Harmonized Implementation of Regional Seas Agreements and Other MEAs

Launched in 1974 in the wake of the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm, the Regional Seas Programme (RSP) aims to address the accelerating degradation of the world’s oceans and coastal areas through the sustainable management and use of the marine and coastal environment by engaging neighbouring countries in comprehensive and specific actions to protect their shared marine environment. Since 2005, UNEP supports RSP in its work related to the implementation of MEAs in a harmonized manner.

The new Regional Seas Strategic Directions 2004-2007 promotes the implementation of biodiversity related conventions such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), and the World Heritage Convention (WHC). In addition the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans (RSCAP) collaborate with the chemicals and wastes-related MEAS and relevant atmosphere-related MEAs.

In line with these new strategic directions, UNEP convened two regional workshops on implementation of RSCAP and related MEAs, focusing on legislative measures and testing a draft Outline for Guidance on the Review and Elaboration of National Legislation to Implement Regional Seas Conventions and Actions Plans. Both workshops identified opportunities for measures at the national and regional levels to promote integrated implementation of RSCAPs and MEAs. 

List of activities

• Workshop on RSCAP for the Caribbean in Kingston, Jamaica (July 2005), in partnership with the Caribbean Regional Co-ordinating Unit (CAR/RCU)
  
• Workshop on RSCAP for the Pacific in Suva, Fiji (August 2005), in partnership with the United Nations University (UNU), the University of the South Pacific (USP), and the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)