Capacity building in marine research and ocean observations: a perspective on why and how

This paper relates the need for inter-national cooperative actions to support the development of the ocean science and observation capabilities to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which entered into force in November 1994, and the results of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992. Particularly, the framework for the presentation is the mechanism provided by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. The goals of these activities should be the strengthening of national capacities to deal with the requirements of UNCLOS and UNCED implementation actions, within the context of national needs and priorities. A close linkage and harmonisation between national and international structures is desirable for mutual benefit. The related mechanisms of the IOC are discussed. The par-tnership modality is emphasised. The challenge for marine science to adapt to the changing conditions and requirements is analysed. In this context, the importance of indigenous capabilities is stressed, as well as the need to give a special attention to particular areas, e.g. small island developing coun-tries. Some current trends are briefly considered, in particular, the development of operational oceanography. This also implies that there is a need for a new professional community of operational oceanographers. The particularly relevant results of UNCED are brought out, and also in relation to EEZs, a major part of UNCLOS. The need for interdisciplinarity and cooperation between disciplines and society sectors is discussed and exemplified. Finally, an approach for the future is suggested, involving the IOC as a joint specialised intergovernmental mechanism.