Oceans Forum: Progress up to Rio+20

The Global Forum on Oceans has published "Oceans at Rio+20: How Well Are We Doing in Meeting the Commitments from the 1992 Earth Summit and the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development? - Summary for Decision Makers,”  A full report of the assessment is expected to be released shortly.

“Rio+20 Friends of the Ocean”

In a message delivered on the occasion of World Ocean Day, Biliana Cicin-Sain, President of the Global Ocean Forum, called for commitment to achieve a significant ocean outcome at UNCSD (Rio+20) and announced the launch of "Rio+20 Friends of the Ocean." with the aim to support governments and others who wish to achieve a significant ocean outcome at the UNCSD. She invited individuals and organizations interested in participating to contact the Global Ocean Forum Program Coordinator, Miriam Balgos, at miriambalgos@globaloceans.org

Cicin-Sain also informed of the release of two documents prepared by the Global Ocean Forum: the Draft Plan for Rio+20 Assessments, and the Table of Action Items from Agenda 21/Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI).  

UN/S-G: Report on Oceans

As requested in its Resolution 65/37, the UN/GA has released a report (A/66/70/Add.1) of the Secretary-General on “Oceans and the Law of the Sea,” ahead of the 12th meeting of the UN Open-ended Informal Consultative Process (ICP) on Oceans and the Law of the Sea. It is aimed at facilitating discussions on the topic of focus at ICP 12, such as contributing to the assessment, in the context of (UNCSD (Rio+20), of progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development and addressing new and emerging challenges. The report  is also submitted to the 21st meeting of States parties to UNCLOS, which took place from 13-17 June.

Oceans Forum: Preparation for UNCSD (Rio+20)

The Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands has released a newsletter on its preparations for UNCSD (Rio+20). It concludes with a description of Global Forum consultations on the Rio+20 process.