The Global Conference featured:
• Presentations by high-level officials from around the world;
• Topical panels bringing together experts from governments, international agencies, nongovernmental
organizations, scientists, and the private sector, and featuring stage-setting analytical papers;
• Structured Concurrent Dialogue Sessions on specific topics on which the conference is expected to
achieve progress;
• Poster presentations and exhibits; and
• Opportunities for special groups and communities of interest to advance particular aspects of the global
oceans agenda in pre-conference meetings and side events.
The intent was to bring carefully crafted analyses, high-level perspectives, and perspectives from all ocean sectors and areas of the world to focus on tangible next steps in advancing ecosystem management by 2010 and examine the current trends in integrated coastal and ocean management. Twelve Global Forum Working Groups, organized according to the themes noted above, reported their findings and policy recommendations at the Global Conference. The conference aimed to maximize opportunities for meaningful dialogue among the expert participants through the facilitation of the Concurrent Dialogue Sessions and discussions in special workshops and side events.
Global Report on Progress on Meeting the Global Goals of Achieving Ecosystem Management and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management by 2010
This work builds on the 2006 Global Forum report on Meeting the Commitments on Oceans, Coasts, and Small Island Developing States Made at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development: How Well Are We Doing? This report will assess the extent to which, and under what circumstances, progress is being (or not being) made in achieving implementation of Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management and Ecosystem-based Management in areas of national jurisdiction (coastal zones and Exclusive Economic Zones), in various transboundary ocean regions, and in ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction). Major findings from the report will be presented for consideration by high-level policymakers from around the world at the 4th Global Conference.
