12th Global Meeting of the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans

The 12th Global Meeting of the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans was held in Bergen, Norway, from 20 to 22 September 2010. Hosted at the invitation of OSPAR, the meeting brought together representatives of Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans and partner organisations to discuss emerging challenges in the management and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. Discussions covered marine biodiversity and areas beyond national jurisdiction, marine and coastal invasive species and ballast water management, implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities, transboundary waters assessment, ecosystem-based management and the economic valuation of marine and coastal ecosystem services. The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Regional Seas to exchange experiences on the challenges and opportunities facing their regions, with particular attention to governance and strengthening regional cooperation.