industry, and 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
CMP/University of Delaware
IOC/UNESCO
UNEP/GPA Coordination Office
bcs@udel.edu
p.bernal@unesco.org
v.vandeweerd@unep.nl
1

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
STATEMENT*
H.E. Ambassador Jagdish Koonjul
Permanent Representative of Mauritius to the United Nations
and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)
I would like to thank the Global Forum on Oceans,
The world's oceans play a crucial role in maintaining the
Coasts and Islands for organizing this Conference and
health of the planet's ecosystems and serve as a
for its continued dedication and devotion to the
valuable current and future source of food for mankind.
improvement of global, regional, and national policies
For the coastal populations of SIDS the oceans
relating to oceans, coasts and islands. I have the
represent the only means of subsistence.
honour today to address you as the Chairman of the
Alliance of Small Island States AOSIS, an association,
SIDS are widely acknowledged to be ecologically fragile
which has 44 member countries.
and vulnerable. They face specific and unique
constraints arising from their smallness, isolation,
We often say that what happens in your neighbor's
geographical dispersion and vulnerability to natural
house affects your own house. Likewise what happens
disasters. Fragile ecosystems, difficulties with
in the countries which are your immediate neighbors is
transportation and communications, remoteness from
also going to affect your own country. For us islanders
markets, vulnerability to exogenous economic and
the ocean is not only our immediate neighbor but also a
financial shocks, lack of natural resources and heavy
source of livelihood and subsistence and what happens
dependence on importations are known in addition to
to the oceans is therefore bound to affect us. For small
other constraints. Oceans and coastal environment are
island states, the health of the oceans is of paramount
of vital and strategic importance for SIDS and
importance. So vital is the exerted influence of the
constitute perhaps their only real sustainable
oceans over islands that they impact directly on a
development resource. With the establishment of the
spectrum of island issues including its peoples, culture,
200 miles economic zone, small islands are the
economy and the environment. Indeed islands and
custodians of vast ocean spaces and as such have
oceans are integral parts of a single environment. For
heavy responsibilities for the management,
SIDS the protection and management of their marine
conservation and sustainable development of these
environment are intrinsically linked to their sustainable
resources.
development aspirations.
While progress in the implementation of the provisions
At the Global Conference on the sustainable
of Agenda 21 and the BPOA in the area of sustainable
development of Small Island Developing States in 1994,
development has been varied, regional-scale ocean
the international community recognized the special case
governance has, in some cases, produced very positive
for SIDS in regard to both the environment and
results. Indeed regional approaches have been
development. The Barbados Program of Action
developed by some SIDS regions for example in the
highlighted the dependence of Small Island Developing
Pacific Region which represent a great potential for
States on coastal and marine resources. Because of our
improving our understanding of the ocean; sustainably
small land area many of our States are effectively
developing and managing the use of ocean resources,
coastal entities with the concentration of population
including the promotion and utilization of traditional
and economic development - both subsistence and cash
practices; maintaining the health of the ocean;
- in the coastal zone making our renowned biological
promoting the peaceful use of the ocean; and creating
diversity among the most threatened in the world.
partnerships and promoting co-operation.
Oceans and coasts are critical to the natural and cultural
heritage of the world, not just for SIDS. While many
marine areas support a great diversity of plants, animals
* Statement given by Ambassador Koonjul during the session
and natural habitats, oceans also play an essential role
on Small Island Developing States: The Issues in Mauritius
2004 at the Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts and
in the climatic cycles and other global processes.
Islands, UNESCO, Paris, November 12, 2003.
Coastal marine areas are dominated by a living fringing
2

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
J. Koonjul...continued
reef, which helps protect the coasts from the onslaught
international legislative frameworks and mechanisms.
of the waves. Associated with the reefs is a complex
Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing as well as
and diverse system of animals and plants, which use the
the monitoring and surveillance of the countries'
reef as a habitat, but at the same time, create the
respective EEZs, continue to pose a tremendous
conditions, which are essential for the very survival of
challenge to the small island developing states. They
the reef.
also encounter difficulties in relation to the monitoring
and assessment of straddling and highly migratory fish
The marine environment includes unique ecosystems
stocks. There is a need therefore to create and where
and threatened species that are increasingly menaced
already available strengthen existing regional fisheries
by unsustainable use and water pollution. With rapid
management mechanisms to conserve and manage this
industrialization and absence of strict enforcement of
valuable resource. We also need to develop and
regulations, the environment is exposed to increasing
implement surveillance and monitoring systems, and we
stress. In the SIDS, activities along the shorelines are
need the necessary tools to analyze and assess the
increasing, as the economy is developing. Rapid
status of fish stocks in our seas. The database on
tourism expansion in just about every SIDS region has
marine resources developed by CARICOM is a
also given rise to unplanned development along the
successful venture of the region.
coastline, increasing pressures on the limited resources
in these areas.
In many SIDS effluents from industries and coastal
urban areas have impacted heavily on the coastal
SIDS have some of the most vibrant and vital fishing
systems and along with other forms of pollution are
regions of the whole world. The tuna fish stock in the
endangering the marine habitats. Intensive fishing
Pacific alone is the largest in the world, and is as far as
practices have contributed to the degradation of the
we can tell in fairly good health. The catch has been
lagoon and reef ecosystem. Significant marine and
increasing, but reports suggest that it may just be within
coastal habitats are being adversely affected as a result
the sustainable ranges. For the most part the
of increasing pollution, over-exploitation, conflicting
commercial exploitation of the tuna is carried out by
resource use, and habitat damage and destruction.
distant water fishing fleets. Despite the very well
Mangroves and wetlands are filled: small bays are being
negotiated agreements, the Pacific Island Countries
closed to create real estate, or are leased for aquaculture
today only receive a small proportion of the actual
and mangrove-dependent flora and fauna are
benefits. And while it is true that these distant water
threatened.
fishing fleets have beneficial financial impacts on the
ports where they refuel and re-supply, we also know
This degradation is traceable directly to damage by over
that in some cases there is widespread pollution and
fishing, tourism and development activities, and inactive
dumping from these fleets.
reef management. Protection of the coastal biodiversity
on an island or islet may appear to be local in nature;
The challenge will therefore be to keep a steady level of
however, isolated populations of organisms evolve and
development in the industry, and to gradually make the
form distinct components of the global genetic pool. At
industry predominantly indigenous, so as to achieve the
our recent Caribbean regional meeting, the participants
flow on effects to other sectors of the economy. It is
emphasized the need to develop integrated coastal zone
also important to ensure that over capacity and over
management policies and plans and the establishment of
exploitation do not occur, as we have seen in many
coastal zone units in all SIDS. Important aspects of
other regions.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management include
addressing beach erosion, sand mining and coral reef
Most of the SIDS have ratified the United Nations
conservation and protection, all of which are so vital to
Convention of the Law of the Sea as well as the UNEP
the survival of the islands. These concepts are difficult
regional seas conventions. Some 20 SIDS have also
to apply in practice but they form part of a holistic
ratified the United Nations Agreement on Straddling
approach to conservation and management and to the
and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks Agreement.
interaction between the island and the seas.
However, implementation continues to be impeded by
financial constraints and a lack of capacity. Added to
The Caribbean Sea as one of the most important semi-
this are the continuing challenges inherent in existing
enclosed seas in the world, is the main resource linking
3

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
J. Koonjul...continued
Caribbean SIDS and its fragile ecosystem, which is
Small Island Developing States. And we are very
routinely exposed to heavy traffic for cargo and cruise
grateful for the important work that has already been
tourism, demands a comprehensive scheme for its
undertaken by various partners in the different AOSIS
protection in order to ensure its continued contribution
regions. To name just a few let me mention the initiative
to their sustainable development and in particular to the
on `Sustainable Development and Management of the
sustainable livelihoods of coastal communities.
Caribbean Sea' which is aimed to develop capacity to
Caribbean SIDS therefore continue to advocate the
address the current threats to the environmental quality
designation of the Caribbean Sea as a special area in the
of the Caribbean Sea. The lead agency for this initiative
context of sustainable development, and have taken this
is the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Another
concern to the United Nations General Assembly, which
interesting one is the U.S Department of State led
has recognized the Caribbean Sea as having a unique
`White Water to Blue Water initiative which is a
biodiversity and highly fragile ecosystem, and has
crosscutting Approach to Regional Oceans and Coastal
called upon the United Nations system and the
Ecosystem Management'. This initiative in particular
international community to assist, as appropriate,
aims at increasing coastal state and regional capacity
Caribbean countries and their regional organizations in
for cross sectoral approaches to the management of
their efforts to ensure the protection of the Caribbean
watersheds and marine ecosystems.
Sea from degradation as a result of pollution from ships,
in particular, through the illegal release of oil and other
In the Pacific region we have the `Pacific Islands
harmful substances, from illegal dumping or accidental
Oceans Initiative' with the overarching goal of healthy
release of hazardous waste, including radioactive
oceans that sustains the livelihoods and aspirations of
materials, nuclear waste and dangerous chemicals, in
Pacific Island communities. This initiative is intended
violation of relevant international rules and standards,
to assist with the implementation of the Pacific Islands
as well as pollution from land based activities.
Regional Ocean Policy. The `Capacity Building for
Pacific Island Countries in Ocean Policy
In our preparations for the International Meeting to
Implementation' is another initiative led by the National
review the Barbados Programme of Action the SIDS
Oceans Office of Australia to increase the regional
have examined these issues very closely and have
capacity in sustainable development, integrated oceans
undertaken to commit themselves to a series of actions
management, regional cooperation and partnerships.
in addition to the many that already exist aimed at
protecting the marine environment and conserving the
We as AOSIS would like to see more of such initiatives
marine resources. I have already outlined some of these
and more of such partnerships. But what is also
actions earlier.
important is to ensure that there can be some
coordination and consultations in order to avoid
Equally we have inter alia underscored the importance
duplication and work at cross-purposes.
of completing the work on the mapping of Exclusive
Economic Zones and depositing the charts with the
This Global Conference will be discussing a range of
United National Convention on the Law of the Sea
issues during this week all of which is likely to have an
Secretariat and recommended the emulation of the
impact on the most effective way to approach the
success stories such as the Meso-American Barrier Reef
various concerns relating to the oceans, coasts, and the
Systems Project and the International Coral Reef Action
islands. It is our hope that the concerns, which we as
Network in the Caribbean region, as examples of how the
small island developing states have expressed over the
SIDS can seek to protect this valuable resource, which is
years, could in the course of the discussions get
protecting the very fabric of island life.
translated into concrete proposals for action. Let me
mention such recommendations for actions which are
But for us to succeed it is essential that we get the
not new but which remain as valid to the sustainable
critical support to build our capacity and fund our
development of small islands today as they did when
projects. The Type II Initiatives emerging out of the
they were first raised during the Rio conference.
Johannesburg Plan of Action represent a tremendous
potential for action by organizations like the Global
At the local level, there is a need to ensure the
Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands in support of the
dissemination of information. We need to prepare the
4

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
J. Koonjul...continued
versions of international instruments related to
need to ensure that the implementation of UNCLOS and
sustainable use of marine and coastal areas that are
other international instruments can be done in an
easily understood by the local communities and the lay
integrated manner which would support the
people showing the linkages between different
development of related national ocean policies and
agreements and the benefits as well as the
legislations.
responsibilities of small island developing states.
We need to have improved access to survey and
At the national level in terms of island management,
monitoring technologies, which will help us in the
there is a need to establish and strengthen new
boundary delimitations and the resulting products in
institutional and administrative arrangements for the
order to ensure responsible and sustainable use of
development and consolidation of integrated island
ocean resources and the completion of marine
management plans. We need to ensure capacity building
boundaries delimitations. With respect to ocean
for implementing the integrated island management.
policies we think that we need to encourage the
development and implementation of regional and
In terms of transfer of clean technology, we need to
national policies so as to enhance the sustainable
facilitate such transfers to reduce pollutants at their
management of oceans and their resources. The
source and we need to have appropriate methods for
promotion of total ecosystem marine resource
treating sewage, industrial waste and solid waste.
management through capacity building and pollution
control measures need to be encouraged and there is a
At the level of community-based management, there's a
need for further development of policy and program
need to support the development of guidelines and the
options to assist countries to sustainably manage their
implementation of pilot projects for community-based
own marine and ocean jurisdictions. We also need to
management of coastal resources as well as the
carry out coastal vulnerability assessments in order to
development of alternative livelihoods like aquaculture
carry out qualitative improvements in such
and ecotourism.
assessments. There needs also to be a proactive coral
reef monitoring. We also and more importantly need
With regard to marine resources, we believe that the
greater global cooperation to monitor the activities of
need is there for exploiting living and non-living
illegal fishing, dumping pollution and shipment of toxic
resources in the EEZ. We need to assess and monitor
hazardous and nuclear wastes. In that respect there
the fish catch, processing and marketing by foreign and
were some suggestions earlier this morning about the
domestic fishing companies need to be encouraged. We
need to get all vessels which are fishing in the territorial
need also to develop legal framework for sustainable
waters to be equipped with the GPS system so they can
fisheries activities. We need to develop management
be located and then action can be taken.
plans and policies for assessing, monitoring and
exploiting the resources in the EEZ.
Madame Chair, Ladies and Gentlemen, the scale of
human activities today affects not only the large-scale
At the regional level we believe that there is a need to
physical systems of the planet but also has
assist the regional institutions to strengthen their
consequences that reach far into the future. Most
capacity to negotiate agreements related to the use of
environmental problems that will require policy
marine resources. There's a need also to strengthen the
attention are the ones that are well known. And as time
capacity to develop and implement national and
goes on, these problems will become more severe and
regional action plans consistent with the goals of the
pose more local as well as global challenges. The future
Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the
impacts of today's decisions thus need to become more
Marine Environment from Land-based Activities. In the
and more prominent in current policy-making. The need
field of ocean energy, SIDS have a high dependence on
for broader integrated coastal and marine resource
fossil fuels, there's a need to shift from that source to
management approaches cannot be delayed any further.
new and renewable forms of energy like that of ocean
The consequences of non-action are too risky and are
energy such as thermal and mechanical energy. And we
likely to be catastrophic for the small island developing
need also to develop specific initiatives for sustainable
states.
management of the oceans. And in that regard, there's a
I thank you for your attention.
5

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE OCEAN AND COASTAL CAPTURE FISHERIES:
THE FAO PROGRAMME IN A WSSD PERSPECTIVE1,2
Serge M. Garcia and David J. Doulman
FAO Fisheries Department, Rome, Italy
Summary
Introduction
The WSSD Plan of Implementation is broadly consistent
with the Code and its International Plans of Action from
Fisheries and aquaculture produce 100 million tonnes of
which it draws substantially. It rests on the same legal
food and 30 million tonnes of feeds, at a cost of an
foundations, principles, and conceptual objectives and
excessive impact on the resource base and the
has the same broad geographical scope. Both have
ecosystem. The sector faces now the seemingly
adopted a similar multi-pronged strategy aiming at
contradictory task of producing 180 million tonnes of
reducing capacity, rebuilding resources, eliminating
fish by 2030 with much less impact. To succeed in
illegal fishing, minimizing impact on biodiversity and the
meeting these expectations, the sector must undergo a
environment. Both rely on participation, transparency,
significant reduction of its fishing capacity in order to
institutional build-up, the precautionary and ecosystem
rebuild stocks while increasing low-impact aquaculture
approaches, etc. And many of the POI deadlines
production to meet the future world demand. In doing
originated in the FAO IPOAs. As a consequence, FAO
so, it faces huge transitional costs and the risk of an
members are implementing the WSSD-POI through their
unacceptable environmental impact. The task needs to
implementation of the Code and the FAO Secretariat
be undertaken in a rapidly changing context of economic
plays a catalytic role.
globalization, declining governmental capacity, growing
domination of concentrating economic interests, trade
Outputs
liberalisation, widening gaps between the poor and the
rich, scientific uncertainties, environmental degradation
In the last three years, FAO has improved and
and climate change.
integrated its systems of information and developed
global information networks between centres of
The implementation framework
excellence. It has organized more than 30 meetings of
experts and governmental representatives and produced
The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and all
more than 15 technical documents, manuals and
the international instruments adopted since UNCED to
guidelines. It provided technical assistance to a number
strengthen it, including the WSSD Plan of
of countries for sector analysis, information systems,
Implementation (WSSD-POI), represent a staggering pile
assessments, policy, legislation, capacity-building, EAF
of commitments that ill-equipped fisheries authorities
implementation, etc. FAO has also developed an
have to implement. The 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for
integrated extra-budgetary field programme of about 60
Responsible Fisheries is the agreed voluntary framework
million of US dollars between 1998 and 2004.
for implementation, integrating all the requirements of
relevance to fisheries.
Outcomes
While it is too early to draw final conclusions, the
intermediate outcome of FAO and its Members' work is
unequal. While the implementation has been quite
1 Paper presented at the Global Conference on Oceans,
active in areas such as IUU fishing, capacity
Coasts, and Islands, Paris, 12-14 November 2003; go to
measurement and control, the ecosystem approach to
www.globaloceans.org for the full draft document.
2
fisheries, seabirds by-catch in longline fisheries and
The views in this paper are those of the authors and do not
information management, it lags behind in other areas
necessarily reflect the views of FAO or any of its
such as sharks management.
Members.
6

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
Garcia and Doulman...continued
·
Progress has been made in the area of IUU fishing
analysis of interactions with marine mammals; (iv)
where effective action has been taken both by port
study of the interactions between fisheries and
and flag States and RFBs assisted by a rapidly
turtles, etc.
developing technology for satellite vessel
monitoring (there has been a ten-fold progress in 14
·
The well known 1994 FAO study of world discard
years).
practices is being updated. The first estimates
indicate a likely total discard of about half the
·
Substantial work has also been made towards
original estimate.
fishing capacity management, developing
indicators, assessing overcapacity, analysing the
·
The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries is just
impact of subsidies, and looking at solutions and
starting, progressing slowly in a number of leading
costs of transition. Capacity has been rapidly
countries. Commissions are struggling with the
reduced in some fisheries, and a number of
inadequacy of understanding as well as with the
capacity-reduction measures have been tested. The
complexity of the multi-stakeholders approach. Not
number of vessels over 100 tons, as well as their
much progress has been achieved, on the other
building rate, has decreased very significantly in the
hand, in the integrated management of coastal
last decades, signalling that the expansion phase of
areas.
large vessels is over. Expansion has continued,
however, in smaller coastal vessels operating in or
·
The process of establishment of a Global Marine
close to EEZs.
Assessment is ongoing with the active
collaboration of FAO and it is too early to express
·
The biodiversity loss is approached by FAO
any view on it.
through the ecosystem approach. Following the
2002 FAO Reykjavik Conference, a number activities
·
Much has been done to stimulate institutional
have started related to, inter alia, reduction of by-
building and international collaboration, particularly
catch and discards, protection of endangered
among the 30 regional fishery bodies, facilitating
species, better assessment and reduction of the risk
the exchange of information, co-developing
of extinction.
concepts, jointly organizing technical meetings,
facilitating cross-collaboration, assisting in the
·
The IPOA-Seabirds has seen active implementation.
creation of new regional organizations where gaps
Much less progress has been made in the area of
exist. Efforts have been made to foster management
shark fisheries management and developing
of shared and transboundary stocks.
countries are meeting difficulties in developing and
implementing the required NPOAs while regional
Implementation gaps
commission are slow in coming to grasp with the
issue.
In the process of implementation many constraints and
gaps have been identified. They include: (i) Inadequate
·
Collaboration between FAO and CITES has been
institutional and technical capacity; (ii) insufficient
improved to elaborate new listing criteria for species
donor assistance towards capacity-building and in
endangered by international trade.
general to alleviate the substantial costs of transition;
(iii) inequitable and inadequate access to information,
·
A number of large scale field projects have been
public education programmes and the media; (iv) weak
started within the GEF framework for: (i) reduction
participation and incomplete representation of
of bycatch and discards in shrimp fisheries; (ii)
stakeholders; (v) obsolete legislative frameworks;
integrated management of fisheries the Bay of
(vi) limited availability of alternative occupation for
Bengal, Canary Current, and Benguela Current
fishermen in overfished areas; (vii) insufficiently
LMEs; (iii) EAF in the Lesser Antilles, including an
effective MCS and enforcement.
7

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EFFECTIVE, TRANSPARENT AND REGULAR
INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION MECHANISM ON OCEAN AND COASTAL
ISSUES WITHIN THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM*
Qazi Shaukat Fareed
Director, U.N. System Chief Executives Board for Coordination
(CEB) Secretariat
I.
Introduction
Committee on Oceans and Coastal Areas
(SOCA) had been the principal inter-agency
1.
Let me start by saying how much I regret not
mechanism addressing issues of
being able to be with you in person but I have
environmental protection and sustainable
requested my colleague Mr. Eckhard Hein, the
development in this field ­ a mandate derived
Secretary of the CEB High-Level Committee on
from Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 adopted by the
Programmes to deliver this address on my
United Nations Conference on Environment
behalf.
and Development.
2.
The timing of this meeting is fortuitous. Only
5.
As many of you are also aware, for some time
two weeks ago, on Oct 31st, CEB endorsed the
before 1999, the issue of international
decisions of its High-Level Committee on
coordination and cooperation in this area was
Programmes on collaborative arrangements for
repeatedly raised in various inter-
the effective and integrated follow-up in the
governmental meetings and it was emphasized
four areas of WSSD which required interagency
that the issues of ocean space needed to be
arrangements that also involve other
pursued in an integrated manner with the
stakeholders, for a more dynamic and forceful
involvement of all relevant actors--particularly
actions in these fields. These, as you know
those relating to the UN Convention on the
included: (i) Freshwater and water and
Law of the Sea. This concern came to a head at
sanitation; (ii) Energy; (iii) Oceans and coastal
the seventh session of the Commission on
areas and (iv) Changing unsustainable patterns
Sustainable Development in 1999 where it was
of consumption and production. This
emphasized that, building on existing
development makes the task of briefing you
arrangements, a more integrated approach was
much easier.
required to all legal, economic, social and
environmental aspects of the oceans and seas
3.
Before outlining the agreements reached by the
both at intergovernmental and inter-agency
CEB on oceans and coastal areas, I should first
levels. The Commission went on to recommend
like to give you some background regarding the
to the UN General Assembly the establishment
process--which I hope will answer some
of an open-ended informal consultative
questions as to underlying rationale for this
process and thus the Open-ended Informal
endeavour as well as for the time it took.
Consultative Process on Oceans and Law of
the Sea (UNICPOLOS) was born (A/RES/54/
33).
II.
Background
4.
Since 1993 and until the restructuring of the
6.
UNICPOLOS was mandated to cover both the
CEB machinery in 1999-2000, the ACC Sub-
issues related to the legal framework provided
by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
and the goals of chapter 17 of Agenda 21. It
* Remarks presented at the Global Conference on Oceans,
was also responsible for facilitating the annual
Coasts, and Islands, UNESCO, Paris, on November 13, 2003,
review by the General Assembly by
by Mr. Eckhard Hein, Secretary of the UN CEB High-Level
Committee on Programmes on behalf of Mr. Fareed.
8

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
Q.S. Fareed...continued
suggesting particular areas where coordination
patterns of consumption and production. The
and cooperation at the intergovernmental and
CEB entrusted this endeavour to its High
inter-agency levels were required.
Level Committee on Programmes.
7.
At the same time, in 1999-2000 the Secretary-
9.
In discussing the mechanisms for follow-up to
General launched a process of review of the
WSSD, CEB highlighted the need for:
ACC and its machinery. He set up a Senior
· coherence and consistency ­ at operational,
Review Team to draw up proposals for a more
regional and global levels ­ and strong
focused and substance-driven approach to
linkages among these levels;
coordination. Based on the report of the
· country ownership of the follow-up process,
Review Team and benefiting also from a JIU
coordination support for capacity-building
report on the subject, CEB took some bold
and full use of existing country-level
decisions to infuse new enthusiasm and meat
mechanisms;
into the inter-agency processes. It changed
· a focus on sustainability and productivity
the name of ACC to CEB, changed also the
and on natural resources as the engine for
manner it functioned and delegated much of
sustainable growth;
the standard or routine coordination work to
· greater attention to the regional dimensions
two new High-Level Committees ­ one on
of the follow-up to WSSD, given the
programmes and the other on management. It
growing need for cooperation on issues that
also decided to do away with all ACC standing
cut across national borders;
bodies whose overall responsibilities were to
· implementation to be linked to the broader
be subsumed by the two high-level committees.
processes of integrated follow up to United
In taking this decision, CEB made clear that the
Nations conferences and summits,
intention was not to discourage interagency
particularly the Millennium Summit;
collaborative work in specific areas. Rather, the
· and HLCP to assist in identifying ways of
idea was to enable CEB and its new High-Level
streamlining parallel processes and
Committees to concentrate on key policy
duplicative reporting.
issues and matters of strategic concern, freeing
it of having to deal with technical issues and
10. Based on these general directives, HLCP
numerous reports from the standing bodies for
endorsed a function-based approach with
which the Executive Heads had little time to
emphasis on implementation, greater
carry out a realistic review. In addition, the
integration in follow-up programmes and
Board had concluded that more dynamic
actions, while underlining the need for
methods were needed to ensure concrete
reduction in transaction costs for coordination
progress in the different areas of inter-agency
and for drawing upon the experience of past
concern beyond the UN system involving new
coordination mechanisms.
stakeholders and other key external partners.
Last but not least, more flexible and function-
IV. Oceans and Coastal Areas
based approaches were needed to replace
machinery which had become formalistic and
11. As you are well aware WSSD emphasized that
bureaucratic.
oceans, sea islands and coastal areas form an
integrated and essential component of the
Earth's ecosystem and are critical for global
III. Follow-up to WSSD
food security and for sustaining economic
prosperity. This recognition led to the
8.
The JPOI requested that inter-agency
adoption of a number of concrete goals and
collaborative arrangements be worked out in
specific targets in such areas of the ecosystem
four areas of WSSD--(i) Freshwater and water
as fish stocks, biodiversity, protection of the
and sanitation; (ii) Energy; (iii) Oceans and
marine environment, particularly from land
coastal areas and (iv) Changing unsustainable
based activities, maritime safety and improving
9

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
Q.S. Fareed...continued
the scientific understanding and assessment of
ongoing activities and to support related
marine and coastal ecosystems.
deliberations of UNICPOLOS.
· A steering group of the Network, composed
12. In adopting these specific goals, the Summit
of senior representatives of the most directly
recognized that ensuring sustainable
involved organizations/programmes should
development of the oceans, covering such wide
meet as required to coordinate programmes,
range of issues, would require effective
harmonize reporting and review ongoing
coordination and cooperation, including at the
activities. The timing of such meetings could
global and regional levels as well as among the
be coordinated with UNICPOLOS sessions.
relevant bodies. In this context, the JPOI called
· At the same time, the Network can pursue
for steps to "establish an effective, transparent
time-bound initiatives, with well-defined
and regular inter-agency coordination
terms of reference, through task-oriented
mechanism on oceans and coastal issues within
groups, open to the participation of NGO's
the United Nations system." The Summit's
and other international stakeholders.
recommendation was subsequently endorsed
· Emerging challenges or new initiatives are to
by the 57th session of the UN General
be identified by the Network, based on
Assembly (A/RES/57/141).
relevant work inside and outside the UN
system. An example of such task-oriented
13. It should be emphasized that, from the start of
groups could be the establishment of a task
the process in HLCP/CEB, there was a widely
force comprising leading agencies dedicated
shared view, that enhanced coordination of
to the coordination, planning and
activities relating to oceans and coastal areas
implementation of the Global Marine
would require both review and harmonization of
Assessment (GMA) or on regional ocean
on-going activities as well as addressing the
governance.
emerging challenges and launching of new joint
initiatives. To cover all aspects, including
15. The modalities of work recommended for the
political, legal, security, economic, social, and
Network included the intensive use of
environmental, this mechanism should include
electronic communication; holding meetings
not only former SOCA members but also
normally in conjunction with other related
international financial institutions and other
meetings; the establishment of written
institutions like the International Seabed
agreements among Heads of Agencies or
Authority and secretariats of multilateral
Responsible Managers; and open dialogue
environment treaties like CBD, UNFCCC, etc.
with non-UN system actors and transparent
communication with all partners ­ including
14. All of these elements were present in the
though the use of a dedicated website.
approach eventually agreed upon by HLCP and
endorsed by the CEB which is as follows:
16. The proposed new coordinating mechanism is
to build on the experience, and make full use of,
· An Oceans and Coastal Areas Network
existing inter-agency cooperative mechanisms
(OCAN) has been created. This Network is to
or projects, including the Global Programme of
build on SOCA covering a wide range of
Action for the Protection of the Marine
issues. It will be composed of the relevant
Environment (GPA), Global International Water
programmes, entities and specialized
Assessment (GIWA), UN Atlas of the Oceans
agencies of the UN system and the
(UNAO), Joint Group of Experts on the
secretariat of the relevant international
Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental
conventions, including the International
Protection (GESAMP), Global Oceans
Seabed Authority.
Observing System (GOOS) as well as others.
· This network is to operate as a flexible
mechanism to review joint and overlapping
17. In adopting this approach a process is being
set in motion to draw up the Network's terms of
10

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
Q.S. Fareed...continued
reference and work programme, which is to be
5. The Committee had also considered the generic
reviewed by HLCP before the end of the current
objectives for future inter-agency mechanisms.
year. It was stressed that OCAN should be
These include:1
involved, with UN-DOALOS in the lead, in the
preparation of the Global Marine Assessment
·
"Advocacy/Public profile: Promoting public
(GMA) report; and the need to better utilize and
profile of the issues through outreach to
build upon existing coordination mechanisms,
media, advocacy campaigns and the active
such as the UN Atlas on the Oceans, the Global
involvement of a broad range of actors.
Oceans Observing System (GOOS) and the Joint
·
Clearing-house: Serving as a clearing-house
Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of
for policy and programme information
Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP).
exchange, and for sharing lessons learnt and
experiences. This could include preparation of
18. The Committee has also requested the UN
a comprehensive annual report providing an
(DOALAS) to keep it informed of progress
assessment of the state of play. While this
achieved in the establishment by 2004 of a regular
should be approached as a continuing
process for global reporting and assessment of
function, the conveying of special annual
the state of the marine environment, as called for
meetings of all relevant actors, including
by the JPOI and the GA resolution 57/141.
bilateral donors, may prove desirable for
sharing information and future plans.
19. This is where we are at this time. We are now
·
Policy coherence/development: Promoting
working on ensuring that these decisions are
policy coherence at all levels in line with the
implemented quickly and effectively ­ not for the
JPOI and identifying specific areas where there
sake of process but for advancing the
is a need/opportunity for further policy
substantive goals in the vital field of oceans and
development.
coastal areas. This will require all actors to look
·
Promoting collaboration among actors:
beyond processes and to focus on how progress
Encouraging and facilitating collaborative
is to be achieved. While reporting is important ­
arrangements in relation to programmes and
even necessary ­ the object of the new
projects among relevant actors, in order to
mechanism should be to achieve a real impact on
avoid duplication and ensure optimal
the ground. At a time when the UN system and
utilization of resources.
the international community is facing growing
·
Strengthening the knowledge base:
challenges in this field and when the UN system
Establishing linkages among and with research
is facing budgetary constraints, it is necessary to
centers, institutes, networks and other sources
look for out of the box solutions. I hope that the
of knowledge related to a particular sector.
new Network will help realize a new vision of
·
Encouraging linkages: Serving as a link
collaborative work in involving all actors in the
between global, regional and national level
field of oceans and coastal areas.
activities.
·
Capacity building: Supporting initiatives for
20. I take the opportunity to wish you success at this
capacity building in developing countries.
meeting and to assure you that CEB Secretariat
·
Monitoring and evaluation: Evaluating
stands ready to assist and facilitate stronger and
progress towards the achievement of goals/
substantive coordination work on oceans and
targets and harmonizing the reporting
coastal areas.
formats".
Thank you.
11

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
Q.S. Fareed...continued
Some of the specific goals/targets contained in the
ecosystem approach, the elimination of
Johannesburg Plan of Implementation are as follows:
destructive fishing practices, the
establishment of marine protected areas
(i)
Encourage the application by 2010 of the
consistent with international law and
ecosystem approach for the sustainable
based on scientific information, including
development of oceans;
representative networks by 2012;
(ii)
Maintain or restore fish stocks to levels
(v)
Establish by 2004 a regular process under
that can produce the maximum sustainable
the United Nations for global reporting
yield with the aim of achieving these goals
and assessment of the state of the marine
for depleted stocks on an urgent basis and
environment;
where possible not later than 2015;
(vi)
Eliminate subsidies that contribute to
(iii)
Put into effect the FAO international plans
illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
of action by the agreed dates - for the
and to overcapacity.
management of fishing capacity by 2005;
and - to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal,
unreported and unregulated fishing by
2004;
- - - - -
(iv)
Develop and facilitate the use of diverse
(Footnotes)
approaches and tools, including the
1 CEB/2003/HLCP/CRP.2
12

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON
CAPACITY BUILDING*
1. Introduction
2. Recommendations from current working group
discussions
The first capacity-building session on November 9, co-
chaired by Indu Hewawasam, World Bank and François
Capacity building for ocean and coastal initiatives was
Bailet, International Ocean Institute, reviewed goals,
recognized as a cross-cutting issue, and as such
initiatives and limited resources for capacity building for
addressed under different related programs. The group
the governance of oceans, coasts and islands. The
agreed that there was a need to identify gaps and set
purpose of this session was to call on participants to
priorities:
identify the main obstacles to, and draw a list of top
priorities for capacity building. Participants identified
The key goals noted were:
key priorities, including: creating academic institutions
!
need for a critical mass of integrated coastal
specialized in ocean management; implementation;
refining good practices; adopting a multidisciplinary
management (ICM) managers and professionals;
approach; bringing about the understanding of ocean
!
more ICM capacity building at the national level;
issues at the political level; and making capacity
!
need to move from capacity building to capacity
building available to a wide range of people.
utilization and enhancement.
Follow-up small working group sessions assessed the
The group reviewed recommendations of the Working
goals further and identified possible future
Group on Capacity Building at the 2001 Conference. Key
actions.
elements of these recommendations include:
3. Main Obstacles/Issues
a) Human resource development through
education and training. This should target
There are numerous capacity-building programs around
increased knowledge as well as skills
the world focusing on oceans, coastal and small island
development;
issues. While there are significant successes, the group
b) Institutional and infrastructure development
agreed that there are also key obstacles that prevented
that meets the human resource development
scaling up, coordination and targeting. Main obstacles
needs; and
noted include:
c) Development of a favorable enabling policy
environment. Human resource development
!
Short term nature
support should be related to national goals to
!
Fragmented and Uncoordinated
ensure continuity of support once external
!
Not in keeping with local, national or regional
support ceases;
priorities
d) Capacity building programs should be based
!
Not context specific
on actual needs determined through careful
!
Not addressing all of the needs at all levels
needs assessments to ensure that the mode
!
Not supported through long term targeted
and methods of human resource development
financing
are appropriate to the level of education and
training that exist. The programs should
The group recommended a strategy to be developed to
involve local institutions and be sustained over
identify key constraints and options in a systematic
time.
manner.
4. Towards a Capacity Building Strategy to Promote
* This document highlights the report of the Working Group
sustainable Ocean and Coastal Governance
on Capacity building at the Global Conference on Oceans,
Coasts, and Islands held in UNESCO, Paris, November 10-
It was agreed that capacity building should consist of
14, 2003, co-chaired by Dr. Indumathie Hewawasam (World
several basic components depending on actual needs
Bank) and Dr. Francois Bailet (International Ocean Insti-
including:
tute).
13

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
Capacity Building...continued
!
Human resource development through
!
Identify mechanisms for capacity utilization
education and training. This should target
and enhancement
increased knowledge as well as skills
development
!
Define activities to enhance existing efforts
!
Institutional and infrastructural development
and help with implementing good practice
that meets human resource development needs
!
Develop a program to advance the knowledge
!
Development of a favorable policy
and experience to civil society
environment. Support should be related to and
!
Identify current financial and technical
integrated into national goals to ensure
resources and gaps
continuity of support once external assistance
ceases
!
Contextualize academic programs to build a
!
Strengthening of governance skills including
critical mass of in-country ICM professionals
development of legislation, implementation,
and practitioners
enforcement, compliance, monitoring and
!
Build broad-based partnerships to urgently
evaluation; and
mobilize technical and financial resources to
!
Building civil society skills in participation,
achieve the outcomes above
negotiation and networking.
!
Tie training efforts to current, real needs in the
locality/nation/region
i) Principal elements of the strategy:
!
Scaling efforts and resources to where needs
are greatest
1. Undertake an assessment of existing capacity-
!
Identify and promote indigenous knowledge
building programs to identify whether the programs are:
!
Transfer of knowledge and experience -
development of networks and knowledge
!
Achieving their stated goals and if not, assess
sharing
the key reasons and gaps
!
Promote more hands-on training, based on
!
Addressing the current and evolving issues in
mentoring and real life experience
OCI
!
Emphasize continuity, long-term needs and
!
Resulting in improved governance for OCI at
regional, national and local levels
financing for capacity building programs
!
Also aimed at capacity utilization
ii) Regional connections or applications
!
Contextually relevant
!
Coordinated, and if not to identify a mechanism
Possible role of the intergovernmental organizations
for addressing the problem
should be considered more in terms of providing
resources and technical assistance for capacity
2. Formulate an action plan to assess the demand and
development and utilization. One idea might be to
also mobilize demand
develop regional clearing-houses and relevant generic
training modules/curricula for local adaptation.
!
Determine and demonstrate economic value and
Information could be made available on a Web-based
social and political relevance of OCM
forum to train trainers.
!
Identify partnerships for building a broader
iii) Analyses that need to be done
constituency for OCI management within the
donor community, governments and civil
Needs assessments based on existing knowledge and
society
training context and political reality. Attempt some kind
of assessment of the costs of achieving the WSSD
3. Define modalities to make current capacity-building
targets.
programs more relevant to end-users and
sustainable
14

---

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OUTCOMES
Capacity Building...continued
iv) Possible role of the Global Forum
The Global Forum could champion the development of
the strategy, coordinate partnerships and mobilize
financial resources for implementation on a regional/
national basis. The Global Forum could also facilitate the
development of regional clearing-houses and/or training
modules.
v) Funding required and sources
The scope and financial commitment needed to develop
such strategies on a global or even regional scale is
expected to be determined as part of the proposed
strategy.
vi) Next steps, including where to take the issue next
!
Agree on who should lead, coordinate and
finance the development of the strategy
!
Prepare a proposal for carrying out this task,
including a cost estimate and timeline
15

---

MAURITIUS 2004
STATEMENT
by
Mr. Anwarul K. Chowdhury
Under-Secretary-General & High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing
Countries and Small Island Developing States and Secretary-General of the Mauritius International
Meeting for the Review of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of the
Small Island Developing States, at the opening ceremony of The Bahamas Interregional Meeting, Nassau,
26 January 2004
His Excellency the Prime Minister, Distinguished
institutions, regional and subregional bodies, members
President of the United Nations General Assembly,
of the Group of 77 and China including its Chairman,
Chairman of the Alliance of the Small Island States,
civil society, NGOs and private sector. Your presence
Chairman of the UN Commission on Sustainable
demonstrates the interest and attention you pay to the
Development, Excellencies, Heads of international
sustainable development objectives of the Small Island
organizations, Distinguished delegates, Ladies and
Developing States.
Gentlemen:
As the Secretary-General of the Mauritius International
Indeed, it is a great pleasure to participate at this
Meeting, it will be an endeavour not only to facilitate
important Interregional Meeting of the three regional
the organisation and overall coordination of that
groups of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Meeting and its preparatory process as well as to
The SIDS strategy that will be adopted at Nassau will be
ensure effective participation of SIDS members, but also
the main working document for the preparatory
assist in every possible way the adoption of a
committee meeting in April in New York, finally
worthwhile outcome in Port Louis. I believe in the
culminating in the outcome of the International Meeting
success of a conference determined by its outcome - a
in Mauritius from 30 August to 3 September.
document that is implementable not just a well-
intentioned paper consensus.
I bring with me the warm greetings of Secretary-General
Kofi Annan to all of you and convey his best wishes for
Adopted a decade ago, the Barbados Programme of
the success of this Ministerial-level gathering.
Action remains the principal international instrument
addressing the sustainable development issues of SIDS.
I take this opportunity to thank the Government and
Since then new issues have emerged that affect their
people of the Bahamas for the hospitality that they are
development prospects and therefore need reflection in
extending to us in these sparkling islands of the
the Mauritius outcome.
Caribbean. I am confident that your warmth will
contribute immensely to our working atmosphere and, of
Despite the efforts made by the Small Island Developing
course, to a most meaningful outcome.
States, the expectations for international cooperation for
the implementation of Barbados have not materialized.
The Bahamas is a leading member of the Alliance of
International resources to implement the Barbados
Small Island States. The progress that this country has
Programme, as evident from the outcome of the five-year
made in economic development has been impressive. I
review in 1999, have fallen severely short of those
believe that other SIDS can learn from the many good
expectations. Not only that, but the overall
examples and practices that the Bahamas has to offer.
disbursement of international assistance to SIDS has
fallen from $2.3 billion in 1994 to $1.7 billion in 2002.
I am heartened by the presence of so many high-level
Though the Millennium Declaration, the Monterey
delegations from the SIDS. The importance of this
Consensus, and the Johannesburg Plan of
Meeting is also evident from the participation of many
Implementation recognized the special needs of SIDS,
representatives from the international community - the
international support to these countries has been
development partners, the multilateral financial
minimal. As we engage ourselves in the ten-year review
16

---

MAURITIUS 2004
A. Chowdhury...continued
of the Barbados Programme, prospects for enhanced
The problems of remoteness, difficulties of
international development assistance are not significant
transportation, a single or a narrow range of exportable
in any way. Hence, a greater degree of realism is called
products due to a lack of economics of scale, contrast
for in the exercise we are embarking upon, especially for
sharply with their import needs of oil, food and other
the priorities that the SIDS intend to set for themselves.
goods. SIDS no doubt need and should seek special
Importantly, we have to determine what worked against
and differential treatment for their export products.
the effective and speedy implementation of the Barbados
Exporters and transporters to SIDS, especially of
Programme.
energy-related products, should be approached to grant
preferential treatment to reduce costs. After the WTO
Against this sombre backdrop, I am happy to note that
Ministerial Meeting in Cancun, negotiations towards
many SIDS have introduced domestic reforms in
these ends will need a lot more political will and effort
macroeconomic policy to facilitate their integration into
within the international community. But, most
the global economy. At the regional level, SIDS have
importantly, the SIDS need to strategize in the context of
made advances in putting into place appropriate policy
their group solidarity to reach that goal.
frameworks and arrangements to integrate their
economic, social and environmental approaches to a
Security issues arising out of the threat of terrorism
sustainable development focus. These actions will
have been of increasing concern to SIDS, particularly
undoubtedly help them maximize the opportunities
when tourism is a major contributor to their economies.
available to them.
These countries are little prepared to deal with this
global scourge. They need resources and technical
In order to restart the implementation of the Barbados
assistance to help them tackle this growing menace.
commitments, it might be useful to enhance the focus on
priorities in the areas of environment, trade, finance,
The smallness and the remoteness of the SIDS continue
governance and capacity-building ­ all through
to pose serious problem in providing international aid
strengthened partnership and genuine cooperation. At
and enhancing foreign investments. Projects and
the same time, we need to address the new issues that
programmes in many cases are not viable when targeted
impact on the development prospects of the SIDS. I have
for specific countries. However, when SIDS band
in mind particularly the threat of HIV/AIDS and the
together to integrate their economies and meet common
potentials of information technology (IT). Market
challenges, many of the social, economic and human
access and security issues for SIDS are also to be
development projects and programmes could prove
addressed.
viable and yield better results. I therefore urge the small
island developing countries to increase their efforts to
Let me elaborate a bit on two of the emerging issues.
hasten the pace of regional economic integration.
HIV/AIDS is making rapid inroads into the regions of the
Attracting more foreign direct investment to take
Small Island Developing States. Effective programmes -
advantage of the economic potentials of the SIDS and
at national and regional levels - to contain this menacing
strengthen the hands of the domestic private sector is
disease must be urgently taken up. I would like to praise
easier said than done. The inherent handicaps of SIDS,
here the wonderful initiatives undertaken by a group of
particularly small population, lack of technological
men and women, referred to as "change agents" (from
sophistication and narrow resource base, pose
both public and private sectors and civil society
obstacles in competing for the foreign direct investment
organizations), who, across the Caribbean region, are
(FDI) necessary to avail themselves of opportunities
helping people at risk of contracting the virus stay safe
offered by the globalization process. Globalization is
and working to overcome stigmas against people living
based on opportunities for cost reduction and
with HIV/AIDS.
economies of scale, which small islands cannot easily
offer. Special and creative ways and means must be
Deliberate and prudent use of information technology
found to attract foreign investments.
will go a long way in reducing isolation of remote
islands, enable them to deal more effectively with a host
Here I would like to bring to your attention the potential
of constraints particularly in the areas of trade,
of South-South cooperation, to enhance the sustainable
development, health, education, security and technology
development efforts of the SIDS, an opportunity that
transfer.
curiously did not find any reflection in the Barbados
17

---

MAURITIUS 2004
A. Chowdhury...continued
Programme. The recent High Level Conference on
directed towards these countries. I also urge them and the
South-South Cooperation held in Marrakech under-
international financial institutions to enhance flows of
scored the need to reflect this aspect in the Mauritius
concessional financing through regional and other
outcome.
multilateral financial institutions to promote the economic
growth and human development and enhance the
Finally, for tangible progress towards full and effective
domestic and regional capacities of the SIDS. The United
implementation, it is absolutely necessary that an
Nations system will continue to be a true partner of the
effective monitoring system be built into the SIDS
SIDS. Bearing in mind the diversity of locations of UN
strategy. Such a monitoring system should be also an
entities supporting SIDS, I believe that for better
integral part of the Mauritius document.
coordination of their needs, the Alliance of Small Island
States (AOSIS) needs to set up its chapters in various UN
In your deliberations and while preparing the outcome of
locations.
this Meeting, I urge you to be realistic and Practical in
you approach. While it is tempting to have an all-
In our preparatory process leading to the International
embracing and comprehensive document out of the
Meeting, we have to be clear that the attainment of the
Bahamas and Mauritius, it is also essential to assess
objectives of Barbados requires a strong spirit of
what would genuinely be doable in the immediate future.
partnership and cooperation, much more than what has
It is of little use to have a wonderful document if the
been forthcoming till now - of the entire international
support of the international community is not fully and
community and the donor countries in particular. Civil
enthusiastically behind it. After all, it is the
society and the private sector have also a major role to
implementation of the priorities that the International
play. The need for advocacy at all levels, and especially at
Meeting will establish that we all want to see taken up
the global level, and the need to raise awareness in the
with right earnestness.
next months leading up to Mauritius and thereafter, is a
critical component of our work.
In concluding, let me express my concern that the SIDS
are continuously getting marginalised in terms of global
For the conference in Barbados, our slogan was "Small
attention. In order to enhance implementation of
Islands, Big Issues". For Mauritius, reflecting today's
priorities that the SIDS identify, I urge development
realities, I would adjust it to say: `Small Islands, Big
partners to enhance Official Development Assistance
Potential".
18

---

ANNOUNCEMENTS
FORTHCOMING MAJOR OCEAN-RELATED EVENTS IN 2004
International Coastal Symposium (ICS'04)
8th Special Session of the UNEP Governing Council/
Universidade do Vale do Itajai, Brazil
Global Ministerial Environment Forum
March 14-19, 2004
Jeju, Korea
March 29-31, 2004
ICS 2004 is the 8th in a series of International Coastal
Symposia supported by the Coastal Education and
The Global Ministerial Environment Forum is the only
Research Foundation - Journal of Coastal Research.
global forum of Ministers responsible for the
This multi-disciplinary international symposium is
environment that meets annually to review important
convened for scientists, engineers, planners and
and emerging policy issues in the field of the
managers to be able discuss recent or new advances in
environment. The Ministerial Consultations will
scientific, technical, and socio-economic understanding
consider the theme Environmental dimension of water,
of environmental issues related to coastal processes.
sanitation and human settlements as it relates to the
follow-up to the World Summit on Sustainable
Development (WSSD) and in preparation for CSD 12.
White Water to Blue Water (WW2BW) Initiative
WSSD identified the scarcity and quality of water as
Stakeholders' Conference
one of the most critical issues requiring attention in the
Miami, Florida
21st century. In light of the objectives of sustainable
March 21-27, 2004
development and targets set by the Millennium
Development Goals, an ecosystem approach to the
This conference will focus on the creation of public-
management of water, sanitation and human settlements
private partnerships by bringing together national
is no longer an option, but a requirement.
delegations from each of the 28 Wider Caribbean Region
countries. The participants will network and brainstorm
about best practices and novel ways to address national
12th Session of the Commission on Sustainable
and regional watershed and marine ecosystem-based
Development
management needs with potential partners from civil
New York
society and the private sector.
April 14-30, 2004
The twelfth session of the UN Commission on
Aquaculture 2004
Sustainable Development (CSD-12) will meet at UN
Honolulu, Hawaii
Headquarters in New York from 14-30 April 2004. For the
March 1-5, 2004
first three days (14-16 April), CSD-12 will serve as a
preparatory meeting for the ten-year review of the
The triennial meeting combines the annual meetings of
Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable
the National Shellfisheries Association, Fish Culture
Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Section of the American Fisheries Society, and the
The following two weeks (19-30 April) will serve as the
World Aquaculture Society. Beside the annual meetings
CSD-12 Review Session.
of the main sponsors, AQUACULTURE 2004 includes
the meetings of many of the Associate Sponsors.
Aquaculture America will also have its 2004 meeting
Global H2O: Hilltops-2-Oceans Partnership
included in AQUACULTURE 2004.
Conference
Cairns, Australia
May 11-14, 2004
Cosponsored by the Australian Government's
Department of the Environment and Heritage and the
United Nations Environment Programme, the conference
is an integral part of the H2O Partnership Initiative
19

---

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Major Ocean Events...continued
launched during the World Summit. The aim of the H2O
Coastal Zone Canada 2004
Partnership Conference is to promote realistic actions
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
and partnerships that address river, coastal and marine
June 27-30, 2004
pollution. Emphasizing the linkages between freshwater
and marine environments, the conference will provide
In June 2004, St. John's will host the biennial
an open forum for stakeholders to address freshwater
conference of the Coastal Zone Canada Association.
and saltwater issues in an integrated fashion. The H2O
CZC04 will be the 6th CZC conference and the first held
Partnership Conference will follow shortly after the
in Newfoundland and Labrador. It marks the 10
Global Ministerial Environment Forum (29 ­ 31 March
anniversary of the conference series and will provide an
2004) and the 12th Session of the Commission on
opportunity to review the progress that has been made
Sustainable Development (19 ­ 30 April 2004), where
in coastal zone management over the last decade. Prior
discussion will focus on WSSD targets relating to
to the conference, registered participants will receive an
water, sanitation and human settlements. It will provide
introduction that outlines how perception and use of
a timely opportunity to further focus international
the oceans have been transformed over the past few
attention/dialogue on the concrete actions needed to
decades.
realize the WSSD targets related to freshwater, coasts
and oceans, and specifically the Global
Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine
The 10-Year Review of the Barbados Programme of
Environment from Land-based Activities.
Action (BPoA +10)
Mauritius
August 28-September 3, 2004
10th International Coral Reef Symposium
Okinawa, Japan
In 2002, the United Nations General Assembly called for
June 28-July 2, 2004
a comprehensive review of the Barbados Programme of
Action (BPoA) which was adopted in 1994. The BPoA
The 10th Symposium, convened every four years, will
sets forth specific actions and measures at the national,
discuss coral reef issues, particularly the urgent need to
regional, and international levels in support of the
save coral reef ecosystems from further degradation.
sustainable development of the small island developing
Developments in the basic sciences, and recent work on
States (SIDS). In 2004, the International community will
effective conservation and management strategies will
convene in Mauritius to discuss recommendations for
be reported. These disciplines are expected to work
further and successful implementation of the BPoA.
together effectively to accelerate a new coral reef
science.
Inter-regional Preparatory Meeting for the 10-Year
Review of the Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA
5th U.N. Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on
+10)
the Law of the Sea (UNICPOLOS)
Nassau, Bahamas
New York, New York
January 26-30, 2004
June 7-11, 2004
The fifth meeting of the Consultative Process will be
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Preparatory
convened in New York from 7 to 11 June 2004.
Meeting for the 10-Year Review of the Barbados
Discussions at the Consultative Process will be
Programme of Action (BPoA +10)
focusing on new sustainable uses of the oceans,
United Nations, New York
including the conservation and management of the
April 14-16, 2004
biological diversity of the seabed in areas beyond
national jurisdiction, as well as issues discussed at
previous meetings.
20

---

ABOUT US
The Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands Newsletter (http://www.globaloceans.org) 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, and 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; and
· 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; and
· 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.
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 the following publication dates:
Issue 6: May 15, 2004
Issue 7: July 15, 2004
Issue 8: September 15, 2004
Issue 9: November 15, 2004
The Global Forum Newsletter is prepared at the Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy (CMP) 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), Bernice McLean (South Africa), Stefano Belfiore
(Italy), Kevin Goldstein (US), Christen Loper (US), and Jorge Gutierrez (Mexico). 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 Gerard J. Mangone Center for 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.
21

---