The Ocean: Our Future

The Ocean: Our Future is the official report of the Independent World Commission on the Oceans, chaired by Mário Soares. This book is the first to deal holistically in a single volume with the full range of problems confronting our oceans on the eve of the twenty-first century. In the space of only a few decades, our traditional perception of the oceans as a source of wealth, opportunity and abundance has changed. The oceans have become the setting for a growing list of problems: territorial disputes, disruptions to global climate, overfishing, species extinction, pollution, illegal trafficking, and the destruction of coastal communities. Based on the deliberations, experience and input of some 100 specialists from around the world, the book advances innovative ideas for improving governance of the oceans and coastal zones. Written in an accessible manner this book will be valued by everyone interested in the future of the oceans.

Spis treści:
Preface Mário Soares
Summary, The commission
Future directions
Introduction, Shift in basic condition of the oceans
Obstacles to change
Signs of positive change
Part I. Promoting Peace and Security in the Oceans
1. The origins of the debate
2. Peaceful Uses, concept, issues and players
3. Enhancing peace and security, the way ahead
Part II. The Quest for Equity in the Oceans
4. The equity argument
5. Equity reconsidered in the setting of the oceans
6. Equity challenges in the oceans
7. Normative foundations for equity in the oceans
8. Realizing equity
Part III. Ocean Science and Technology
9. The challenge of technological change
10. The technological needs of science
11. Assessing technology for resource use
12. The need to know more - and share knowledge
13. Bridging the gaps
Part IV. Valuing the Oceans
14. The problem
15. Sustainable use of coastal and marine resources
16. Economic incentives in ocean management
17. International ocean management agreements
18. Future directions
Part V. Our Oceans, Public Awareneess and Participation
19. Public awareness, information and knowledge
20. Public participation
Part VI. Towards Effective Ocean Governance
21. Positive developments
22. Barriers to good ocean governance
23. The unfinished agenda of ocean law
24. Making international agreements work
25. Speaking up for the oceans
Annexes
Index.