Publication Name

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16
2008
• An initial meeting was held in February 2008, Arendal with UNEP and Norwegian key partners, including the
Norwegian Institute for Marine Research and the Norwegian Directorate for Fisheries, to discuss the design
and implementation of a project to build capacity for responsible and sustainable management of the marine
environment. This resulted in a draft proposal for a Marine Environment Resource Information Network
(MERIN).
• Plans for a first workshop in May 2009 have been elaborated in collaboration with the Nairobi Convention
focusing on the capacity building needs in at least 5 countries of the Western Indian Ocean.
• Participated in the 4th
meeting of the UNEP-DTIE/WTO Sustainable Tourism Task Force in Costa Rica, 9-12
June 2008 and the CBD COP 9, 19 -30 May 2008 in Bonn, Germany and identified potential partners
focusing on capacity for sustainable tourism and marine protected areas. This will be followed up through
2009.
• The University of the Sea participated in two research cruises onboard the RV Sonne to the East Indian
Ocean. A total of twelve students from the region participated in the 2, 4 week cruises that looked at benthic
habitat mapping for the development of marine protected area, understanding the geological and
geophysical setting for the development of a passive continental margin, and geophysical mapping for the
identification of offshore ocean basins in regard to oil exploration.
C1. Customized capacity
building packages that
respond to the needs of
developing countries to
integrate conservation and
sustainable development of
marine and coastal
environments into national
development planning.
C1. Capacity building is ongoing
in at least 5 countries.
2009
• Several meetings with marine and Coastal Ecosystem Branch (MCEB) of UNEP. Our capacity building
initiative integrated with UNEP project document: “Integrated marine and coastal management frameworks
with MPAs for human well-being”.
• Workshop “Building Capacity for Ocean Management: Exploring the scope arranged in Arendal Thursday 20
august”. Participation from UNEP, GEF, Seychelles, Tanzania, Geoscience Australia, Institute for Marine
Research and Norwegian Directorate for Fisheries.
• Support SACEP/SAS in training midlevel government managers and policy makers in Ocean Management.
GA contribution on the role of geosciences for ocean management. India 16-25 Sept.
• The University of the Sea participated in a research cruise onboard the RV Sonne to the East Indian Ocean.
Six students from the region participated in the month-long cruise that looked at benthic habitat mapping for
the development of marine protected area, understanding the geological and geophysical setting for the
development of a passive continental margin, and geophysical mapping for the identification of offshore
ocean basins in regard to oil exploration.
C2. Guidelines on integrated
ecosystem-based approaches
to the management of the
continental shelf and areas
beyond national jurisdiction.
C2. Guidelines produced and
disseminated.
2008
• A concept note on “Environmental governance and management of high seas biodiversity” has been
prepared in collaboration with UNEP DEPI and UNEP DELC and has been submitted to the UNEP Project
Approval Group (PAG) for consideration. Development of a full project proposal will depend on the PAG
decision.
• Participation in sessions concerning sustainable ecosystem based management in areas beyond national
jurisdiction both at the Global Conference on Oceans Coasts and Islands, Hanoi and at the IUCN World
Conservation Congress, Barcelona to identify relevant contacts in the field for future consultations.
- A review and assessment of gas hydrates initiated. Currently evaluating viability and interest of producing a
publication on gas hydrates. Initial discussions held with the director of IFM-GEOMAR, currently engaged in
research of gas hydrates in collaboration with the University of Bergen. A wider consultation with
stakeholders will be conducted in early 2009, and funding options explored.
- Discussions regarding a review and assessment of massive sulphide deposits were initiated in collaboration
with Geoscience Australia and individual states. The viability and interest of producing a publication will be
explored through consultations throughout 2009.