Fifth Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts and Islands

Bringing together stakeholders from all regions of the world, the event programme is divided into a number of sessions. Three major themes will be covered during the first two days of the event:
- ensuring survival - oceans, climate and security, major issues in mitigation, adaptation, and financing in the post-Copenhagen climate regime,
- preserving life - marine biodiversity, networks of marine protected areas, and 'Celebrating the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity',
- improving governance - achieving integrated, ecosystem-based ocean and coastal management at the national and regional levels and in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

During the symposium, a special workshop will be held on 'Fifty years of the intergovernmental oceanographic commission: international cooperation on the marine, natural and social sciences - looking ahead to meeting the challenges of the next fifty years'.

On the third day of the conference, The High-Level National Officials Roundtable, The Ocean Parliamentarians, and the Network of Local and Regional Authorities will meet for separate deliberations. The Global Forum Working Groups and symposium leaders will prepare, before the conference, policy briefs and recommendations for consideration by all three groups.

On the last two days of the event, a policy conference will feature plenary panels on the major conference themes and topics, charting the way ahead for the international oceans community.