Agenda 21, Chapter 17, Section F
Strengtheing international, includin regional cooperation and coordination
OBJECTIVE 1
Coordination of Coastal Zone Management at all Levels
The need to integrate relevant activities addressing marine and coastal development at all levels. This requires;
UNIFICATION -ensures emphasis on single sectoral concerns and individual demands and more emphasis on a collective agenda under which all parties participate.
Requires connections among government agencies, economic sectors,
politicians and NGO’s.
EXAMPLE 1;
The Mediterranean Sea reflects many of the planet’s major environmental problems. From oil and industrial pollution to non-treated sewage discharges and the degradation of coastal habitats are just some of the threats to its health (Greenpeace, 1995). Amongst the threats to the life of the Mediterranean Sea is the impact of fishing upon its ecosystems. Generating the political will needed to establish effective cooperation for the conservation and management of fisheries in that region is no simple task. Agenda 21 called for an inter-governmental conference to negotiate the rights of States with respect to fisheries. Measures building upon the obligations established in UNCLOS and that of Agenda 21 are essential in addressing the problems facing fisheries in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, most of the countries have not fulfilled their responsibilities. There appears to be a lack of cooperation by most member countries.
EXAMPLE 2;
With the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as its implementing agency, The Global Environment Facility (GEF) in 1993 funded the initiative of a committed local NGO – Fundacion Patagonia Natural – to develop a comprehensive Patagonian Coastal Zone Management Plan (PCZMP) for the entire bioregion. The project’s long-term goal is to incorporate integrated planning by all sectors as the accepted approach to resource use. The PCZMP is drawing attention to the need to address the effects of high-sea fisheries on Patagonian biodiversity. Since its ecosystem extends far out into international waters, benefits from the project will have positive effects on the health of natural resources throughout the South Atlantic region.
OBJECTIVE 2
Effective Dialogue And Efficient Communication Between Institutions Dealing With Coastal Zone Management
There is a need to encourage information exchange and communication to deal with marine development issues. This requires;
Building a constituency that requires clear communication and sharing of information among governments, industry, the international community and the public.
EXAMPLE 1;
In the Black Sea for example, the state of the environment continues to be a matter of concern due to the ongoing degradation of its ecosystem and the sustainable use of its natural resources. Regional and subregional cooperation and arrangements are crucial for addressing effectively the degradation of this sea from land-based activities. Enhanced coordination between regional bodies such as Istanbul Commission and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) will contribute towards the rehabilitation and protection of the Black Sea ecosystem.
EXAMPLE 2;
The South China Sea is an interesting example of the benefits of international cooperation. Scientists in this area have taken strong initiatives to promote the peaceful use of the Sea and its resources so as to shift the trend towards mutual benefit in the region, rather than towards potentially destructive competition for resources. Negotiations are currently under way at government levels to institutionalise forms of collaboration to make them a permanent feature of regional cooperation.
OBJECTIVE 3
Intergovernmental Reviews On Marine Issues Of Environment And Development Promoted
The implementation of strategies and activities relevant to marine and coastal areas is needed with regular reviews and institutional arrangements. This requires;
EXAMPLE 1; The South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is a regional organisation established by the governments and administrations of the Pacific region to look after its environment. The purpose is to “promote cooperation in the South Pacific region and to provide assistance in order to protect and improve its environment and to ensure sustainable development for present and future generations”.
SPREP’s members total 26, consisting of all 22 Pacific island countries and territories, and four developed countries: Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States of America.
SPREP was first established in 1982, but first granted legal status in 1993 under the Agreement Establishing SPREP, which came into force in 1995. The adoption of a 2001 to 2004 Action Plan include strengthening national and regional capabilities and institutional arrangements and coordinating regional activities addressing the environment. Lessons learned from the 1997-2000 Action Plan include stronger linkages to be developed between the SPREP secretariat and agencies responsible for natural resource sectors and those coordinating finance and development in SPREP members and the requirement of effective consultative mechanisms.
OBJECTIVE 4
Effective Coordination To Be Established Within The UN System
There is a need to improve coordination between institutions within the United Nations system and to strengthen links between them. This requires;
Seeking to integrate or coordinate activities of a broad spectrum of existing private enterprise along with government agencies. Thereby ensuring an appropriate shift from single sectoral concerns and self-centred concerns to a collective agenda.
EXAMPLE 1;
The contracting parties to the GATT took a keen interest in the results of the “Earth Summit” in 1992. A Decision on Trade and Environment was adopted by Ministers, which called for the establishment of a World Trade Organisation (WTO) Committee on Trade and Environment to “identify the relationship between trade measures and environmental measures in order to promote sustainable development”. On 1 January 1995 the agreement establishing the WTO entered into force. It was envisaged to coordinate the policies in the field of trade and environment in order to contribute to improved environmental protection and to promote sustainable development through the more efficient allocation and use of resources.
However the enhancement of international cooperation and coordination between the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, WTO, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and other relevant institutions is still important for the further implementation of Agenda 21. National Governments too need to make every effort to ensure policy coordination on trade environment and development in support of sustainable development.
