Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
(HELCOM) - among others. OSPAR is working under the general framework of Region-
al Seas Programmes and Action Plans, specifically with the Abidjan Convention, and they
note that 'This is an important cooperation not only for sharing of knowledge, experiences
between regions but it is also required if we are to achieve
a coherent implementation of
the ecosystem approach
which requires both conventions to look beyond our borders.'
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its 1995
Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Sea, of 10 December 1982, relating to the Conservation and Management
of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (UN Fish Stocks Agreement)
also contains provisions of relevance to the ecosystem approach. The UN Division for
Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea published a memoir on ecosystem approaches and
oceans in 2007 (DOALOS,
2007
). The UN Fish Stocks Agreement calls on participat-
ing states to, inter alia, adopt an ecosystems approach, whereby dependent or associated
species are taken into account. In 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development,
in Johannesburg, encouraged application of the ecosystem approach by 2010, noting the
Reykjavik Declaration on Responsible Fisheries and decision V/6 of the Conference of the
Parties to the CBD.
The above international commitment demonstrates that the need to employ an eco-
system approach is widely acknowledged in international policy. However, in practice, its
application is still limited. This is due in large part to the considerable practical difficulties
in implementation, including availability of suitable information and lack of analytical and
scientific tools to support the process. It may also be, in part, due to limited understand-
ing of what exactly constitutes an ecosystem approach, including its provisions for broad
participation of all stakeholders (Vierros
et al
.,
2006
). While many compatible definitions
exist and are discussed in this chapter, the most important lessons about the ecosystem ap-
proach can be learned from its implementation. Given that the marine environment is gen-
erally considered 'publicly owned', and indeed the areas beyond the limits of national jur-
isdiction are considered the global commons, it should theoretically be easier to implement
ecosystem-based management. However, practice has shown that lack of ownership can
