In most regions, the action plan is underpinned by a strong legal framework, in the form of a regional convention and protocols on specific issues. The legally binding agreement clearly expresses the commitment and political will of governments to address their common environmental problems through joint coordinated activities. Under this model, governments begin to adopt a legally binding general agreement or “framework agreement” outlying what they must do to implement the action plan. This Convention may be supplemented by protocols, separate but interconnected legal agreements, which deal with specific issues such as protected areas or land-based pollution and include detailed obligations. Each regional maritime programme is managed by one or more regional activity centres (REGIONAL ACTIV Centres, RACs) and by a secretariat or a regional coordination centre (RCU). RCCs carry out activities agreed by the parties within the framework of action plans or conventions, usually at the subregional or national level. They report directly to the RCU, which has overall responsibility for the implementation of the parties` decisions, as well as other administrative and political functions. Each program may have multiple RACs depending on its activities, but has only one RCU. In particular, Article 6 of the Directive obliges Member States to use the institutional structures and activities of the CSF to facilitate the implementation of the Directive, in particular as regards third countries. The Directive also ensures that CSRs and other international agreements are taken into account at all stages of the development of maritime strategies.
Finally, when developing standards and methodological criteria for good environmental status, the Commission had to consult the CSR. regional maritime conventions can support the implementation of the Sea Directive in at least three ways: improving regional and interregional coherence of national implementation; the provision of extensive experience of the CRIC and the cooperation structures in place in order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of national implementation; and providing practical opportunities for mobilisation and coordination of the activities of the third countries concerned. The Commission carried out a study to identify the main assistance needs of the CDC with regard to their role in the implementation of the Sea Directive, to define the appropriate support options and to develop a work plan for the implementation of the support options. UN Environment manages regional programmes in West Africa, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the North-West Pacific, the East Asian Sea, the Caspian Sea and East Africa. The programme also covers several other regions of the world, making it one of the world`s largest initiatives for the protection of the marine and coastal environment: regional conventions and action plans on the sea aim to link regional activities to global processes through strategic guidance and strengthen the regional maritime agenda globally in response to the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda. Since 2004, the Regional Seas Programme has formulated Strategic Seas Collective Regional Directorates (SSSRs), which have lasted four years. Read more The action plan is based on the particular environmental problems and challenges of the region, as well as its socio-economic and political situation. . . .
