Environment and development in coastal regions and in small islands

The Regional (Europe) Network on “Wise Coastal Practices for Sustainable Human Development (WiCoP-Europe)” (hereinafter referred to as “the Network”) composed of:

University of Aveiro (Aveiro, Portugal)
University of Bologna (Bologna, Italy)
University of Cádiz (Cádiz, Spain)
University of Latvia (Riga, Latvia)
Russian State Hydrometeorological University (St Petersburg, Russian Federation)

the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (hereinafter referred to as “UNESCO”), 7 place Fontenoy, 75352 Paris, France, represented by its Director-General, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura,

1. Purpose

2. Main objectives

• Promote an integrated system of research, training, demonstration, information and documentation activities in the field of “Sustainable Development in Coastal Regions”;
  
  
• Provide advice and expertise to assist all countries in:

• establishing truly intersectoral pilot projects;
  
  
• facilitating links between local, regional and global levels, harmonization between top-down and bottom-up approaches, and complementarity among societal domains;
  
  
• providing scientific-technological and socio-cultural support for pilot projects;
  
  
• enhancing interdisciplinary research, education and training and the use of new information and communication technologies;
  
  
• strengthening local and indigenous knowledge systems and facilitating, where applicable, their equitable articulation with  scientific-technological knowledge;
  
  
• developing methods for evaluating and applying science and technology with a view to the development of  wise coastal practices for sustainable human development;
  
  
• recognizing higher-education qualifications;
  
  
• developing guidelines and protocols for the prevention of potential conflicts and the  resolution of existing conflicts over coastal resources and values.

3.  Fields and disciplines concerned

The Cooperation Programme focuses upon the interface between Environment and Society. The principal domains are: scientific-technical, socio-cultural and education-communication. The disciplines concerned are: environmental sciences, social and human sciences, cultural heritage, management, law and economics as applicable to coastal region issues.

4. Phasing of the establishment of the Cooperation Programme
   
   
   1. The official date of launch is proposed to be August 2002.
      
      
   2. The development of the Cooperation Programme will comprise two phases:

• Phase one: developing the Cooperative Programme activities in conjunction with those on the UNESCO Environment and Development in Coastal Regions and in Small Islands platform (CSI).
  
  
• Phase two: identification, in close collaboration with the members of the Network and with UNESCO, of ways of extending the Programme to include other participants and/or institutions. All admission of new participants and/or institutions into the Cooperation Programme must be approved in writing by each of the parties concerned.

5. Contribution of each party
   
   
   1. Each party shall appoint its own principal contacts for the Cooperation Programme and duly notify the other.
      
      
   2. Whenever possible, UNESCO shall provide a "seed-money" contribution.  Any financial contribution shall be the subject of a written agreement. UNESCO will collaborate with the Network in raising extrabudgetary funds in order to contribute to the smooth functioning of the Cooperation Programme.
      
      
   3. The Network shall submit an annual report to UNESCO presenting and evaluating the activities carried out by the Network. If approved, UNESCO will distribute the report to the world academic community. UNESCO shall ensure the international dissemination of information on the experience and potential benefits of the activities of the Network at the regional and international levels. The Network shall provide a detailed financial report indicating support obtained for the Cooperation Programme from different sources.
      
      
   4. UNESCO shall take the necessary steps to facilitate the participation of the Network in its programmes and activities with a view to promoting international academic cooperation in the field of “Integrated Management and Sustainable Development in Coastal Regions and in Small Islands”. Whenever possible, UNESCO shall also promote the exchange of information and documentation and of professors, researchers, and students associated with the Network within the framework of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme.

6. Regular consultations

7. Other provisions
   
   
   1. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Network shall assume all expenses linked to the execution of Cooperation Programme activities.
      
      
   2. Neither the Network nor any member of its staff employed for the execution of Cooperation Programme activities shall be considered an agent, representative or member of UNESCO’s staff, nor shall they enjoy any benefit, immunity, remuneration or reimbursement if not clearly foreseen in this Agreement; moreover, they shall not be authorized to present themselves as being part of UNESCO, nor make statements on UNESCO's behalf, nor commit UNESCO to any expense of any nature or to any other obligation.
      
      
   3. The Network shall be entirely responsible for taking any measures it deems necessary to insure itself against loss, injury or damage incurred during the execution of these activities.
      
      
   4. The present Agreement shall enter into force upon its signature and will stay in force for a period of four (4) years on the date of all signatures having been appended. It may be terminated by either party subject to sixty (60) days’ written notice to the other party.
      
      
   5. Any renewal of the present Agreement shall be effected by an exchange of letters between the parties.
      
      
   6. In the event of a disagreement, the parties shall make an effort in good faith to settle it amicably. In the event that a settlement cannot be reached, any dispute arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement shall be settled by a sole arbitrator appointed by mutual agreement, or failing this, by the President of the International Court of Justice at the request of either party.

For the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization	For the Wise Coastal Practices for Sustainable Human Development Network (Wicop-Europe)

(see the signing ceremony)

	Introduction		Activities	Publications	Search
	Wise Practices	Regions		Themes