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4th Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands
4th Global Conference on Oceans,
Coasts, and Islands

Advancing Ecosystem Management and Integrated Coastal and
Ocean Management by 2010 in the Context of Climate Change

April 7-11, 2008, Hanoi, Vietnam

Organized by the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands and
Hosted by the Government of Vietnam, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development



CONFERENCE OUTCOMES

The Fourth Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands, "Advancing Ecosystem Management and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management in the Context of Climate Change", took place on April 7-11, 2008 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The conference was attended by 439 participants from 62 countries, and brought together members of governments, regional organizations, UN agencies, academia, non- governmental organizations, donor agencies, and industry representatives.

The twelve policy briefs bring together the main points discussed by the various working groups that were created prior to the conference. In addition, the presentations and summaries located below highlight the major topics discussed at the conference.

The Global Forum made use of the suggestions put forth by the Working Groups, as well as the major points coming out of the Conference in developing its submissions to a number of international meetings. The Global Forum submitted interventions to the UN Open-Ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (ICP9), the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 9), the UN Ad Hoc Open-Ended Informal Working Group to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction, and the 16th Meeting of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. In addition, the Global Forum co-organized side events at the following meetings: Coverage of the Global Conference is available at the following sites:

  • The Global Forum, the World Ocean Network and the World Ocean Observatory have created a special GOC2008 website and YouTube channel designed specifically to inform audiences across the world about the context and work of the Global Forum using rich media. GOC2008 Website:
    http://www.thew2o.net/goc2008/index.html

    GOC2008 YouTube Channel:
    http://www.youtube.com/globaloceans2008


  • The International Institute for Sustainable Development- Reporting Services (IISDRS) provided daily coverage of the conference proceedings. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin Summary of the Global Oceans Conference can be found online at http://www.iisd.ca/ymb/sdoh4.
POLICY BRIEFS

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Final Version pdf

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS AND SUMMARIES

Concurrent Pre-Conference Meetings High-Level Roundtable Discussion and Reception
  • Informal Roundtable Discussion for Ministers and High-Level and Eminent Participants on Addressing Oceans, Climate, and Biodiversity Issues, Especially a Post-Bali Update
    • Conference Opening
    • Vietnam and the Oceans: Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Pham Gia Khiem, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam
    • Large Marine Ecosystems, Climate, Biodiversity: An International Action Agenda, Mrs. Monique Barbut, Chief Executive Officer, Global Environment Facility
    • Achieving Ecosystem Management and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management in the Context of Climate Change: Conference Objectives and Overview, Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain, Co-Chair and Head of Secretariat, Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands
    • Political Mobilization for Effective Ocean Governance in the Context of Ecosystem Management and Climate Change, Hon. Mr. Freddy Numberi, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia
    • Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw, Director, Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI), UNEP and Co-Chair, Fourth Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands
    • Mr. Javier Armando Valladares, Chairperson, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO
    Plenary Panel 1: Oceans, Climate, and Small Island Developing States
    • Keynote Address: Climate Change, Oceans, and Vulnerable Communities and Ecosystems: The Imperative for International Responses to the Climate Divide, President James Alix Michel, President of Seychelles (Video Presentation)
    • Policy Brief on SIDS and the Implementation of the Mauritius Strategy, Dr. Rolph Payet, Advisor to the President of Seychelles
    • Speech by Ambassador Tuiloma Neroni Slade, First Chair, Alliance of Small Island States, Samoa
    • Presentation made by Ambassador Angus Friday, Grenada (Chair, Alliance of Small Island States)
    • Presentation made by Ambassador Jagdish Koonjul, Mauritius (Former Chair, Alliance of Small Island States)
    • MPAs and Climate Change in Palau, Mr. Noah Idechong, Congressman, House of Delegates, Palau
    Plenary Panel 2: Ecosystem Management and Integrated Ocean and Coastal Management by 2010: Challenges to Decision Makers Plenary Panel 3: Fisheries and Aquaculture: Sustainability and Governance Plenary Panel 4: Haling Loss of Biodiversity and Establishing Representative Networks of Marine Protected Areas Plenary Panel 5: Oceans and Climate Plenary Panel 6: Governance of Marine Areas beyond National Jurisdiction Plenary Panel 7: Overarching Cross-Cutting Issues Concurrent Discussion Sessions Working Group Conference Reports Closing Ceremony
    • Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain, Co-Chair and Head of Secretariat, Global Forum, and Director, Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy, University of Delaware (Conference Co-Chair)
    • Vice-Minister Nguyen Viet Thang, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam
    • Mrs. Rejoice Mabudafhasi, Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, South Africa
    • Dr. Andrew Hudson, Principal Technical Advisor, International Waters, UNDP-GEF
    • Dr. Torkil Jonch-Clausen, Danish Hydrological Institute and Global Water Partnership
    • Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw, Director, Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI), UNEP and Co-Chair, Fourth Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands
    • Call for Action: Challenge to Conference Participants
      Ms. Lorraine Ridgeway, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, and Co-Chair, UN Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea

    CONFERENCE BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

    The 4th Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands mobilized high-level policy attention, topical working groups, analytical papers, and other contributions to provide a review of progress achieved (or lack thereof) in advancing ecosystem management and integrated coastal and ocean management by 2010 at national and regional (transboundary) levels, and in the 64% of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction, and on the allied goals of reducing marine biodiversity loss by 2010 and of establishing networks of marine protected areas by 2012 (goals adopted by the world's political leaders at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development). These goals are considered in the context of climate change, which, as indicated in the 2007 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will have profound effects on ecosystems and coastal populations around the world.
    Vietnam
    The conference was held in Hanoi, Vietnam. The second fastest-growing economy in Asia, Vietnam has made significant strides in coastal and marine management in recent years through the development of integrated coastal management, marine protected areas, and a national ocean strategy. Vietnam was recently chosen as the first "pilot" country in the UN's effort to unify the work of its agencies at the national level through its "One UN" pilot program, the result of the High-Level Panel on UN System-wide Coherence in areas of Development, Humanitarian Assistance and the Environment (enhanced UN coherence was also adopted as a goal of the world's political leaders at the World Summit on Sustainable Development).

    The Global Conference was organized by the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands, and by the Government of Vietnam, with the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) - Fisheries, and with leadership roles by a number of organizations. Key ocean-oriented governments, nongovernmental organizations, and industry are being invited, as well, to play a pivotal role in the organization of the Conference and the dissemination of its outputs. The Global Forum Steering Committee, responsible for organizing the conference, may be found at the end of this announcement. Palm Trees on Vietnam Coast

    CONFERENCE THEMES

    The Conference focused on three major themes related to achieving ecosystem management and integrated coastal and ocean management at national and regional levels, and in areas beyond national jurisdiction, as follows:

    Theme 1. Achieving Ecosystem management and integrated coastal and ocean management by 2010
    1. Cross-Cutting Issues
    2. Large Marine Ecosystems
    3. Marine Biodiversity and Networks of Marine Protected Areas
    4. Linking the Management of Freshwater, Oceans, and Coasts
    5. Fisheries and Aquaculture-Sustainability and Governance
    6. Enhancing Ocean Use Access Agreements in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Developing Nations
    7. Maritime Transportation
    Theme 2. Climate, Oceans, and Security: Addressing Impacts in Vulnerable Ecosystems and in Vulnerable Coastal Communities, especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
    1. Cross-Cutting Issues– i) Vulnerable Communities (Adaptation, Environmental Refugees, Public Health); ii) Vulnerable Ecosystems (Natural Disasters, Sea Level Rise, Ocean Acidification, Ocean Warming)
    2. Small Island Developing States and the Mauritius Strategy
    Theme 3. Addressing the Governance of Marine Ecosystems and Uses in Areas Beyond the Limits of National Jurisdiction
    1. Cross-Cutting Issues– i) Overall Governance Issues; ii) Ecosystems and Uses (Marine Biodiversity, Fisheries, Bioprospecting, Deep Seabed Mining, Tourism, Maritime Transportation)
    Overarching, Cross-cutting Issues
    1. Capacity Development
    2. Marine Ecosystem Productivity/Services
    3. Indicators for Progress
    4. Compliance and Enforcement
    5. Public Education/Outreach/Media
    CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS

    Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands
    Government of Vietnam (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, national focal point)
    Global Environment Facility
    GEF International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network (IWLEARN)
    Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO
    Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy, University of Delaware
    World Ocean Network
    World Ocean Observatory
    International Coastal and Ocean Organization
    United Nations Development Programme
    United Nations Environment Programme
    Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)
    Lighthouse Foundation, Germany
    The Nippon Foundation, Japan
    Ocean Policy Research Foundation, Japan
    U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    United States Agency for International Development
    Ministry of Land, Transportation and Maritime Affairs, Republic of Korea
    Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia
    Flemish Government, Belgium
    Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada
    International Ocean Institute
    International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Vietnam

    National Organizing Committee

    1. Mr. Nguyen VIET THANG, Vice-minister of MARD, Chair
    2. Mr. Vu DUNG, Vice-Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Member
    3. Mr. Nguyen CONG THANH, Vice-minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Member
    4. Mr. Nguyen QUANG HUNG, Vice-Chairman of PPC Quang Ninh province, Member
    5. Mr. Vuong DINH NAM, Director General of Vietnam Navigation Administration (VNA) under Ministry of Transportation (MoT), Member
    6. Mr. Le VAN MINH, Director of Department for International Relationships (DIR) of MARD, Member
    7. Mr. Nguyen HUY DIEN, Director of DARD of Hanoi, Member

    Local Secretariat

    1. Mr. Nguyen CHU HOI, Director, VIFEP of MARD, Head
    2. Mr. Pham TRONG YEN, Vice-Director, DIR-MARD, Member
    3. Mr. Nguyen XUAN LY, Vice-Director of Department of S&T under MARD, Member
    4. Mr. Dinh NGOC LINH, Officer of Marine Department of Board for National Boundaries under MFA, Member
    5. Mr. Hoang XUAN HUY, Officer of DIR under MONRE, Member
    6. Mrs. Nguyen THUY HA, Officer of DIR under MoT, Member
    7. Mr. Nguyen VAN THUC, Officer of Department of Economic Security (DES) under Minstry of Police (MoP), Member

    KEY CONFERENCE FEATURES

    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.

    Vietnam Coast


    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. See handout pdf

    POSTERS AND EXHIBITS

    Compilation of Poster Abstracts pdf

    4th Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands

    CONFERENCE RESULTS

    The results of the 4th Global Conference will be relayed to various organs of the United Nations, will be presented at the UN Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and Law of the Sea, and will be broadly disseminated to governments, civil society, and industry and scientific groups throughout the world.

    The specific recommendations emanating from the 4th Global Conference will be considered by high-level ocean political leaders, on May 11-15, 2009, at the World Ocean Conference, hosted by the Government of Indonesia, in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, in collaboration with the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands, and other international partners.

    Conference Outcomes: Overview and ENB Summary Report pdf

    Conference Outcomes: Presentation

    CONFERENCE AT-A-GLANCE

    Conference At-a-Glance

    CONFERENCE HOST AND VENUE

    The Conference was kindly hosted in Hanoi by the Government of Vietnam, with leadership from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

    Vietnam
    Vietnam is one of the most biologically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, home to 275 species of mammals, 800 species of birds, 180 species of reptiles, 80 species of amphibians, 2,470 species of fish, 5,500 species of insects, more than 165 coral species, and 12,000 plant species (of which only 7,000 have been identified). Ten per cent of the world's mammal, bird and fish species inhabit the country and more than 40 per cent of local plant species are believed to exist nowhere else in the world. Vietnam is part of the Indo-Burma hotspot that covers 2,373,000 km² of tropical Asia east of the Ganges-Brahmaputra lowlands. The extensive coastal area in this hotspot includes the 3,444-km coastline of Vietnam.

    Vietnam Vietnam is a densely-populated, developing country that, in the last 30 years, has made substantial progress in moving forward to an increased level of development and poverty reduction. In recent years, government authorities, together with non-governmental organizations in Vietnam, have been working on enhancing the policy and practice of integrated coastal management and marine protected areas. GDP growth averaged 6.8% per year from 1997 to 2004 and hit a high of 8% in 2005. Since 2001, Vietnamese authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to economic liberalization and international integration. They have moved to implement the structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. A highlight of this commitment is the recent meeting of the Asian Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) which was held in Vietnam in 2006. Vietnam's vision and economy continues to propel the nation forward as an emerging leader in Southeast Asia.

    Hanoi
    Often referred to as the "Paris of the East" Hanoi is the thriving capital city of Vietnam. Since its first incarnation as the capital city in 1010, Hanoi (meaning "bend in the river) has centered around its environment along the Red River. Combining French and Chinese design with its own unique blend of culture in its pagodas, temples, museums, landmarks, shopping, and cuisine, Hanoi represents the crossroads of Vietnamese culture. With its tree-lined avenues and dotted lakes, Hanoi is a visitor's delight offering, for example, a perfect setting for an afternoon walk and a stop at one of the city's many French-style cafes while taking in the bustling atmosphere. Sightseeing highlights include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum; the Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton," now a museum; the National Art Museum; Hoan Kiem Lake; and the winding maze of streets of the Old Quarter, filled with shops of all varieties. Modern Hanoi is a city unto itself that pays due respect to its past, its people, and its opportunities for the future.

    Conference Venue: The Meliá Hanoi Hotel
    The conference was held at the Meliá Hanoi Hotel, which is located in the heart of Hanoi. This luxurious 5-star hotel is within walking distance of beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, the Citadel of Vietnam, West Lake and the Opera House. Meliá Hanoi is situated in the center of the diplomatic and financial districts, in close proximity to most ministries and embassies. The Meliá has been host to many celebrities and heads of state: Queen Sofia de Borbon of Spain, Princess Anne of England, Princess Norodom Vacheahra of Cambodia and Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkia, to name a few.

    This 22-story hotel is magnificently decorated, offering an excellent selection of services, with all the hospitality of traditional Vietnamese culture. The superior service and accommodations of the Meliá have earned it many awards including: the “Premier Award of Excellence” (1999) by Asia Travel Tips, "Best Service Hotel" 2000, "Best Business Hotel" 2001 by Vietnam Economic Times, "Best Conference Facilities Hotel" 2003 and 2004 by The Guide and “Vietnam Top Ten Hotels” by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.


    TRIP TO HALONG BAY

    The Conference featured a trip to Halong Bay pdf, a dramatically beautiful and unique World Heritage Site.

    Halong Bay Conference Poster. pdf

    Additional Vietnam Tours


    LANGUAGE OF THE CONFERENCE

    English was the official language of the conference.

    INQUIRIES ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

    For general conference inquiries, please contact:
    Ms. Shelby M. Hockenberry
    Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy
    University of Delaware
    smhocken@udel.edu
    Tel. +1-302-831-8086
    Fax: +1-302-831-3668

    For information regarding the conference program and organization of pre-conference meetings and side events, please contact:
    Dr. Miriam C. Balgos
    Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy
    University of Delaware
    mbalgos@udel.edu
    Tel. +1-302-831-8086
    Fax: +1-302-831-3668

    Mr. Julian Barbiere
    Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
    United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
    1, rue Miollis
    Paris Cedex 15 75732
    France
    j.barbiere@unesco.org
    Tel: 33-1-45-68-4045
    Fax: 33-1-45-68-5812

    For information on the host country and venue, please contact:
    Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi
    Deputy Administrator
    Vietnam Administration for Seas and Islands (VASI)
    83 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street
    Hanoi, Vietnam
    nchoi@monre.gov.vn
    Tel: +84-4-7737507

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    This site is produced at the Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy, University of Delaware, by the Secretariat of the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands. Questions concerning its content may be sent to Dr. Miriam C. Balgos, Global Forum Program Coordinator, Center for Marine Policy, 301 Robinson Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716 U.S.A.; Tel: 1-302-831-8086; Fax: 1-302-831-3668; Email: mbalgos@udel.edu

    This page was last modified July 22, 2008. The URL for this page is http://www.globaloceans.org/globalconferences/2008/index.html.
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