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Best Practices in Ecosystem-based Ocean Management (Bepomar)
The joint SDWG/PAME Best Practices in Ecosystems Based Oceans Management project was initiated by Norway in 2006 and adopted by the SAO meeting in April 2007, following a startup workshop in February 2007. The objective of the Bepomar project was to present the concepts and practices the Arctic countries have developed for the application of an ecosystem-based approach to oceans management. By way of reviewing how countries actually put to use such concepts and practices, lessons can be drawn on how to effectively implement ecosystems-based oceans management, for example, in relation to the 17 large marine ecosystems (LMEs) that have been identified in the Arctic.
The project examines two sets of questions relating to the substance and process of putting ecosystems-based oceans management to work, respectively:
- what practices and approaches have proved useful in moving towards effective protection and sustainable use of the Arctic marine environment?
- What are the main obstacles, and what are the important success elements in moving towards ecosystems-based oceans management?
The issue of practices and approaches in ecosystems-based oceans management is examined for the participating Arctic states. Among the elements considered were how countries define ecosystems-based oceans management; the types of objectives that are formulated; the choice of policy instruments and organization of the work, for example in terms of how stakeholders are consulted and the geographical context for ecosystems-based oceans management, including existing transboundary agreements relevant to the management of Arctic marine ecosystems.
The question of obstacles and success elements was considered by asking the Arctic countries to describe their experiences in applying an ecosystems-based approach to oceans management. Important elements here include the process aspects of interagency cooperation and organization; the organization and use of science; and stakeholder involvement; and the actual content of ecosystems-based oceans management, such as institutions for ecosystems-based oceans management, legislation and policy tools, geographical approaches, including LMEs, and biodiversity considerations.
Outputs from the project include a presentation of ecosystem-based oceans management practices in the Arctic countries; examples of best practices for ecosystem-based oceans management in the Arctic; contributions to course development for ecosystem-based oceans management (possibly under the auspices of the University of the Arctic); an international workshop for the sharing of lessons and experiences; an Observed Best Practices document; and a final report of the project with chapters addressing the experiences of seven Arctic countries and indigenous perspectives.
Last Updated: 2009-05-15
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