Utilising the ecosystem approach to protect the marine environment. Elliott Harris UNEP

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1 Utilising the ecosystem approach to protect the marine environment Elliott Harris UNEP

2 Ecosystem Approach Protocols under the Conventions The ecosystem functional ecological systems including biotic and abiotic Oil elements, spills preparedness which interacting and contingency to each other. Ecosystem Protect marine approach and coastal a conceptual environment framework from incorporating oil spill incidents human activities Establish at & sustainable maintain means levels as to an respond accepted to oil element spill incidents of ecosystem & to reduce functioning the risks associated with such incidents Ecosystem services the benefits human populations derive, directly or Evolution indirectly into Ecosystem from ecosystem Based functions. Management Ecosystem services are closely linked with social and economic benefits of Integrated coastal zone management human beings Facilitate, through the rational planning of activities, the sustainable development of coastal zones by ensuring that the environment and landscapes are taken into account in harmony with economic, social and cultural development.

3 Ecosystem Approach

4 Regional Seas Conventions Established in 1974; 146 countries; 18 Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, 7 administered by UNEP Provide a legally binding framework to protect the marine environment at the regional level Governed by member states and Action Plans Main objectives are to address the degradation of oceans and seas through the sustainable use and management of the marine environment Promotes the implementation of cross cutting policies fostering transboundary cooperation amongst countries

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6 Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans Protocols under the Conventions Land-based sources of pollution Reduce pollution through establishment of effluent & emission limitations and/or best management practices Exchange information through cooperation in monitoring & research Specially protected areas and biodiversity Protect, preserve & sustainably manage fragile areas & threatened or endangered species of flora & fauna Regulate &/or prohibit activities having adverse effects on protected areas & wildlife (biodiversity)

7 Regional Seas Strategic Directions Effectively apply Ecosystem Based Management 2. GPA: Protection from Land Based Activities 3. Strengthen capacity for coastal and marine governance 4. Promote resource efficiency and productivity 5. Strengthen coordination and capacity for state of marine environment reporting, in particular the World Oceans Assessment 6. Strengthen mechanisms for MEA, UN and IFI collaboration

8 Regional Seas Indicators To assess and monitor the State of the marine and coastal environment, particularly, describe chronological changes of the state of the marine and coastal environment. Contribution to the global assessment World Ocean Assessment (WOA), Transboundary Waters Assessment Programme (TWAP) Track down the achievement of the defined and agreed management targets and objectives in Regional Seas action plans, and conventions and protocols Contribution to global goals possibly linked with future Sustainable Development Goals

9 Regional Seas Indicators Measuring Success: Indicators for Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans Compilation of selective indicators actually set and used in the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans Many of them covering: the state of water quality, pollution loads, status of key ecosystems, indicator species and major threats to key ecosystems. Some are related to human activities impacting the environmental conditions.

10 SDGs and Regional Seas 1. Translating SDGs, through regional seas conventions and action plans, into nationally appropriate agendas and actions Pollution: LBS protocols; setting regional targets; defining indicators; Habitats and Ecosystems including MPAs: SPAW protocols; ecosystem approach and improved resilience Sustainable Tourism: support to programmes such as Green Fins for coral reef tourism Legal aspects: support ratification of protocols and their implementation; strengthening compliance committees

11 SDGs and Regional Seas 2. Regional Seas state of the marine environment reporting to contribute to monitoring, reporting and accountability for Ocean SDG Contribute to identifying indicators and the methods for measuring and standards for reporting Include indicators in state of marine environment reporting where appropriate

12 Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA) The GPA adopted in 1995, is a voluntary, actionoriented, intergovernmental programme led by and hosted within UNEP, to prevent the degradation of the marine environment from land-based activities.

13 Land-based human activities on the coastal environment Nutrients Marine Litter 2. GPA: Protection from Land Based Activities Wastewater

14 GPA Indicator development Three priority source categories: nutrients, marine litter and wastewater, respectively through global partnerships/initiative Study the social and economic impacts of marine debris as well as environmental impacts. Promoting wastewater as a resource with societal benefits as well as improving coastal water quality. Highlighting the positive and negative impacts of nutrient use, on social, economic and environmental issues, from food security to over-enrichment of marine and coastal waters.

15 GPA Indicator development GPA: work on SDG Indicators and integration Support UN-Water on wastewater and water quality indicators Developing a Global Enhanced Monitoring mechanism on wastewater, water quality and water resource management, with financial support from SDC (Swiss), with WHO, UN-Habitat and FAO

16 GPA Indicator development GPA indicators: possible link with SDG-related Indicators Developing Marine Litter indicators: Environmental state Indicators of social and economic consequences Developing Nutrient Use Efficiency indicators