Regional Seas Strategic Directions for 2004–2007

This document outlines a unified vision for strengthening the Regional Seas Programme and improving cooperation between the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans. The strategy was adopted at the 5th Global Meeting of the Regional Seas Secretariats in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2003, and further endorsed at the 6th Global Meeting of the Regional Seas in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2004. It responds to changing environmental, socio-economic and political conditions, as well as developments in scientific knowledge and international policy frameworks. The document establishes six strategic directions: increasing the contribution of the Regional Seas Programme to sustainable development through stronger partnerships and implementation of mandates; enhancing sustainability and effectiveness through greater country ownership, national integration, compliance mechanisms, capacity building and financial arrangements; increasing visibility and political impact through stronger partnerships, awareness and communication; supporting knowledge-based policy making, public participation, education, monitoring, assessment and reporting on coastal and marine environments; using Regional Seas as a platform for common regional objectives, cooperation and coordinated implementation of relevant multilateral environmental agreements and global initiatives; and developing integrated ecosystem-based management approaches through innovative partnerships, networks and communication strategies. The strategy aims to strengthen regional cooperation, improve governance, optimise the effectiveness of Regional Seas programmes, and support the protection and sustainable use of coastal and marine environments while contributing to international development frameworks and future work programmes under the United Nations Environment Programme’s Global Ocean Agenda.