The present plan of action constitutes a framework and coordinating mechanism for regional cooperation to facilitate and promote the sustainable management of the marine and coastal resources of the countries of the north-east Pacific, on the basis of joint policies and measures agreed and drawn up in response to national needs and interests of regional and global importance and for the well-being of present and future generations within the region. In its turn, the programme of activities also forms part, where appropriate, of the north-east Pacific regional component of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities. The plan represents the principal instrument for the implementation of the convention.