October 2011: The Global Ocean Forum has published a summary for decision makers of the assessment of progress in implementing goals and targets related to oceans, coasts and islands adopted by the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). The full report of the assessment is expected to be released shortly.

The document, titled “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,” aims to contribute to discussions and preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), and to support governments in the development of a significant ocean outcome at the Conference.

According to the summary, the eventual report will consist of two parts. The first part, “Status of Ocean Ecosystems and Coastal Communities in the Face of Climate Change,” discusses the importance of oceans for sustainable development, and highlights the major threats to ocean ecosystems and coastal communities. It focuses on the implications of climate change for oceans, and concludes by advocating building national and local capacity to address the intertwined issues of oceans, climate and biodiversity in an effective and decisive manner.

The second part of the report reviews progress, or lack thereof, on each of the nine major UNCED/WSSD goals related to oceans, coasts and islands: the ecosystem approach and integrated ocean and coastal management; protection of the marine environment from land-based activities and integrated water resource management; marine biodiversity and marine protected areas; small island developing States (SIDS) and oceans; sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture; addressing critical uncertainties for the management of the marine environment and climate change; coordination of UN activities; regular process of global marine assessment; and capacity development and public outreach. It contains “report cards” on the UNCED/WSSD commitments on oceans, coasts and island States, rating the implementation of these goals according to the extent of efforts, extent of progress and the timing of reaching the goals. It also makes recommendations on how to improve the implementation of each goal. [Publication: Oceans at Rio+20: Summary for Decision Makers]