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Adopt an integrated approach to
development and management of the ocean.
Although the mechanisms for
implementing precautionary and ecosystems-based management are still
under development, the inclusion of these principles in the Regional
Ocean Policy affirms that maintaining the health of the ocean is of
primary importance for Pacific Island peoples. Adoption of the
principle of precautionary management clearly acknowledges that there
remains much that we do not know about the marine environment, while
the call for an integrated, ecosystem-based management approach — in
place of species or resource-specific management — reflects the fact
that the ocean is a very complex environment, one where a multitude of
factors must be considered when determining how intensively a resource
can be targeted, or whether a development should proceed. There is a
need, throughout the region, to integrate and strengthen existing
management arrangements, to require and build capacity to undertake
impact assessments
of significant policy and development initiatives, and to ensure an
integrated approach is incorporated in the development of management
regimes for specific resources and their environments. Specific issues
that should be addressed include the incorporation of traditional
knowledge into management regimes, as well as expansion of awareness of
and access to traditional knowledge for both educational and management
purposes.
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3.1.1 Promote
the adoption of a precautionary approach to management of ocean
resources.
3.1.2 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.
3.1.3 Identify
and enhance mechanisms that promote the use of traditional knowledge in
management, policy and decision making.
3.1.4 Build
capacity to undertake environmental and
socio-economic assessment and monitoring of the impacts of policy and
development initiatives.
3.1.5 Incorporate
impact assessment into decision making (through Environmental and
Socio-economic Impact Assessments or similar mechanisms).
3.1.6 Adopt
and implement Codes of Best Practices for activities (e.g. tourism,
shipping, fishing) impacting on marine resources resource management.
3.1.7 Promote
community-initiated resource management activities and empower local
communities and stakeholders to undertake resource management.
3.1.8 Sustainably
develop and manage inshore marine resources within an integrated
coastal management framework.
3.1.9 Assist
PICTs to develop integrated management plans and strategies for inshore
areas.
3.1.10 Develop
an integrated regional management plan and strategy for offshore and
high seas areas.
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