CONFERENCE BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The 4th Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands will mobilize high-level policy attention, topical working groups, analytical papers, and other contributions to provide a review of progress achieved (or lack thereof) in advancing ecosystem management and integrated coastal and ocean management by 2010 at national and regional (transboundary) levels, and in the 64% of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction, and on the allied goals of reducing marine biodiversity loss by 2010 and of establishing networks of marine protected areas by 2012 (goals adopted by the world's political leaders at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development). These goals are considered in the context of climate change, which, as indicated in the 2007 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will have profound effects on ecosystems and coastal populations around the world.
The conference will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam. The second fastest-growing economy in Asia, Vietnam has made significant strides in coastal and marine management in recent years through the development of integrated coastal management, marine protected areas, and a national ocean strategy. Vietnam was recently chosen as the first "pilot" country in the UN's effort to unify the work of its agencies at the national level through its "One UN" pilot program, the result of the High-Level Panel on UN System-wide Coherence in areas of Development, Humanitarian Assistance and the Environment (enhanced UN coherence was also adopted as a goal of the world's political leaders at the World Summit on Sustainable Development).
The Global Conference is organized by the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands, and by the Government of Vietnam, with the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) - Fisheries, and with leadership roles by a number of organizations. Key ocean-oriented governments, nongovernmental organizations, and industry are being invited, as well, to play a pivotal role in the organization of the Conference and the dissemination of its outputs. The Global Forum Steering Committee, responsible for organizing the conference, may be found at the end of this announcement.
CONFERENCE THEMES
The Conference will focus on three major themes related to achieving ecosystem management and integrated coastal and ocean management at national and regional levels, and in areas beyond national jurisdiction, as follows:
Theme 1. Achieving Ecosystem management and integrated coastal and ocean management by 2010
- Cross-Cutting Issues
- Large Marine Ecosystems
- Marine Biodiversity and Networks of Marine Protected Areas
- Linking the Management of Freshwater, Oceans, and Coasts
- Fisheries and Aquaculture-Sustainability and Governance
- Enhancing Ocean Use Access Agreements in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Developing Nations
- Maritime Transportation
Theme 2. Climate, Oceans, and Security: Addressing Impacts in Vulnerable Ecosystems and in Vulnerable Coastal Communities, especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
-
Cross-Cutting Issues– i) Vulnerable Communities (Adaptation, Environmental Refugees, Public Health); ii) Vulnerable Ecosystems (Natural Disasters, Sea Level Rise, Ocean Acidification, Ocean Warming)
- Small Island Developing States and the Mauritius Strategy
Theme 3. Addressing the Governance of Marine Ecosystems and Uses in Areas Beyond the Limits of National Jurisdiction
-
Cross-Cutting Issues– i) Overall Governance Issues; ii) Ecosystems and Uses (Marine Biodiversity, Fisheries, Bioprospecting, Deep Seabed Mining, Tourism, Maritime Transportation)
Overarching, Cross-cutting Issues
- Capacity Development
- Marine Ecosystem Productivity/Services
- Indicators for Progress
- Compliance and Enforcement
- Public Education/Outreach/Media
CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS
Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands
Government of Vietnam (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, national focal point)
Global Environment Facility
GEF International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network (IWLEARN)
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO
Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy, University of Delaware
World Ocean Network
International Coastal and Ocean Organization
Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)
The Nippon Foundation, Japan
U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Republic of Korea
Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia
Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada
National Organizing Committee
1. Mr. Nguyen VIET THANG, Vice-minister of MARD, Chair
2. Mr. Vu DUNG, Vice-Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Member
3. Mr. Nguyen CONG THANH, Vice-minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Member
4. Mr. Nguyen QUANG HUNG, Vice-Chairman of PPC Quang Ninh province, Member
5. Mr. Vuong DINH NAM, Director General of Vietnam Navigation Administration (VNA) under Ministry of Transportation (MoT), Member
6. Mr. Le VAN MINH, Director of Department for International Relationships (DIR) of MARD, Member
7. Mr. Nguyen HUY DIEN, Director of DARD of Hanoi, Member
Local Secretariat
1. Mr. Nguyen CHU HOI, Director, VIFEP of MARD, Head
2. Mr. Pham TRONG YEN, Vice-Director, DIR-MARD, Member
3. Mr. Nguyen XUAN LY, Vice-Director of Department of S&T under MARD, Member
4. Mr. Dinh NGOC LINH, Officer of Marine Department of Board for National Boundaries under MFA, Member
5. Mr. Hoang XUAN HUY, Officer of DIR under MONRE, Member
6. Mrs. Nguyen THUY HA, Officer of DIR under MoT, Member
7. Mr. Nguyen VAN THUC, Officer of Department of Economic Security (DES) under Minstry of Police (MoP), Member
KEY CONFERENCE FEATURES
The Global Conference will feature:
- Presentations by high-level officials from around the world; List of Invited High-Level and Other Eminent Persons
- Topical panels bringing together experts from governments, international agencies, nongovernmental organizations, scientists, and the private sector, and featuring stage-setting analytical papers;
- Structured Concurrent Dialogue Sessions on specific topics on which the conference is expected to achieve progress;
- Poster presentations and exhibits; and
- Opportunities for special groups and communities of interest to advance particular aspects of the global oceans agenda in pre-conference meetings and side events.
The intent is to bring carefully crafted analyses, high-level perspectives, and perspectives from all ocean sectors and areas of the world to focus on tangible next steps in advancing ecosystem management by 2010 and examine the current trends in integrated coastal and ocean management. Fifteen Global Forum Working Groups, organized according to the themes noted above, will report their findings and policy recommendations at the Global Conference. The conference will maximize opportunities for meaningful dialogue among the expert participants through the facilitation of the Concurrent Dialogue Sessions and discussions in special workshops and side events.
Global Report on Progress on Meeting the Global Goals of Achieving Ecosystem Management and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management by 2010
This work builds on the 2006 Global Forum report on Meeting the Commitments on Oceans, Coasts, and Small Island Developing States Made at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development: How Well Are We Doing? This report will assess the extent to which, and under what circumstances, progress is being (or not being) made in achieving implementation of Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management and Ecosystem-based Management in areas of national jurisdiction (coastal zones and Exclusive Economic Zones), in various transboundary ocean regions, and in ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction). Major findings from the report will be presented for consideration by high-level policymakers from around the world at the 4th Global Conference.
See handout
POSTERS, EXHIBITS, AND ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
Poster Presentation
Content – limited to themes/sub-themes of the conference
Placement – the conference organizers will designate space for poster presentations, according to grouped themes
Maintenance - participants will be responsible for mounting / maintaining / removing all poster presentations
Poster size - approximately 95 x 65 cm
Procedure for submission: Please submit an abstract of not more than 500 words with an application form (
download in Word 
) by January 1, 2008 to the Conference Secretariat at
csnyder@udel.edu.
Best poster presentation awards in each of the student and professional categories will be given during the Young Professionals Cocktail Reception.
Exhibits
Content – limited to themes/sub-themes of the conference
Placement – the conference organizers will designate a space for exhibits, which will be showcased at specific times during the conference
Maintenance - participants will be responsible for setting up / maintaining / removing all exhibits
Table size - approximately 2 m x 75 cm (please note: table sizes may vary; specific sizes will be detailed shortly)
Costs – costs will vary according to table size; detailed sizes and costs for exhibits are forthcoming
Procedure for submission: Please submit an exhibit application form (
download in Word ) by January 1, 2008 to the Conference Secretariat at
csnyder@udel.edu.
Technical/Scientific Paper Submission
One scientific or technical paper will be included for presentation in each of the concurrent panel/technical sessions in the conference program in the categories included under the conference themes. The technical or scientific paper for presentation will be chosen by a panel consisting of relevant Working Group members. In addition to the quality of technical content, an important consideration will be the inclusion of policy recommendations related to the findings of the research being reported. Selected papers for presentation will be included in the conference proceedings to be published by a major journal publication. Papers that will not be chosen for presentation will be accommodated as poster presentations. Selected papers will be published in a special issue of the
Ocean & Coastal Management and other international peer-reviewed journals.
Procedure for submission: Please submit an abstract of not more than 500 words with an application form (
download in Word ) by January 1, 2008 to the Conference Secretariat at
csnyder@udel.edu.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS – WAVE OF THE FUTURE
Young professionals have a unique ability to contribute to ocean and coastal management by bringing innovative knowledge, fresh perspectives, and creativity to the field. To recognize the important contributions of young professionals, the Global Forum will hold a reception to highlight its Young Professional initiative during the Conference. This event will draw attention to the accomplishments of young professionals, as well as allow participants to meet and mingle with the many talented young professionals attending the conference.
The Global Forum’s Young Professional initiative strives to create a forum in which young professionals in the field can network and discuss common issues facing them in their jobs, as well as feel more connected to the global marine and oceans community, as recommended by a panel discussion on
Capacity Development for Ocean and Coastal Management: Mobilizing to Address Needs held at the 3rd Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands, January 23-28, 2006, UNESCO, Paris. Panel participants agreed that it would be opportune to organize a “Young Professionals” forum in order to include a group of early career professionals from various regions to take part in the next Global Oceans Conference and to establish their own peer network. This initiative can help in setting up the next generation of professional cadre of “movers and shakers” in ocean issues, through the development of new academic and other capacity development programs in participating universities and organizations such as the Pew Fellows on Ocean and Marine Affairs, the UN Goodwill Ambassadors, “OPEC” Ocean Policy Entrepreneurs Club, and the capacity development program of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
At the reception, the Global Forum will present its first Outstanding Young Ocean and Marine Management Professional Award. This award recognizes the contributions of young professionals in the marine and coastal management field under the three themes of the 4th Global Conference – Achieving Ecosystem Management and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management by 2010; Climate, Oceans, and Security: Addressing Impacts in Vulnerable Ecosystems and in Vulnerable Coastal Communities; and Addressing the Governance of Marine Ecosystems and Uses in Areas Beyond the Limits of National Jurisdiction. This award is presented to the young professional (up to 35 years of age) whose contributions to the field most deserve recognition. To nominate a young professional for this award, please submit a document of no more than 1000 words describing the contributions of this person to the field and why this person should be recognized for his or her work to the Conference Secretariat at
csnyder@udel.edu.
CONFERENCE RESULTS
The results of the 4th Global Conference will be relayed to various organs of the United Nations, will be presented at the UN Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and Law of the Sea, and will be broadly disseminated to governments, civil society, and industry and scientific groups throughout the world.
The specific recommendations emanating from the 4th Global Conference will be considered by high-level ocean political leaders, on May 11-15, 2009, at the World Ocean Conference, hosted by the Government of Indonesia, in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, in collaboration with the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands, and other international partners.
CONFERENCE AT-A-GLANCE
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Forms and Fees
The conference registration fee is:
US$300 for participants, $US200 for student participants. Due to security considerations and country visa requirements, all participants must register prior to the conference to gain access to the conference site. All participants, including speakers,
must pay the registration fees. All registration forms must be submitted and fees paid by
March 21, 2008.
Please complete the conference registration form (
download in Word or
download in PDF ) and send, along with your check (made payable to the University of Delaware) or your credit card details on the registration form for the registration fee, by mail or fax to: Shelby Hockenberry, Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy, Robinson Hall 301, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716 USA. Email: smhocken@udel.edu, Fax: +1-302-831-3668 (Tel: +1-302-831-8086).
CONFERENCE HOST AND VENUE
The Conference is kindly hosted in Hanoi by the Government of Vietnam, with leadership from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the most biologically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, home to 275 species of mammals, 800 species of birds, 180 species of reptiles, 80 species of amphibians, 2,470 species of fish, 5,500 species of insects, more than 165 coral species, and 12,000 plant species (of which only 7,000 have been identified). Ten per cent of the world's mammal, bird and fish species inhabit the country and more than 40 per cent of local plant species are believed to exist nowhere else in the world. Vietnam is part of the Indo-Burma hotspot that covers 2,373,000 km² of tropical Asia east of the Ganges-Brahmaputra lowlands. The extensive coastal area in this hotspot includes the 3,444-km coastline of Vietnam.
Vietnam is a densely-populated, developing country that, in the last 30 years, has made substantial progress in moving forward to an increased level of development and poverty reduction. In recent years, government authorities, together with non-governmental organizations in Vietnam, have been working on enhancing the policy and practice of integrated coastal management and marine protected areas. GDP growth averaged 6.8% per year from 1997 to 2004 and hit a high of 8% in 2005. Since 2001, Vietnamese authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to economic liberalization and international integration. They have moved to implement the structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. A highlight of this commitment is the recent meeting of the Asian Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) which was held in Vietnam in 2006. Vietnam's vision and economy continues to propel the nation forward as an emerging leader in Southeast Asia.
Hanoi
Often referred to as the "Paris of the East" Hanoi is the thriving capital city of Vietnam. Since its first incarnation as the capital city in 1010, Hanoi (meaning "bend in the river) has centered around its environment along the Red River. Combining French and Chinese design with its own unique blend of culture in its pagodas, temples, museums, landmarks, shopping, and cuisine, Hanoi represents the crossroads of Vietnamese culture. With its tree-lined avenues and dotted lakes, Hanoi is a visitor's delight offering, for example, a perfect setting for an afternoon walk and a stop at one of the city's many French-style cafes while taking in the bustling atmosphere. Sightseeing highlights include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum; the Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton," now a museum; the National Art Museum; Hoan Kiem Lake; and the winding maze of streets of the Old Quarter, filled with shops of all varieties. Modern Hanoi is a city unto itself that pays due respect to its past, its people, and its opportunities for the future.
Conference Venue: The Meliá Hanoi Hotel
The conference will be held at the Meliá Hanoi Hotel, which is located in the heart of Hanoi. This luxurious 5-star hotel is within walking distance of beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, the Citadel of Vietnam, West Lake and the Opera House. Meliá Hanoi is situated in the center of the diplomatic and financial districts, in close proximity to most ministries and embassies. The Meliá has been host to many celebrities and heads of state: Queen Sofia de Borbon of Spain, Princess Anne of England, Princess Norodom Vacheahra of Cambodia and Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkia, to name a few.
This 22-story hotel is magnificently decorated, offering an excellent selection of services, with all the hospitality of traditional Vietnamese culture. The superior service and accommodations of the Meliá have earned it many awards including: the “Premier Award of Excellence” (1999) by Asia Travel Tips, "Best Service Hotel" 2000, "Best Business Hotel" 2001 by Vietnam Economic Times, "Best Conference Facilities Hotel" 2003 and 2004 by The Guide and “Vietnam Top Ten Hotels” by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
The following hotels are in close proximity to the conference venue (see map). Please go to the specific hotel websites for information on hotel services and room amenities.
The Conference Secretariat has negotiated special room rates for each of these hotels. Please see the available discounted rates provided below. For additional discounted prices, we suggest that you go directly to hotel websites such as: hotels.com, expedia.com, orbitz.com, travelocity.com, cheaprooms.com, kayak.com, asiarooms.com and vietnam.com to compare rates.
Recommended Hotels
Map of conference venue and recommended hotels in Hanoi
Available Discounted Room Rates
TRIP TO HALONG BAY
The Conference will feature a
trip to Halong Bay , a dramatically beautiful and unique World Heritage Site.
Halong Bay Conference Poster.
Additional Tour Information
Optional tours in the region are available at an additional cost through Exotissimo Travel throughout Vietnam including Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hoi An, Dalat, and Nha Trang and in other tourism locations in the region, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Further tour information will be available as the conference nears. Please contact the Conference Secretariat for further details.
Summary of presentations and reports of dialogues will be provided by the
Earth Negotiations Bulletin.
LANGUAGE OF THE CONFERENCE
English is the official language of the conference.
INQUIRIES ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
For general conference inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Shelby M. Hockenberry
Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy
University of Delaware
smhocken@udel.edu
Tel. +1-302-831-8086
Fax: +1-302-831-3668
For information regarding the conference program and organization of pre-conference meetings and side events, please contact:
Dr. Miriam C. Balgos
Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy
University of Delaware
mbalgos@udel.edu
Tel. +1-302-831-8086
Fax: +1-302-831-3668
Mr. Julian Barbiere
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
1, rue Miollis
Paris Cedex 15 75732
France
j.barbiere@unesco.org
Tel: 33-1-45-68-4045
Fax: 33-1-45-68-5812
For information on the host country and venue, please contact:
Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi
Director
Vietnam Institute of Fisheries Economics and Planning, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
10 Nguyen Cong Hoan Street
Hanoi, Vietnam
chuhoi.ifep@mofi.gov.vn
Tel: +84-4-7718451
Fax: +84-4-8345674
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