In accordance with resolution 2997 (XXVII) of the United Nations General Assembly, UNEP was established “as a focal point for environmental action and co-ordination within the United Nations system”. The Governing Council of UNEP has defined this environmental action as encompassing a comprehensive, transsectorial approach to environmental problems which should deal not only with the consequences but also with causes of environmental degradation. The UNEP Governing Council has designated “Oceans” among the priority areas in which activities are to be developed, and the early meetings of Governing Council endorsed a regional approach to the control of marine pollution and management of marine coastal resources. Consequently, in 1974 the Regional Seas Programme of UNEP was initiated.