About Regional Seas
The UNEP Regional Seas Programme is an alliance between Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans. Since its inception in 1974 the Programme constituted a unique approach to the protection of the coastal and marine environment.
Thirteen Conventions and Action Plans have been established under UNEP auspices, and five similar independent agreements. Altogether, more than 140 countries participate in at least one Regional Seas Convention or Action Plan.
Unlike the Global Environmental Conventions, the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans have a geographic scope. A wide range of inter-linked issues is addressed, ranging from chemical wastes and coastal development to the conservation of marine animals and ecosystems. This also makes them valuable for the regional implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other relevant mandates.