Preparing contingency plans for marine disasters

To develop and maintain, where significant hazards exist, emergency preparedness plans in conjunction with the emergency services, relevant authorities and the local community, recognizing potential transboundary impacts.

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

Agenda 21 recommends contingency plans for human-induced disasters such as degradation and pollution of anthropogenic origin, including spills of oil and other materials, and for natural disasters including those caused by climate change and rising sea level.