Structure of
the PIROF-ISA
The
PIROF-ISA is a framework for implementation of the Pacific Islands
Regional Ocean Policy (PIROP). The Policy contains guiding principles that are central to
the goal of sustainable use of ocean resources, and these principles
provide the structure that guides the Policy's implementation.
Each of the principles or themes
identified in the Policy is further developed in this framework through
a series of priority initiatives and actions. The overarching theme of improving
ocean governance contains specific governance initiatives and
actions designed to create an enabling environment for implementation
of the Policy. The principle of creating partnerships and
cooperation underpins all of the others, as implementation must be
collaborative. The four central principles — relating to understanding
of the ocean, sustainable development and management of ocean
resources, health of the ocean, and peaceful use of the
ocean — address issues at the heart of sustainable ocean
governance. The relationship between the principles is shown
graphically below.
FIGURE 1. Structure of the
Pacific Islands Regional Oceans Framework for Integrated Strategic
Action (PIROF-ISA)
Implementation
The Framework is designed to serve as a guide for implementation rather
than a prescriptive work plan, and is intended to be inclusive,
allowing for participation by governments, non-governmental
organisations, non-state actors, the private sector, and civil society.
It provides:
- A regional consensus on
priorities for actions to ensure improved ocean governance and
sustainable use of the ocean and its resources
- A framework for regional
coordination of action
- A framework for regional
and international institutions to use in integrating their work
- Guidance to development
partners on regional priority areas requiring their support
Both the Policy and this
Framework are focused at the regional level but implementation will
necessarily involve actions at all levels (local, national, regional
and international). The Framework will specifically contribute to the
development of workplans of regional organisations and help direct the
work they conduct on behalf of their members. It will also provide
guidance to national governments in implementing sustainable
development and management of ocean, coastal and island resources, in
partnership with local communities.
Implementation will involve new
initiatives as well as existing, ongoing processes and activities; a
summary of the latter will be provided in an appendix in the final
version of this document. Among necessary new initiatives a number of
First Steps are recommended as priorities, as these will set the stage
for further implementation of the PIROF-ISA. They will also assist
partners in coordinating and strengthening ongoing processes and
activities. An important first step will be establishment of an
effective multisectoral coordination mechanism, within existing
organisational structures, to progress the implementation of the
PIROF-ISA.
Monitoring and evaluation of
implementation
It is vital that all stakeholders be able to monitor how effectively
the Policy is being implemented. The Framework includes the following
actions:
- Annual reporting by
Secretariats to CROP governing councils and national focal points
(beginning in 2005), using an agreed format; and
- A formal evaluation of
progress at regional and national levels, to be undertaken after five
years (in 2010).
Consultation
The PIROF-ISA has been developed through a consultative process
involving a wide range of stakeholders and organisations, which began
with the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Forum. During the Forum a
process was agreed upon by which Forum participants, PICTs and Pacific
Island development partners would comment on and assist in refining the
PIROF-ISA; the comment and refinement process was facilitated by a
coordinator, on behalf of the Council of Regional Organisations in the
Pacific. These consultations confirmed the importance of themes
identified in the Policy, and determined the priority initiatives and
actions needed for the implementation of the Policy.
