Osi conference summary for release dec 1 2014 1

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Conference on Protecting the Oceans: A South - South Dialogue on Innovative Strategies and Good Practices to Address the Impacts of Climate Change November 30th – December 1st 2014 Lima, Peru


Ocean Security International (OSI) Ocean Security International (OSI) seeks to protect the oceans and promote ocean security. As a non-governmental not-for-profit knowledge based organization it seeks to forge new partnerships to address the impacts of climate change on the oceans. It recognizes the importance of the use of innovative strategies, cooperative programs and information to make progress in addressing current issues and emerging challenges faced by the oceans themselves and the large and increasing populations of coastal cities and settlements. Operating from its headquarters in Cartagena de Indias on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, OSI is well situated to promote and support South-South cooperation.


A Conference on Ocean Protection and A Dialogue on South – South Cooperation “We are on a journey!”


A Major Issue

“We Need to Understand the Oceans”


Impact on Our Lives – Profound Challenges “Climate change has an undeniable impact on our lives and presents

us with profound challenges in disaster management, urban planning, and various other ecological disciplines. The global

nature of this phenomenon requires greater solidarity among the members of the international community….” H.E. Benigno S. Aquino III President of the Philippines


Program of South – South Dialogue The international conference being held in Lima marks the inauguration of a long-term program of Ocean Security International (OSI)

on South-South Dialogue, addressing issues that have an impact on ocean security and related global concerns, such as climate change “We need tropical solutions”


Good Practices and Innovative Strategies OSI is not reinventing the wheel but rather seeks to disseminate

and exchange good practices and innovative strategies with its partners throughout the world.

We do so because we believe that people from Africa, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean, and South America can learn much from their respective successes and failures and are keen to see the good practices replicated.


A View on South – South Cooperation “For most of my political life, I have labored to ensure that our common sense prevails, and that a contemporary man should borrow from the wisdom of our ancestors who knew very well that preserving the balance in nature is in the interests of the survival of our communities. Experiences from the countries of the northern hemisphere are interesting but do not really comport with our different social, economic and cultural idiosyncrasies in the south. We also believe in a multidisciplinary approach and a strong link between the private and public sector.� Heherson Alvarez Climate Change Commissioner, Office of the President of the Philippines


Three Key Themes

• Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management • Health of the Oceans and of Marine Systems

• Sustainability Strategies and Measures on Waste, Energy and Related Concerns Leading to Potential Solutions for OSI


A Diversity of Participants

Participants and Speakers From: • • • • • • • •

Academia and Research Institutions Artists and Musicians Faith Based Organizations Government Representatives Political Leaders Non-Governmental Organizations Private Sector Representatives United Nations Agencies

• • • • • • • • • •

Argentina Barbados Belgium Brazil Cape Verde Colombia Ecuador Guatemala Jamaica Kazakhstan

• • • • • • • • •

Peru Philippines Portugal Russian Federation Singapore South Africa Sri Lanka United States Venezuela


Ocean Protection: The Human Dimension



An Emotional Dimension to the Dialogue •

A Statement – The Earth cannot speak, it talks, it has rights

A Reflection – Enjoy the sunset, it is much more pleasant to live by the sea

An Appeal – I am very emotional – we are crying for help!

A Sense of Frustration – We need to develop a culture of saving

A Plea - Art is not identity, it is memory


Ocean Protection: A Behavioral and Inter-Generational Issue • We need to focus more on human behavior to address the issues of the oceans – there is more than science and technology involved – it is how we view and interact with the oceans that is critical for their protection • A special challenge is to move from emergency and crisis management to prevention and sustained management as key interventions • Given the complexity of problems faced by the oceans today, and the impacts of climate change that will increase this complexity, this issue needs to be viewed as an inter-generational one • It is difficult for humans to accept new ideas. We cannot change the attitudes of old people – we need to change young people and educate them to be “true humans”


Need to Raise Awareness “We must continue to mobilize all sources of knowledge and to raise awareness in civil society, the research community and high-level political figures on the essential role that the ocean plays in regulating the climate, on the impact of a changing climate on ocean ecosystems and marine biodiversity, as well as on ocean-based solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation.� Ms. Irina Bokova Director-General of UNESCO


The Philippines – A Perspective Key Observations at a National Level:

• Typhoon Yolanda – “A Taste of Things to Come” • “We Have It All” – The Full Range of Risks • “We Have Never Learned” • “We Will Have More Disasters to Come” Necessary Actions at a Global, National and Local Level: • We need to move to a focus on risk reduction from a focus on disaster management

• This mandates a focus on reducing vulnerabilities not hazards


Emerging Approaches


Ocean Issues Are of Utmost Importance “The Russian Federation is an important maritime country bordering the Baltic, the Black Sea, the long stretch of the Arctic and the Pacific as well as the Caspian Sea. Ocean security, both in terms of economic security which our rich mineral resources afford and also in terms of environmental and food security, ocean issues are of utmost importance to us.� Academician Ashot A. Sarkisov Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences


Blue Economy: An Emerging Approach for Development • The Blue Economy is a design theory, which is intended to bring natural ecosystems and economy into harmony and create jobs • The Blue Economy principles permit to respond to the basic needs of all with what we have • It stands for a different way of designing business by using the resources available in cascading systems, where the waste of one product becomes the input to create a new cash flow • It aims at creating jobs, building up social capital and raising income while saving the environment “Should we go beyond the ‘Blue Economy’ to a ‘Blue Ecology’”?


Water - Energy - Food Nexus: A Focus on Oceans • World today will have to consider the nexus of water, energy and food • To be sustainable there needs to be efficient use of all three elements

• Oceans can provide all three, but climate change is inhibiting their production Complements the Blue Economy Approach and the Outcomes of the Water - Energy - Food Nexus Conference – Germany 2014


From “Big Fast Results” in Malaysia to Operation Phakisa (“Hurry Up”) in South Africa • Operation Phakisa is an adaptation of the Big Fast Results methodology first applied by the Malaysian Government, successfully, in the delivery of its economic transformation program • The operation addressed key national priority areas such as poverty, crime and unemployment • It involves setting up clear targets and follows up with an on-going monitoring process which makes the results public • Through this initiative, the Malaysian Government was able to register impressive results within a short period • South Africa renamed this approach as Operation Phakisa - from a Sesotho word that means “Hurry Up”, to highlight the urgency with which government wants to deliver on some of the priorities encompassed in the National Development Plan (NDP)


Operation Phakisa: Planning, Implementation, Growth Methodology: •

• • •

Operation Phakisa is a results-driven approach, involving setting clear plans and targets, on-going monitoring of progress and making these results public It focuses on bringing key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia as well as civil society organizations together Stakeholders collaborate in detailed problem analysis, priority setting and intervention planning. These collaboration sessions are called laboratories (labs) The results of the labs are detailed implementation plans with ambitious targets, and public commitment to their implementation. The implementation of the plans is rigorously monitored and reported on. Implementation challenges are actively managed for effective and efficient resolution Operation Phakisa is being initially implemented in two sectors, the ocean economy and health


Pillars of Societal Trust Trust has an overarching importance in institutions and individuals • Government

• Private Sector/Business • NGOs/CSOs

• Faith Based Organizations “We need a ‘Common Vision’ to confront the problem” “We need to raise the ‘moral issue’ of climate change”


Key Themes of the Conference


Three Key Themes

• Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management • Health of the Oceans and of Marine Systems

• Sustainability Strategies and Measures on Waste, Energy and Related Concerns Leading to Potential Solutions for OSI


Impacts and Responses Will Occur at the Local Level “While today climate change adaptation has become a global priority, impacts and responses will occur at the local level. A focus on communities is therefore imperative so as to ensure that adaptation aligns with local priorities, is based on communitybased observations, and uses synergies between science and traditional knowledge as a springboard for addressing emerging challenges. The exposure of more people to the risks of natural hazards continues to increase as a result of population growth, unplanned or poorly planned urbanization, alteration of the natural environment, substandard dwellings and public buildings, and inadequate infrastructure maintenance. Knowledge concerning global climate change and natural hazards must be enhanced, particularly to fill gaps in the knowledge required by policy-makers to protect people, livelihoods and ecosystems.� Dr. Wendy Watson-Wright Executive Secretary, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO


Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management • • • • • • • •

Claudio (Chairperson) – The Blue Economy/Blue Ecology Ledesma – Overview of Risks and Responses in the Philippines – “We have it all” Tendero – A model for the role of Faith Based Organizations in Environmental and Climate Change Debates – Four Pillars of Societal Trust Casanova – Importance of Addressing Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Local Development Plans based on Experience from the Philippines Moura – NGO and Citizen Engagement in Conservation of Coastal Mangroves in the Cartagena Region of Colombia Orejarena – A Colombian Perspective - An Expanding View of Coastal and Marine Boundaries and Cooperation in the Caribbean and Pacific Iglesias – The Contribution of the National Hotel Association in Promoting a Clean Beach Program in Colombia Knight – Opportunities for Strengthening the Capacity of Caribbean Coastal and Island States in the Greater Caribbean to Improve Marine Governance


Health of the Global Community “The state of the world’s oceans will determine the health of the global community. Whether that be economic health, environmental health, or sustainable

agricultural productivity.” Congressman Sam Farr United States


Heath of the Oceans and Marine Systems •

Wagener (Chairperson) – Challenges of Concentration of Population in Cities and Communities on the Coast

Baki - Payments for Environmental Services – Yasuni-ITT in Ecuador

Bruss – Innovative Financial Approaches – A View from the Private Sector

Camargo – Challenge of Addressing Major Urban Coastal Pollution in Rio de Janeiro

Mikheev/Shelest – Management of Nuclear Vessel Wastes in the Arctic Ocean

Rudolph – Cooperative Experience in Management of Nuclear Vessel Wastes

Zholdasbekova – Impacts from the Degradation of the Aral Sea in Central Asia


Small Island Developing States “Throughout Cape Verde’s history, our economic survival has depended on how we manage our coastal and marine resources, especially through recent steady growth of our tourism industry. We are an active member of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) group, and keen to develop alternative sources of energy, not only to reduce the dependence on expensive oil, but also to make our own contribution to reduce emissions of gases and thus reduce the risk of climate change.” Pedro Pires President of Pedro Pires Institute on Leadership Former President of Cape Verde


Sustainability Strategies and Measures on Waste, Energy and Related Concerns •

Khew (Chairperson) – Water – Energy – Food Nexus

Baird – The Critical Importance of “Trust”

Wicramanayke – Opportunities and Challenges in Coastal Zone Management in Sri Lanka

Khattak – Important Opportunities for Small Island Developing States to Cooperatively Address Challenges – Especially in Energy Supply

Carvalho – Diverse and Emerging Risks from Mining to the Coasts and Oceans

Briceno – Measures for Disaster Risk Reduction as an Element of Sustainable Development

Roca – Importance of Networks in Coastal and Island States and Engagement with Youth in Education and Beyond


Ocean Security International Lima Declaration on Protecting the Oceans

December 1, 2014


OSI – Lima Declaration: Overview

A statement on the recommendations of the Conference on Protecting the Oceans to be issued by OSI, as an independent Non-Governmental Organization

A reflection of the Conference, not a formal statement of organizations and individuals participating in the Conference

Declaration includes statements concerning both aspirations and actions

To be presented to Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 20) by Delegation of the Philippines


OSI – Lima Declaration: The Critical Role of Oceans Oceans play a critical role in the complex challenges of addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. A diverse range of actions is needed to address these challenges. More effective strategies, policies and programs will require better access to information and knowledge to increase the understanding of decision makers and the public on the role of the ocean for climate and on the impacts of change on the ocean. To restore and maintain a healthy ocean, OSI will support measures to create more resilient coastal cities and communities, and this means addressing local impacts and responses in countries that are most affected and which greater capacity for adaptation to climate change. Complementary actions to support improved management of coastal and marine areas, especially mangroves and coral reefs, and to control land and marine based sources of pollution of all types, also continue to be required.


OSI – Lima Declaration: The Critical Role of Oceans Addressing climate change and ocean protection is a long-term, inter-generational endeavor, in which behavioral change and increased awareness must accompany the current focus on scientific and technical solutions. Governments, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations and faith based organizations will need to form a partnership to collaborate on ensuring that the necessary actions are taken over the short, medium and long term. OSI will intensify its efforts as part of this broad and sustained partnership focusing on protecting the oceans and promoting ocean security.


OSI – Lima Declaration: Actions OSI plans to undertake the following actions in the short and medium term to protect the oceans and promote ocean security:

Engagement •

Maintain a Global Engagement on Ocean Security. OSI will continue to bring together decision makers, representatives of international organizations, national governments and municipal leaders to develop new synergies and craft new partnerships for innovative action, including the private sector

Continue South – South Dialogue: South-South dialogue and cooperation provides a framework for the sharing of experience and knowledge, which can help support coastal populations, their livelihoods and the ecosystems upon which they depend. OSI will continue this process of activities with progress to be reviewed at the next OSI Conference

Initiate “Mission 150”: This outreach program seeks to establish over the medium term a network for information collection and dissemination in up to 150 countries following establishment of focal points in Africa, Colombia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Singapore and Sri Lanka


OSI – Lima Declaration: Actions Strategies •

Support Development of Strategies for the Blue Economy/Blue Ecology: OSI will work at multiple levels to support development of development of strategies to implement the Blue Economy/Blue Ecology approaches for coastal and marine management and development.

Collaboration •

Cooperate with South Africa on Development of “Operation Phakisa”: OSI plans to cooperate with South Africa on selected elements of the “Ocean Economy” element of the initial phase of “Operation Phakisa” using its international network of expertise

Promote Cooperation Between Central America, the Caribbean and South America with Sub-Saharan Africa: OSI will examine opportunities at the regional, national and municipal levels to facilitate targeted cooperation for the transfer of experience and strengthening of capacity


OSI – Lima Declaration: Actions Collaboration (Continued)

Explore the Feasibility of Cooperatively Developing a Marine Governance Architecture in the Caribbean: OSI will explore how marine governance could be better addressed in the greater Caribbean by both the continental and island states

Education, Information and Knowledge •

Upgrade and Expand Education and Cultural Outreach: OSI will upgrade and expand its educational and cultural outreach. It recognizes the importance of culture; in the form of art, music and theatre, to engage, educate and inspire citizens

Examine Feasibility of Establishing an OSI Information Center: A review will be conducted to examine where OIS may have a comparative advantage in the collection and dissemination of information on ocean security issues

Develop a Teaching Module on Ocean Security: This teaching module will be developed by an OSI network of experts and tested at the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean. It could be more widely disseminated after revision based on the testing process


OSI – Lima Declaration: Actions Strengthening OSI

Enhance Planning and Management. OSI will take measures to enhance its planning and management capacity to support this series of actions

Resource Mobilization. OSI will seek to strengthen its financial capacity through new forms of resource mobilization – these resources could be used to support activities in the medium and long term – Mission 150 will be used as one mechanism to support resource mobilization

Pro Ocean Security Labeling. OSI will consider its potential role in establishing a "Pro Ocean Security" initiative to endorse and label products and services that are beneficial to ocean security


The Focus of Future Efforts “We Need to Protect the Oceans and Promote Ocean Security� This will only be realized by forging new partnerships and sustained commitment by all concerned parties Trust in OSI will be essential for success


A Final View from Guatemala “We are convinced that it is only by joining forces and working together towards common goals that we can generate the transformation which our planet needs. We must assume a historic mission to pass on to future generations a planet enjoying an equilibrium, and also living in better harmony with nature. Climate change is a reality and all of us witness everyday the effect which it has on our lives.� HE Vinicio Cerezo Former President of Guatemala Founder and President of Fundacion Esquipulas for Integration of Central America


Contact: Ocean Security International Suite 2001 Edificio Cartagena de Indias Calle 13 No.1-25 130001 Cartagena de Indias Colombia + 57 313 556 4053 www.ocean-security.org


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