Improving the Use of Science to Attain the Vision for
Large Marine Ecosystems and Open Oceans
Annadel S. CabanbanCo-chair, Large Marine Ecosystems and
Open Ocean Working GroupGEF/UNEP/UNU-INWEH
IIW Science Project – Learning Project
Findings of 2 Working GroupsCoastal Zone/Land-based Pollution Science and
Transboundary ManagementLarge Marine Ecosystem & the Open OceanRecommendations for further scientific investigationInnovation for advancing use of science
MethodologyGather GEF IW project information – IW:Science
KMSPrepare a Synopsis - extract and assimilate the
scientific underpinnings Conduct an Analysis on:
critical emerging science issues & research needsdevelopment and use of indicators the application of science for adaptive management
1. Critical Emerging Science Issues in the IW Focal Area2. Science for Adaptive Management & Development and Use of Indicators to support IW Projects
Two Synthesis Reports from 20 Years of GEF IW Activities on:
1. Synopsis
2. Analysis
3.Synthesis
Bases for review
LBPS projectsLME OO – 46 LME and OO
ProjectsGuided by list of questions
Where science is needed - adaptive management framework
Adaptive Management – where science is needed
Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA)Strategic Action Program (SAP)SAP implementationMonitoring
Transboundary Diagnostic AnalysisState of the LME
Drivers, Pressures Institutions, laws, policies,
economic instruments
baseline studies
operational indicators:
process, pressures
Strategic Action Program:Vision Statement
Measurable Environmental Objectives
emerging issues
Regional/National PolicyEnvironmental Targets,
Spatial Planning
regular monitoring - all indicators
Status and trends
robust, quantitative system state
indicators
Regulations and compliance
fast feedback loop
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methods
Findings – on use of science
Scientific results not fully documented, disseminatedTargeted research neededApplied research for management
Critical Issues, not yet studied in detail
Climate change adaptation, acidification, atmospheric change
Multiple stressors, tipping-points, resilience of ecosystems
Critical issues raised, but not dealt with in large-scale
Impact of improper land-use and unregulated development
Causes of harmful algal blooms and nutrient ratio changes
Invasive species and diseases, ballast waters, illegal transport and aquaculture
Anticipated, emerging issuesPlastic, microfiber pollutionLifestyle chemicals (and nano-particles)Deep-sea fishingSeamount habitat destruction (conservation)Marine renewable energy, carbon capture and storage Exploitation of methane hydrates and environmental
impacts Underwater sound
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HUMAN SYSTEMS
WELFAREchange, attributable to change in STATE
RESPONSEan initiative to reduce
at least 1 impact
DRIVERActivity or process intended to
improve human welfare
PRESSUREMeans by which 1 DRIVER causes or
contributes to a change in STATE
STATESpecific attribute of the natural
environment that reflects its integrity
ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
impacts
Challenges in LME management
Issues and scales – land to ocean
Most environmental problems are ‘wicked’
Actions are local and national
Institutionalizing applied sciences
Building constituency to promote changes in behavior
Poor resource allocation
Science to Policy Bridges: adaptive managementEnvironmental problems are multi-faceted, have
multiple causes, unknown tipping-points Solutions are multi-disciplinary, including natural
science, behavioral science, social sciences, economics
Recommendations1. establishing a scientific advisory group; 2. establishing integrated information
management system; 3. conducting regional scientific conferences; 4. conducting dialogues between scientists
and policy-makers
Innovation to advance science
Public-Private PartnershipsPayment for Ecosystem
Services Corporate Social
Responsibility
Thank You
