Global Governance of the Earth's Oceans

Question 1

Supranational Insitutions for global governance

Answer 1

‘governance’ suggests broader nations of steering/piloting rather than direct form of control associate with ‘government’
= steering rules, norms, codes and regulations used to regulate human activity internationally
- 1919 Great War led to establishment of League of Nations, acceleration to greater global governance after WWII, UN at the forefront

Question 2

Difference between governance and governments

Answer 2

Governments = rule of law, unipolar decision making (centralised), primary goals are economic growth and national resources security 
Governance = agreements and cooperation, multilateral decision making (collective), primary goals are world peace, global prosperity and sustainable development

Question 3

The UN, NATO and Ocean Governance

Answer 3

• UN was first post-war supranational institution to be established and has grown to embrace a range of governance such as human rights, health and economics
• UNESCO protects environment, including seas, 1992 conference established plan of action for sustainable development and laid the groundwork for the Kyoto Agreement in 1997
• UNCLOS treaty covers aspects of maritime management including territorial rights and marine biodiversity
• NATO alliance brings strength to 28 member states, major maritime powers, security and active role tackling piracy

Question 4

Role of the EU and importance in ocean governance

Answer 4

• politically integrated supranational institution with own currency
• grants all members freedom of movement, most borders removed in 1995 after Schengen Agreement
• own strict rules on protecting Europe’s seas and marine directive
• highly effective due to level of political integration members have achieves, must abide by laws or face sanctions
• ships forbidden form polluting territorial waters of EU countries, criminal offence to discharge oil or polluting substance

Question 5

Role of G7/8 and G20 and importance in ocean governance

Answer 5

• G8 includes USA, Japan, UK, Germany, Italy, France and Canada [and Russia], since 1975, leading economic countries meet to coordinate response to economic challenge
• 2011, G8 acted to stabilise japans economy after tsunami
• may be losing importance as a forum of international decision making as some leading economies, china and India, are not members
• G20 founded in 1999 to include emerging economies
• larger size weakens ability to agree and act on environmental issues

Question 6

G77 role and importance in ocean governance

Answer 6

• now has 134 members of developing countries, lobbied developing countries to do more to tackle climate change
• 1964 - G77 functioned as a loose coalition of countries
• diverging interests of many members limited global impact