From 2001-11-26 to 2001-11-30

Venue: Montreal, Canada

Summary:
Bearing in mind the important implications of the GPA with respect to issues such as human health, poverty alleviation and food security, an overriding objective of the Intergovernmental Review is to bring the aims of the GPA in the mainstream of appropriate programmes and activities at the national, regional and global level.

In accordance with paragraph 77 of the GPA, the Intergovernmental Review should:
- Review progress on implementation of the Programme of Action at the national, regional and global level;
- Review the results of scientific assessments regarding land-based impacts upon the marine environment provided by relevant scientific organizations and institutions, including GESAMP;
- Consider reports provided on national plans to implement the Programme of Action;
- Review coordination and collaboration among organizations and institutions, regional and global, with relevant responsibilities and experience;
- Promote exchange of experience between regions;
- Review progress in capacity-building and on mobilization of resources to support the implementation of the Programme of Action, in particular in countries in need of assistance and, where appropriate, provide guidance; and
- Consider the need for international rules, recommended practices and procedures to further the objectives of the Programme of Action.

Specific products of the Intergovernmental Review meeting could include:
- A Ministerial/High Level Declaration adopted by Governments and other major stakeholders and groups (e.g., private sector, non-governmental organizations) addressing, among other, concrete action to further the implementation of the GPA;
- Endorsement of the Recommendations for Decision-Making on Municipal Wastewater, and agreement that a similar approach taken in preparing in strategic action plan on municipal wastewater be used to address other GPA pollutant source categories;
- Sharing of experience and expertise among Governments and a wider range of stakeholders in support of GPA implementation; and
- A work programme for 2002-2006 to further implementation of the GPA, with identification of specific activities, targets and financial implications, to be undertaken by Governments, international and regional governmental and non-governmental organizations, private sector, other major groups and the GPA Coordination Office.

These products should be forwarded to UNEP Governing Council for endorsement and to relevant fora (e.g., the Commission on Sustainable Development, 2002 Bonn Water Conference, RIO +10).

Organizers: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Government of Canada
Contact Name: UNEP/GPA Coordination Office
E-mail: gpa@unep.nl
URL: http://www.gpa.unep.org/igr/default.htm