Supporting national action to protect marine ecosystems

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 taking action to ensure respect of areas designated by coastal states, within their exclusive economic zones, consistent with international law, in order to protect and preserve rare or fragile ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves.