IOC-UNESCO leads two components of the recently-launched GEF-sponsored Transboundary Waters Assessment Programme (TWAP) focused on Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) and the Open Ocean. The marine-focused components of the assessment will examine essential marine ecosystem goods and services that support human wellbeing and livelihoods, how these are affected by human activity, and governance measures that help the stewardship of these global commons. The assessment will cover more than sixty LMEs, as well as global ocean issues in climate, ecosystems, fisheries and pollution; and their local impact. TWAP marine components are a contribution to the UN World Ocean Assessment (WOA, the Regular process for global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-economic aspects). TWAP results will be available in 2014, and coordination with the UN Group of Experts developing the first WOA has been initiated.

In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 161 - Complete the first global integrated assessment of the state of the marine environment by 2014 and its subsequent consideration by the Assembly.

Following a recommendation of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, the GA decided to establish a regular process for global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-economic aspects.(the "Regular Process")

The GA has decided that the task of the first cycle of the Regular Process (2010 to 2014) will be to produce the first integrated global marine assessment of the world's oceans and seas. To this end, the GA has created an Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole, which meets at UN Headquarters in New York.

• More information

In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 161 - Complete the first global integrated assessment of the state of the marine environment by 2014 and its subsequent consideration by the Assembly.