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The global oceans community is very thankful to the Government of Indonesia for hosting the World Ocean Conference 2009 to put the limelight on the relationship between climate change and oceans, coasts, and small island developing States (SIDS). The political consensus that will be reached by governmental representatives in issuing the Manado Oceans Declaration is very much appreciated and applauded by the global oceans community. High-level ocean leaders from all sectors (governments, non-government organizations (NGOs), international organizations, science, and industry) participating in the 4th Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands Advancing Ecosystem Management and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management in the Context of Climate Change, April 7-11, 2008, Hanoi, Vietnam, urged the international community to focus on the relationship between oceans and climate change and the predicted profound effects on ecosystems and coastal populations around the world, especially among the poorest people on Earth and in SIDS. In particular, conference participants identified the “special niche” that ocean and coastal leaders occupy (or hold), and adopted the following agenda for action for the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands to pursue in its Program of Work, 2008-2012:
• Put ocean issues in the climate negotiations and vice versa
• Understand and develop policy responses to global ocean changes (such as ocean warming, ocean acidification, changes in currents, changes in polar regions)
• Address the “climate divide” and promote international commitments and funding mechanisms
to respond to the differential effects of climate change on different regions and peoples, especially in relation to developing countries and SIDS
• Encourage a wide range of adaptation efforts and appropriate financing mechanisms
• Properly manage mitigation efforts related to the oceans
o Carbon capture and storage
o Ocean fertilization
o Curbing air pollution from ships
• Encourage alternative forms of energy using the oceans (such as wind power, tides, currents)
• Encourage capacity development, public education, and innovative private sector action to address the impacts of climate change on oceans, coasts, and SIDS
This volume of Policy Briefs has been prepared to provide all participants present at the World Ocean
Conference in Manado and participants involved in the climate negotiations related to the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol with information and perspectives on the range of issues involved in oceans and climate change.

This volume, currently presented in Draft form, will be enhanced through the discussions that will take
place during the World Ocean Conference, especially during the Global Ocean Policy Day and associated process, which represent the major opportunity during the World Ocean Conference for multi-stakeholder dialogue among high-level government officials, international organizations, NGOs, industry representatives, and scientists on the importance of the oceans in climate change, mitigation strategies, adaptation strategies, and financing issues. The funding support of the Global Environment iv Facility, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in the preparation of the Global Ocean Policy Day is acknowledged with sincere thanks.

This volume has been produced by the Secretariat of the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands,
in cooperation with faculty and students at the University of Delaware’s Gerard J. Mangone Center for
Marine Policy, and in close collaboration with colleagues from The Nature Conservancy; the World
Wildlife Fund; the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations, France; the Sea Level Rise Foundation, Seychelles; NAUSICAA; and the World Ocean Network.

Please note that Global Forum policy publications are aimed at promoting discussion and action to advance the global oceans agenda. The perspectives expressed in this volume, including any errors or omissions, are the responsibility of the individual authors. These perspectives are not necessarily shared by all members of the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands, partner organizations, nor by the Global Forum’s sponsoring organizations. The authors welcome comments and corrections to the various chapters in this volume.