PC on Environmental Affairs and Tourism Briefing Branch: Marine and Coastal Management Tuesday, 18 June 2002

UNEP REGIONAL SEAS PROGRAMME  Initiated in 1974  11 Regions  Action Plans: – Regional Convention – Technical Protocols  2 in Sub-Saharan Africa – Abidjan (11 Countries:1981:1984) – Nairobi (9 Countries: 1985:1996)

ABIDJAN / NAIROBI  Conventions: General Provisions – Marine Pollution – Protected Areas – EIA’s  Protocols – Marine Emergencies (both) – Protected Areas (Nairobi)  In Preparation: Land-based Activities

BENEFITS  Political – MCM Contributions to NEPAD – Links to African Process  Technical – Marine Pollution and Marine Resources are Trans- boundary Issues – Need Harmonised Policies, Strategies and Standards – Access to Funding

DISADVANTAGES  No Major Disadvantages  Skills Training  Financial Contributions – US Dollars – 50 % Reduction – Possibilities for further reduction / in-kind contributions

FUTURE ROLE OF REGIONAL SEAS  International Governance  Platforms for all MCM Issues  Better contribution, efficiency, effectiveness and equity