Global Strategy

 

UNEP Governing Council

A decision of the 22nd UNEP Governing Council (Nairobi, February 2003) set out the elements of a new global strategy for the Regional Seas Programmes. The strategy is based on the central idea that the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans first and foremost, should be used as regional instruments, contributing to sustainable development.

The new global strategic directions identify actions to be implemented during 2004-2007 to enhance the RSP at the global level, while continuing the implementation of the action programmes of the individual RSPs as agreed upon by their governing bodies. They provide an opportunity to improve efficiency, individually and collectively in the RSCAPs, increase cooperation, and incorporate new elements in future programmes of work.

The following are the strategic elements or directions:

1. Increase the Regional Seas Programme’s contribution to sustainable development through the enhancement of local, national, regional and global partnerships with relevant social, economic and environmental stakeholders, and through the strengthened implementation of the mandates of the Regional Seas, as a major contribution to the implementation of the WSSD Plan of Implementation and the goals and targets associated with the Millennium Declaration.

2. Enhance sustainability and effectiveness of the Regional Seas Programmes through increasing country ownership, incorporating Regional Seas conventions and protocols into national legislation, promoting compliance and enforcement mechanisms, involving civil society and the private sector, building capacities, ensuring viable national and international financial arrangements, as well as developing assessment/evaluation procedures where appropriate.

3. Enhance the Regional Seas Programme’s visibility and political impact in global, regional and national policy setting, through strengthening the Regional Seas Partnership, increasing political and public awareness on the economic, cosial and environmental importance of coastal and marine resources, promoting concerted information and communication policies, and ensuring participation and promotion of Regional Seas in relevant national, regional and global fora.

4. Support knowledge-based policy making, enhanced public participation, education, awareness, and improved reporting on the state of the coasal & marine environment, its resources, and possible threats to them, through amongst others, contributing to appropriate national and regional monitoring and assessment activities.

5. Increase the use of Regional Seas Programme as a platform for developing common regional objectives, promoting synergies and co-ordinated regional implementation of relevant MEAs, global and regional initiatives and responsibilities of United Nations Agencies and other international actors, as a contribution to the sustainable management of the coastal and marine environment.

6. Develop and promote a common vision and integrated management, based on ecosystem approaches, of priorities and concerns related to the coastal and marine environment and its resources in Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, introducing amongst others proactive, creative and innovative partnerships and networks and effective communication strategies.

Regional Seas Strategic Directions for 2004-2007
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