International Marine Issues
Deep sea blue coral. Source: CSIRO Exploration and Mining
The United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) took place in Johannesburg, South Africa from 26 August - 4 September 2002. Australia's involvement in the Summit reinforced Australia's commitment to achieving sustainable development at a global, national and local level.
Australia played a leading role in securing positive outcomes on the sustainable management of oceans at the World Summit. The WSSD Plan of Implementation includes a section on oceans, seas, islands and coastal areas that recognises oceans as an essential component of the Earth's ecosystem and sets an ambitious forward agenda for marine conservation and sustainable development. Specific areas of focus include conserving marine biodiversity, protecting vulnerable areas such as coral reefs and wetlands, reducing marine pollution, eliminating illegal fishing, and achieving better coordination across ocean-related UN and regional organisations.
Australia announced eight oceans partnerships to address these priority issues as part of its package of WSSD initiatives.
Information on Australia's general activities relating to the World Summit is also available.
