International Year of the Ocean
1. 1998 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE OCEAN (IYO) - HOME PAGE
In recognition of the importance of the ocean, the marine environment and its resources for life on earth and for sustainable development, the UN has declared 1998 as the International Year of the Ocean. The IYO home page offers a variety of background information on the Year of the Ocean, including the objectives of the IYO as well as the roles of the various participating international organizations. The site also provides information about related activities and events, such as conferences, workshops, courses, and research and training cruises.
2. INDEPENDENT WORLD COMMISSION ON THE OCEANS
The Independent World Commission on the Oceans aims to promote world awareness of the unique role of the oceans in planetary survival and the critical importance of rational ocean management. In pursuit of these aims, one of the Commissionís specific mandates was to analyze the requirements of integrated coastal zone management in light of the pressures generated by, inter alia, the growth of population, tourism and trade, and taking account of the conclusions and recommendations of relevant international conferences. The Commission's final recommendations will be presented within the framework of the International Year of the Ocean and in conjunction with EXPO 98 in Lisbon. Further information about the Commissionís final report "The Ocean...Our Future" is provided at this site.