Energy and Environment

Ocean and Coastal Management

Coastal areas are home to 60 percent of the world's population whose future fate - be it poverty or sustainable prosperity - will be significantly affected by decisions made today concerning coastal resources. Oceans, which cover over 71 percent of the earth's surface, contain a large proportion of the world's biodiversity and contribute as much as 50 percent of the earth's total net primary production. They are a major sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide and thus a powerful regulator of the world climate.

The Strategic Initiative for Ocean and Coastal Management (SIOCAM) is a global initiative which seeks to harness the knowledge and skills of UNDP staff, UN agencies, donors and other external support agents and projects themselves, to enhance the effectiveness of ocean and coastal management projects in promoting sustainable human development, particularly of the poor, in developing countries.

The strategy leading to SIOCAM essentially involves enhancing the capabilities of existing ocean and coastal management projects through the systematic identification, documenting and sharing of best practices and lessons learned. A self-assessment manual, for use by project countries and donor agencies, will be developed.

Visit the SIOCAM website