General Assembly Session 61 meeting 68

The Acting President

I give the floor to the representative of Brazil to introduce draft resolution A/61/L.30.

Mr. Duarte (Brazil)

At this session of the General Assembly, Brazil once again had the honour to coordinate, under sub-item (a) of agenda item 71, informal consultations on oceans and the law of the sea. I therefore have the pleasure to introduce draft resolution A/61/L.30, entitled "Oceans and the law of the sea", on behalf of its sponsors, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cape Verde, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Greece, the Federated States of Micronesia, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America and my own country, Brazil.

The draft resolution is the result of dedicated work and valuable contributions on the part of many delegations. I thank them for their constructive and creative participation in the consultations. I also thank Mr. Vladimir Golitsyn, Director of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, and his staff for the competent professional assistance they provided.

The debate we engage in today and the draft resolution before us reflect the international community's commitment to cooperation, integration of activities and regulatory measures in ocean affairs, as prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. As emphasized in the draft, that landmark Convention sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out.

The draft deals with a wide array of oceans-related issues, such as the sustainable development of the oceans and seas; capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology for developing countries; the effective functioning of the International Seabed Authority and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea; the work of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf; marine scientific research; and the protection of the marine environment, among several other issues.

I would highlight the following decisions, as reflected in this year's draft: the definition of the topics for both the 2007 and the 2008 meetings of the informal consultative process, respectively, "Marine genetic resources" and "Maritime security and safety"; the reconvening, in 2008, of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group on marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction, with specific issues for consideration; the completion, within two years, of the "assessment of assessments" as a preparatory stage towards the establishment of the regular process for global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-economic aspects; and the request addressed to the Secretary-General to prepare a study on the available assistance to and measures that may be taken by developing States to realize the benefits of sustainable and effective development of marine resources and uses of the oceans within the limits of national jurisdiction.

Unfortunately, no generally acceptable language was reached on all proposed paragraphs by the end of the allotted time available for the consultations. Issues on which an agreement has so far been elusive will most certainly continue to draw the attention of delegations. I hope that, in the future, a solution can be found in a manner acceptable to all.

I also hope that delegations will, in the future, seriously consider one particular aspect of the draft resolution that in my view is of concern to all -- its growing extension. Despite efforts to the contrary, this year's draft has 20 additional paragraphs compared to last year's resolution 60/30, which in turn had 11 paragraphs more than its predecessor, resolution 59/24. While, on the one hand, that trend reflects the overarching nature of the resolution and the variety and complexity of the issues it covers, on the other it may take up valuable discussion time and overburden the text with issues not essential to the resolution's central policy-making role.

With those final observations regarding the informal consultations on the draft, I again extend heartfelt thanks to all those that took part in those consultations and that contributed to their successful outcome.

I will now make some remarks in my national capacity.

Brazil has always been steadfastly committed to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and to the full implementation of its provisions. Endowed with a coastline over 7,500 kilometres long and a continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles covering a wide area, Brazil was among the first countries to make a submission under article 76 regarding the establishment of the outer limits of its continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles. That process has now entered its final stages and recommendations on the Brazilian submission will soon be made and brought to the attention of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

In that regard, Brazil emphasizes the need for active interaction between submitting States and the Commission, as recognized in paragraph 47 of the draft resolution, and welcomes the amendments to rule 52 and annex III of the rules of procedure of the Commission. By giving an opportunity for coastal States to share their views directly with other members of the Commission, those measures will allow for more transparency, as well as strengthen the process of examination of submissions.

As to the anticipated increase in the workload of the Commission in the coming years owing to the current and projected number of new submissions, Brazil is convinced of the need to ensure that the Commission can perform its functions effectively and maintain its high level of quality and expertise. In that respect, we note that during the forthcoming meeting of States parties to the Convention in 2007, elections will be held for the Commission on 14 June and five working days will be dedicated to the discussion of substantive issues.

The open-ended informal consultative process on oceans and the law of the sea is intended to facilitate debates in the General Assembly. It allows for a better understanding of broad, complex and multifaceted issues and helps identify areas in which coordination and cooperation at the intergovernmental and inter-agency levels should be enhanced.

Regarding the 2007 topic of the process -- "Marine genetic resources" -- it is generally acknowledged that there is a lack of scientific knowledge on that complex issue. Debates in the next informal consultative process may therefore help in better understanding questions such as options for developing legal mechanisms for access and benefit-sharing; possible ways to increase international cooperation for enhancing capacity-building in developing countries, including the transfer of technology; possible intellectual property rights regimes; and socio-economic implications of the use of marine genetic resources, products and derivates and their impacts on global social-economic development.

"Genetic resources beyond areas of national jurisdiction" is also one of the specific points identified in paragraph 91 of the draft resolution that are to be considered at the next session of the 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.

The decision to hold the Ad Hoc Working Group's next meeting in 2008, with full conference services, coupled with having the previous year's topic of the informal consultative process defined as "Marine genetic resources", will allow for better preparation and hopefully for thorough discussions. That will be the second meeting of the Working Group, and no doubt another timely opportunity for all countries to fully engage in focused discussions on marine biodiversity, on the basis of the points identified in paragraph 91.

There is a clear need to better understand and improve the protection and preservation of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. In that respect, according to the Convention, activities in the Area are to be carried out for the benefit of mankind as a whole, taking into particular consideration the interests and needs of developing countries. Biological resources in the Area, including genetic resources, cannot be depleted or inappropriately exploited, and must be used for the benefit of present generations and also preserved for future generations.

Regarding the state of the oceans and how to address such questions as the degradation of the marine environment and the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, there is a need for a scientific assessment as a basis for rational decision-making and ocean management. It is therefore important to complete the "assessment of assessments" within two years, as called for in paragraph 115 of the draft resolution, with a view to the establishment of the regular process.

Turning now to sustainable fisheries, we recognize the effort made to arrive at consensual language for this year's draft resolution. In that respect, I wish to express Brazil's appreciation to Ms. Holly Koehler of the United States of America for her role as coordinator and for her attempts to accommodate so many different views regarding the actions to be taken against destructive fishing practices on vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Many improvements and much progress in the conservation and management of living marine resources were made, but much remains to be done. Attaining the goal of sustainable fisheries relies on the establishment of appropriate conservation and management measures. The challenge here is how to implement those measures and how to encourage States to comply with them in order to stop the depletion of fish stocks and the destruction of marine biodiversity.

There are several obstacles that undermine that goal. One of them is certainly the issue of excess fishing capacity. That occurs not only due to illegal, unregulated and unreported fisheries, but also as a consequence of some over-dimensioned fishery fleets. The current status of fishing quotas should not jeopardize the efforts of developing States to engage in sustainable fishery activities, including through renovating their fishery fleets. In our view, States must engage in fighting illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities and comply with measures adopted by regional fisheries management organizations to regulate bottom fisheries as well as to definitively ban destructive fishing practices.

This year's draft resolution on fisheries does not contemplate an interim prohibition of bottom-trawling fisheries. It has placed upon States and regional fisheries management organizations all responsibilities to regulate such activities and to adopt and implement measures to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems, in accordance with the precautionary approach and ecosystem approaches. It is our hope that such measures can be adopted in time. Marine ecosystems are being destroyed and some species have already been over-exploited or depleted.

If sustainable fisheries are to be achieved, a number of measures are needed, among which are increasing the number of signatures and ratifications to the 1995 Agreement; strongly combating illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing; applying more effective measures to trace fish and fishery products; participating in the existing voluntary International Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Network for Fisheries Related Activities; urgently reducing the capacity of the world's fishing fleets; eliminating destructive fishing practices; increasing cooperation on a subregional, regional and global basis; increasing capacity-building in developing countries; and effectively transferring fishing technologies. Cooperation is a key word here. It is mentioned many times in this year's draft, as well as in previous fisheries resolutions. Now more than ever is the time to put it into action.

Twenty-four years after the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and 12 years after its entry into force, the development of the law of the sea is already contributing and will continue to contribute to strengthening peace, security, cooperation and friendly relations among all nations. Important challenges nevertheless remain and must be confronted in order for the Convention to fully realize its equally fundamental goal of promoting the economic and social advancement of all peoples of the world.

The Acting President

I now call on the representative of the United States of America to introduce draft resolution A/61/L.38.

Mr. Floyd (United States)

My delegation has the honour to be a sponsor of draft resolution A/61/L.30, entitled "Oceans and the law of the sea". We also have the honour to introduce, on behalf of the sponsors, draft resolution A/61/L.38, on sustainable fisheries.

This year's draft resolution on sustainable fisheries comes at a time of heightened concern about the state of key fish stocks in the world's oceans and the effect of certain fishing practices on the marine ecosystem. We are pleased that the draft resolution calls for concrete steps to curtail destructive fishing practices, to control illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, to reduce fishing capacity and to implement the fish stocks Agreement, among other things.

This year, much attention has focused on the need for stricter regulation of bottom-trawling in areas outside of national jurisdiction. The United States, along with many other countries, has sought a stronger result to address the harm that bottom-trawling can cause to vulnerable areas. Nonetheless, we view the provisions contained in the draft resolution as a welcome and positive step forward. We will continue to work to advance that issue through the relevant regional fisheries management organizations and arrangements, and through negotiations to establish new such organizations where they do not currently exist. The draft resolution also endorses the work of the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement Review Conference that took place in May 2006. The United States reaffirms its view of the significance of the agreement and the groundbreaking recommendations of the Review Conference. We urge all States that have not yet become party to the Agreement to do so. We also believe that the Agreement must continue to be the foundation for negotiating new regional agreements, such as the one currently underway in the South Pacific, and that its basic principles should also be applied to discrete high seas stocks by all flag States.

Reducing the capacity of the world's fishing fleets continues to be a high priority for the United States. We will push for full implementation of the language in this year's draft resolution "to urgently reduc[e] the capacity of the world's fishing fleets to levels commensurate with the sustainability of fish stocks" (A/61/L.38, para. 57). Regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, the draft resolution recognizes efforts over the past year to address that problem, but further progress continues to be necessary in that area. The upcoming meeting in Kobe, Japan, represents an opportunity to strengthen the way that the five RFMOs managing highly migratory fish stocks address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, the management of fishing capacity and other matters. We also want to see port States take stronger measures to prevent the landing and trans-shipment in their ports of fish caught in contravention of existing regulatory regimes.

Much work remains if we are to ensure the sustainability of global fish stocks. RFMOs remain the best available mechanism for regulating international fisheries. Nonetheless, there is much room for improvement in the way that we work to advance our common goals. To that end, we must embark on a systematic review of the performance of the RFMOs. One way forward would be for the meeting in Kobe to agree to review the performance of the five tuna RFMOs, based on common criteria and through a common method.

I would like to thank all delegations for their hard work in the development of the draft resolution. The United States was once again proud to provide the coordinator for the informal consultations. We would like to commend the extraordinary efforts of Ms. Holly Koehler, who led the negotiations to their successful conclusion.

Turning to oceans and the law of the sea, we believe the decisions and statements embodied in this year's draft resolution (A/61/L.30) provide a constructive framework for progress in the coming years on a wide spectrum of marine-related issues. In a salutary break with tradition, negotiators this year agreed on the focus topics for the next two meetings of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea. Next June we will focus on marine genetic resources in areas both inside and outside of national jurisdiction. We are grateful to our Brazilian colleagues for proposing the topic, and for their flexibility in broadening the topic to include resources under the jurisdiction of the coastal States.

We are also grateful to our Australian colleagues for proposing the topic chosen for the 2008 Consultative Process meeting: maritime security and safety. This timely and important topic will remind the international community that compliance with and implementation of provisions of the Law of the Sea Convention are critical to the security of all nations and to the safety and efficiency of international commerce.

Because we value meetings of the Consultative Process as expanding the international community's knowledge and awareness of emerging issues, we were particularly concerned about how the lengthy agreed elements of the last meeting, on ecosystem approaches and oceans, would be incorporated into the draft resolution. We thank our Canadian colleagues for crafting a compromise between incorporating the entire text and referring to it only briefly. We will need to keep this dilemma in mind at the next Consultative Process meeting, and perhaps trim the agreed elements to a more manageable size.

We look forward to the next meeting of the working group on marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction in 2008. Reconvening the meeting with full conference services will allow experts from all nations to participate in the discussion of how better to conserve and sustainably use those resources.

We also appreciate the leadership of the Chinese delegation in developing the section of the draft resolution on the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. We all recognize the importance of the Commission's work and its need for additional support.

The United States places great importance on compliance with operative paragraph 65 of draft resolution A/61/L.30, which calls upon States "to ensure freedom of navigation and the rights of transit passage and innocent passage in accordance with international law, in particular the [Law of the Sea] Convention".

We note that the International Maritime Organization has not authorized compulsory pilotage or any enforcement measures for failure to take a pilot through any strait used for international navigation. That said, the United States strongly encourages all ships to take a pilot when transiting straits used for international navigation that are particularly difficult to navigate, in circumstances that do not entail denying, hampering or impairing the right of transit passage as specified in the Convention. Acceptance of a pilot in these circumstances will also assist in protecting sensitive ecosystems, a goal that all countries share with States bordering straits used for international navigation.

We also thank Minister Plenipotentiary Carlos Duarte of Brazil for his skilful and patient coordination of the oceans draft resolution. As always, we appreciate the expertise and support that Vladimir Golitsyn and the staff of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea provide for both draft resolutions.

Mr. Wolfe (Jamaica)

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the States members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). I add my voice to those speakers who have welcomed the comprehensive report of the Secretary-General (A/61/63 and Add.1), which puts into perspective developments relating to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the work of the United Nations, its specialized agencies and other organizations relating to ocean affairs and the law of the sea.

CARICOM notes with satisfaction the steady increase over the years in the number of parties to the Convention and its implementing agreements, as the Convention moves towards universal acceptance.

In tandem with that growth in membership, we observe the positive developments relating to State practice on the establishment of baselines, the delimitation of maritime boundaries, as well as submissions on the delineation of the outer limits of the continental shelf, an activity which has gathered momentum in recent months. That further demonstrates the efficacy of the Convention in providing the appropriate legal framework and as a tool through which States parties can address their maritime differences and concerns. The Convention also gives impetus for greater cooperation and understanding between States in promoting their maritime interests, and in that regard the Secretary-General, in his report, reminds States of their corresponding obligation to inform the Secretariat of developments and agreements concluded.

The States members of CARICOM continue to support the progressive development and implementation of the Convention and the institutions established by it.

During the period under review, the International Seabed Authority held its eleventh session in Kingston, Jamaica. We applaud the work of the Authority and its role with respect to the development of regulations on prospecting and exploration for polymetallic sulphides and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts in the Area, and though it is yet some way before commercial mining can be contemplated, the approach and activities of States and the Authority in the development of those regulations are certainly encouraging.

We recognize the Authority as the only legitimate institution entrusted with the responsibility to regulate activities in the Area on behalf of all mankind, as provided for under the Convention. In that regard, the work of the Authority holds special significance for CARICOM, not only because the region is host to its headquarters, but also because of the importance of maritime activities to our countries and our firm belief in the fundamental principle of access to and benefit-sharing of the resources of the Area within the legal framework established by the Convention, and which, it could be argued, now forms part of customary international law.

Of significance, and indeed a part of the success of the Authority to date, is the application for the approval of a plan of work by the Authority for exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Area by the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources. That represents the first such application since the establishment of the Authority and certainly since the conclusion of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea nearly a quarter of a century ago. CARICOM therefore looks forward to continuing to work with the international community to build on those achievements.

As the Authority continues to broaden the scope of its work, CARICOM endorses the efforts aimed at promoting international collaboration in marine scientific research, especially as it relates to the participation of scientists from developing countries. The workshops held in that regard will facilitate the greater exposure of scientists from developing countries to a body of knowledge, the benefits of which would have a multiplier effect in terms of further regional and interregional cooperation.

I could not complete this section of my statement relating to the International Seabed Authority without, as representative of the host country, encouraging full participation in and attendance at the annual meetings of States parties in Jamaica.

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, one of the institutions created by UNCLOS for the peaceful settlement of disputes, commemorates its tenth anniversary this year. We reiterate the vital importance of the work being undertaken by the Tribunal and its accomplishments over the years in terms of its efficient delivery of judgement on cases submitted to it. We encourage States parties to continue to seek recourse to the Tribunal on any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the provisions of the Convention.

We note the work of the Tribunal's committees, which conduct ongoing reviews, keeping the Tribunal abreast of new developments. The establishment of a Committee of Public Relations to facilitate the work of the Tribunal in disseminating information and maintaining relations with other international entities and processes is a progressive initiative, and we therefore call on Member States to support that effort of the Tribunal as it continues to promote its work.

CARICOM would like to make specific reference to another initiative of the Tribunal -- its training and outreach programme in conducting regional workshops. CARICOM expects to benefit from that initiative, as the next workshop is scheduled to be held in Jamaica in April 2007. In noting the presence of the President of the Tribunal in the Hall today, I would like to congratulate him on his initiative in that respect and also for the kind invitation he extended to me, in my capacity as Chairman of the sixteenth session of States parties, to participate in the tenth anniversary celebrations of the Tribunal in Hamburg.

We also draw attention and express special appreciation to the Korea International Cooperation Agency, which, up to the end of 2005, assisted some 32 interns from developing countries in covering the costs incurred for participation in the internship programme of the Tribunal.

The other institution created by UNCLOS, the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, has been engaged in very important work relating to States parties' submissions on the delineation of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.

In that regard, CARICOM wishes to seize this opportunity to call on States and other entities with the capacity to do so to provide scientific and technical assistance to developing countries as they strive to prepare their submissions to the Commission in order to meet the 2009 deadline for the receipt of such submissions.

CARICOM is pleased with the momentum generated by the increasing number of submissions, but at the same time we note with concern the difficulties being faced by the Commission with respect to the workload of its members and funding for attendance at meetings of the subcommissions.

The Chairman of the Commission has reported to States parties that, under current arrangements, the Commission may not be in a position to perform its functions in an efficient and timely manner, and we would urge all States parties to engage in constructive consultations towards addressing the problems.

We also recognize the important contribution being made by the Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme with the delivery of training courses for technical and administrative staff of developing coastal States regarding the delineation of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles and the preparation of submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

CARICOM member States, as States parties to the Convention, continue to participate actively in the meetings of States parties to UNCLOS. We consider the discussions on issues relating to developments in the law of the sea pursued in that forum important to fostering collaboration and strengthening the implementation of all aspects of the Convention.

In his report, the Secretary-General reminds us of the global impact of the maritime trade on the world economy and its contribution as a source of income, particularly to the economies of developing countries. Shipping plays an integral role in the economies of CARICOM States to the extent that well over 80 per cent of the region's foreign trade is seaborne. Cruise ship arrivals and other marine-related tourism activities continue to be one of the major sources of foreign exchange earnings for the region.

In recognition of the critical importance of the marine and coastal environment to the region, and the need for adequate protection, conservation and the sustainable use of the resources of our oceans and seas, CARICOM States have sought the cooperation of the international community in recognizing the Caribbean Sea as a special area within the context of sustainable development. We urge all delegations to give their support to that initiative, which is within the legal framework of UNCLOS.

Some countries in the region have also embarked upon national programmes of action for the protection of the marine environment from land-based sources of pollution and activities. Those policies are intended to focus principally on the three main sources of land-based pollution of the region's marine environment: sewage treatment and disposal, agricultural practices, and the collection and disposal of solid waste. In addition, the private sector and civil society are set to partner with Governments in the implementation of a range of activities under the various national programmes. The region is sourcing funding from various entities including government subventions, loans and grants from external partners, as well as the United Nations Environment Programme.

The region should further benefit from the proposed establishment of a Caribbean Revolving Fund for Waste Water Management that would provide additional opportunities for States in the region to access funding to address the issue of waste water management. Pursuant to the recently concluded second intergovernmental review meeting of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities, held in Beijing in October, we intend to vigorously pursue the recommendations and action plan which came out of that meeting. These activities are in keeping with the growing potential of the region to become a major shipping centre.

Some of the countries in the CARICOM region continue to offer international ship registration, and our goal is always to provide the highest standards of safety and pollution prevention as regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In that connection, CARICOM welcomes the IMO Code for the implementation of its mandatory instruments, which sets the standards for voluntary compliance by member States.

The transport of radioactive materials through the Caribbean Sea remains of paramount concern to the region as it seeks to avoid the ever-increasing possibility of damage and pollution to the marine environment, its ecosystem and the subsequent loss of livelihood from the surrounding waters upon which so many of our citizens depend. We continue to urge those States concerned to examine alternative means of disposing of radioactive materials and other toxic waste. While we acknowledge the international right to freedom of navigation, the cessation of the transport of radioactive materials through our region is imperative.

For that reason, CARICOM is very appreciative that the draft General Assembly resolution on oceans and the law of the sea (A/61/L.30), which is before us today, highlights that particular concern. Our concerns regarding the potential for damage in the event of an accident or incident during transportation of radioactive materials by sea are raised because of the several efforts by the region to safeguard the marine environment.

We draw attention to one such effort relating to the work of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), which includes among its objectives the efficient management and sustainable development of marine and other aquatic resources and the promotion and establishment of cooperative arrangements among interested States for the efficient management of shared, straddling or highly migratory marine and other aquatic resources.

Committed to resource sustainability as a means of enhancing employment opportunities and food security, nationally and regionally, the CRFM secretariat is currently engaged in workshops whose aim is to conclude a regional agreement on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and monitoring, control and surveillance by Member States, as well as to set up a training of trainers workshop for fisheries extension officers to enhance their skills to provide better information and advisory and training services to primary and national fisherfolk organizations.

CARICOM has made significant strides regarding the adoption of International Labour Organization standards relating to the working conditions of seafarers. The CARICOM Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control provides CARICOM States with the right to conduct inspections on foreign ships calling at ports in the region to ensure that foreign ships comply with internationally accepted norms applicable to the onboard living conditions of seafarers, and that their welfare, health and safety is adequately looked after in accordance with international legal norms.

We observe the ongoing activities between States bordering international straits, user States and key stakeholders in the shipping industry aimed at increasing cooperation on matters relating to navigational safety and the prevention, reduction and control of pollution from ships, including environmental protection, and addressing threats to maritime security. CARICOM urges all concerned to redouble their efforts at finding workable compromise solutions within present international legal instruments.

CARICOM States continue to express concern at the increasing levels of violence associated with smuggling, human trafficking, piracy and acts against shipping, and their linkages with transnational organized crime. We therefore encourage the development and strengthening of relevant international instruments to best stem that deplorable trend.

CARICOM endorses the ecosystem approach which builds on the concept of integrated management, creating a wider basis for sustainable development. We continue to take steps aimed at the holistic protection of the environment, placing special emphasis on the interconnectivity of living marine resources, the adoption of special measures to protect rare or fragile ecosystems and habitats of depleted, threatened or endangered species and other forms of marine life. CARICOM thus welcomes the establishment of the Ad Hoc Steering Group and the group of experts for the global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-economic aspects.

Several States in the region have adopted oceans policies while others are in the process of creating the legislative framework aimed at an integrated oceans and coastal zone management system. Harmonizing and coordinating the work of various agencies with different mandates has proven challenging but not insurmountable.

The implementation of the ecosystem approach will require continued financial support and technical assistance from our neighbours and other partners if the acknowledged benefits are to be realized. The Secretary-General's report quite rightly acknowledges the need for ongoing international cooperation and support to assist in all aspects of capacity-building, including raising the level of domestic awareness of the overall potential of marine resources and the training of scientists, resource managers and other human resource personnel at the local level.

CARICOM encourages all States that are in a position to do so to contribute to the respective trust funds established to assist States in the settlement of disputes by the Tribunal, as well as in the capacity-building of developing countries through the widest possible participation of experts and officials from such countries in the multidimensional areas of the law of the sea. We appreciate the contributions made by various countries to the trust funds.

Mr. Wolfe (Jamaica)

CARICOM adheres to the principle that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides the primary legal framework for the regulation and control of all activities in the oceans and seas. We view the Informal Consultative Process as providing an enabling environment for the discussion of topics of benefit to all humanity. The issues of marine biodiversity and genetic resources are of tremendous importance to our region. These are resources of the future which could impact very positively on our long-term development as small island States.

Finally, CARICOM is committed to working with other members of the international community for the full implementation of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

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