Briefing on the Fourth Intergovernmental Review of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities, 6 December 2017 at 5:30-7pm at #cleanseas campaign tent

The Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA) was adopted by 109 governments and the European Commission in November 1995. The Programme represents global commitment among national governments, international and regional organizations and programmes, non-governmental organizations and major groups, to protect and preserve the marine environment from adverse impacts of land-based activities. UN Environment serves as the Secretariat for the GPA, through a Coordination Office based at its Headquarters in Nairobi. UN Environment is tasked with facilitating and promoting the implementation of the GPA through international, regional and national action. The Programme is reviewed every 5 years through an Inter-Governmental Review (IGR) mechanism and its work is closely inter-linked to the Regional Seas Programmes. At the third IGR convened in Manila, Philippines, governments directed the Programme to focus on three pollution source category areas, specifically nutrients, wastewater and marine litter during the period 2012 to 2016. Further, the 3rd IGR mandated the convening of the 4th Intergovernmental Review meeting to assess progress under the Programme and consider the scope of work of the programme over the next five-year period. The 4th IGR is to be convened during the course of 2018, the date and venue to be announced .