Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy
FIRST STEPS towards implementation
CROP MSWG 

OCEAN POLICY
Introduction
Text

OCEAN FORUM
Intro & documents
Country concerns
Group outcomes Plenary discussions

IMPLEMENTATION
Introduction
The PIROF-ISA

ACTIVITIES

BACKGROUND
Countries and territories involved in PIROP


 

 

 

 

 
                                    

FIRST STEPS 

Implementation of the PIROF-ISA will be carried through both new initiatives and by means of existing, ongoing processes and activities; the latter will be listed in an appendix in the final version of this document. Among necessary new initiatives the following First Steps are recommended as priorities, as these will set the stage for further implementation of the PIROF-ISA. They will also assist implementation partners in coordinating and strengthening ongoing processes and activities.              

Theme 1: Improve governance of coasts and the ocean

Initiative 1.1  Establish high-level leadership on ocean issues

  • Seek full Pacific Island endorsement of the PIROP and PIROF-ISA
  • Nominate a regional Ombudsman whose office would generally investigate ocean-related developments affecting more that one nation, or of transboundary scope, reporting to Forum countries on the conformity of that development with PIROP principles.
  • Identify and support national advocates to champion implementation of the PIROF-ISA at the national level
  • Identify a focal point within regional organisations to coordinate PIROP implementation.

    Initiative 1.3  Engage stakeholders

  • Establish an effective multisectoral coordination mechanism, within existing organisational structures, to progress implementation of the PIROF-ISA 

    Initiative 1.4  Develop National Ocean Policies and Action Plans

  • Develop a regional task force to assist PICTs on request in the development and implementation of National Ocean Policies and Action Plans  

  

Theme 2: Improving our understanding of the ocean

Initiative 2.1: Identify and prioritise information needs and expand information gathering

  • Inventory past and current marine research activities
  • Inventory knowledge gaps 

    Initiative 2.3: Promote formal and informal education, training and capacity building

  • Identify and address gaps in formal education programmes in the areas of ocean science and governance
  • Review national and regional curricula 

    Initiative 2.4: Communicate ocean issues effectively to build strong public support

    • Organise a regional and national launch of the PIROF-ISA, to raise the profile of the need for responsible governance of the ocean and coasts

 

Theme 3: Sustainable development and management

Initiative 3.1: Adopt an integrated approach to development and management of the ocean

  • Strengthen processes that support integrated or ecosystems-based management, and assist PICTs in developing capacity to undertake integrated management that is responsive to local conditions
  • Assist PICTs to develop integrated management plans and strategies for inshore areas  

 

Theme 4: Maintaining the health of the ocean

Initiative 4.2:  Address threats from introduced and invasive species

  • Implement existing regional commitments on control of introduced and invasive species
  • Develop national plans for dealing with invasive species

 

Theme 5: Promoting the peaceful use of the ocean

Initiative 5.3:  Monitor progress in implementing PIROP

  • Report back to governing councils in 2005 with progress against the initiatives

 

Theme 6: Creating partnerships and promoting cooperation

Initiative 6.2: Utilise partnerships and collaboration to the fullest extent possible

  • Develop partnerships and financing arrangements
  • Seek recognition and cooperation from neighbouring jurisdictions in the implementation of the PIROP
  • Establish a network or registry of relevant NGOs, non-state actors, and private sector interests