Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
scientific and policy tools to solve the problems with which the oceans are faced, suggests
that we can, in principle, achieve a sustainable management of the oceans in this very cen-
tury. Humankind has always depended on the oceans for its subsistence. We cannot afford
the continued degradation of the life-support system on which our very existence depends.
In this context, two key processes provide us with a historic opportunity to make our
relation with the oceans last: the climate change negotiations, which must urgently reach
a successful outcome; and the possible development of an international instrument under
UNCLOS to deal with the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas
beyond national jurisdiction. We cannot and should not miss this chance.