Opposing Sides Reaching an Understanding for the Environment (Regional Seas Programme)

Today, more than 140 countries are working together to protect their marine life and coastal environments through the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Regional Seas Programme. Since its creation in 1974, there are currently 13 Regional Seas programs covering 18 regions of the world. These programs engage neighboring countries through specific actions to protect their shared marine environment.

All 13 Regional Seas programs have an Action Plan, which includes an assessment of the environmental challenges and measures the governments agree to address them. Each plan takes into consideration the region's socio-economic and political situations in addressing its particular environmental issues.

Listed below are details on three Regional Seas Programs: the Mediterranean Action Plan, the Kuwait Action Plan and the Caribbean Action Plan.

For more information, please visit http://www.unep.org/regionalseas/

Israel and Arab countries in the Mediterranean Action Plan

Since 1975, Israel and its neighboring Arab countries have put aside their differences to work together on environment issues through the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP).

MAP was the first-ever plan adopted as a Regional Seas Programme, bringing together 21 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the European Community. These countries work together to meet the challenges of environmental degradation as they relate to the surrounding ocean. This includes better planning of coastal areas, making maritime activities safer and promoting sustainable development in the region. MAP also focuses on reducing massive pollution and protecting marine and coastal habitats including threatened species.

The Mediterranean region is attracting large investments and will continue to do so in the future. Through MAP, the 21 countries are better equipped for sustainable development through their commitment to protect the Mediterranean environment.

For more information, please visit http://www.unepmap.org/

Iran and Iraq are neighboring countries with a challenging history. Since 1978, these two countries have been working together, along with six other neighboring countries, in protecting their common marine environment.

The Kuwait Action Plan focuses on coastal area management, improved fisheries, reduction of sea-based pollution and marine emergencies. The plan helps governments cope with environmental problems by providing guidelines for the management of activities that have an impact on the environment.

This initiative is particularly important, as the Kuwait region is home to a great biological diversity of plant and animal species. The area contains more than 20 species of dolphins and whales, and more than a thousand species of fish. The impacts of land-based activities on the coastal waters are damaging - and are currently addressed through the Plan's activities.

The Plan has led to the creation of the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME) in 1979 and the Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre (MEMAC) in 1982.

The work being done continues to make a positive impact towards the protection of the marine environment and coastal areas from pollution, but the region still has major environmental challenges to overcome.

For more information, please visit http://www.unep.org/regionalseas/programmes/nonunep/ropme/default.asp

U.S. and Cuba and the greater Caribbean area

Until recently, the United States and Cuba have had no diplomatic ties. However, through the Caribbean Action Plan, these two countries have been working together since 1981 to advance the economic prosperity and environmental health of the Caribbean region.

The Plan, adopted by 22 states, paved the way for the adoption of a legal framework in 1983 - the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention).

This is the only regional agreement of its kind, with governments working together to protect the economic and environmental sustainability of the region. Its overall success is achieved through improved management of coastal and marine resources.

These Caribbean countries are working hard to combat, prevent, and reduce pollution of the coastal and marine environment from land and marine-based activities. UNEP's Caribbean Action Plan is also helping prepare future generations by promoting environmental awareness and action in schools.

For more information, please visit http://www.unep.org/regionalseas/programmes/unpro/caribbean/default.asp