The North-East Atlantic Environment Strategy 2030 sets out the vision, strategic objectives and operational framework for the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic for the period to 2030. It establishes a system of strategic and operational objectives supported by monitoring, assessment and review mechanisms. The Strategy defines a vision of a clean, healthy, biologically diverse and resilient marine environment and is structured around four thematic areas: clean seas, biologically diverse seas, productive and sustainably used seas, and seas resilient to climate change and ocean acidification. Under these themes, it establishes twelve strategic objectives addressing issues including eutrophication, pollution by hazardous and radioactive substances, marine litter, biodiversity conservation and restoration, sustainable use of marine resources, underwater noise, seabed integrity, and climate change impacts. The Strategy is implemented through a set of time-bound operational objectives specifying actions, targets and measures to be undertaken by the Contracting Parties. These include, inter alia, the reduction of marine litter, the expansion and effective management of marine protected areas, the prevention and reduction of pollution, and the development of coordinated approaches to monitoring, assessment and management of human activities affecting the marine environment. The final provisions address implementation and governance, including the role of the OSPAR Commission, the use of monitoring and assessment tools such as the Quality Status Report, and requirements for regular reporting and review. The Strategy provides for periodic evaluation of progress and for adjustments in light of new scientific knowledge and environmental developments.
2021-10-01