GPA

The objective of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land- Based Activities (GPA) is to assist States in taking action individually or jointly to reduce land-based pollution.

The Programme endorses the precautionary approach, the polluter pays principle and sustainable development. Chapter II to IV sets out objectives and actions to be taken at the national, regional and international level, emphasis being put on promoting access to technology and knowledge and making funding available to developing countries through such mechanisms as the World Bank's Global Environment Facility (GEF) (Chapter IV). Chapter V lays out recommended approaches to different categories of pollutant and lists those that require priority action. These are sewage, persistent organic pollutants, radioactive substances, heavy metals, oil, nutrients and litter.

Provisions for its implementation and further development include: securing formal endorsement of those parts of the Programme of Action that are relevant to other organisations (including the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)) and incorporating the relevant provisions into their work programmes; establishing a clearing-house mechanism to provide decision-makers in all States with direct access to relevant source of information, practical experience and scientific and technical expertise; and providing for periodic inter- governmental review of the Programme of Action.