Global Conference On Land-Ocean Connections Adopts The Manila Declaration

MANILA, Philippines — Delegates to the recent global conference on land-ocean connections (GLOC) and the third Intergovernmental Review (IGR3) meeting on the implementation of the Global Program of Action (GPA) for the protection of the marine environment ended with a high note with the adoption of the “Manila Declaration.”

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Deputy Executive Director Amina Mohamed commended Environment Secretary Ramon Paje and the Philippine government for the excellent preparations and hosting of the conference.

DENR Secretary Paje said the adoption of the Manila Declaration reaffirms the commitment of member-countries to step up their efforts, particularly on priority areas identified in the GPA, such as the reduction, control and prevention of marine litter, wastewater and pollution from fertilizers.

“I strongly believe that what transpired in the conference is a giant leap towards the improvement of our coastal and marine environment and provide us the directions on our way towards the development of our coastal and marine environment within the prism of the green economy,” Paje said.

The Manila Declaration on Furthering the Implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities contains 16 provisions centering on programs to be undertaken for the period 2012-2016 at the international, regional and national levels, and within the framework of integrated coastal management, on GPA’s priority areas such as marine litter, wastewater, pollution from fertilizer and biodiversity loss.

The declaration also calls on member-countries to engage and step up their efforts to develop strategies and policies on the sustainable use of nutrients so as to improve nutrient use efficiency with attendant economic benefits for all stakeholders, including farmers, and to mitigate negative environmental impacts.

The document also indicated an agreement among the delegates to improve cooperation and coordination at all levels in dealing with issues related to oceans, coasts, islands and their associated watershed by applying integrated management such as “ridge to reef” approaches, as well as strengthen and promote the implementation of existing Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, including other relevant global and regional arrangements, agreements and programs for the protection of the marine and coastal environment
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