2nd April 2021

Since its inception 40 years ago, the Regional Seas Programme (RSP) has constituted a unique approach to the protection of the coastal and marine environment.

A major role of the Programme is to support regions to fulfill their responsibilities towards the priorities identified in relevant UN Environment Governing Council Decisions and resolutions of the United Nations Environment Assembly, to contribute to reaching global targets such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

UN Environment administers regional programmes in West Africa, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northwest Pacific, East Asian Seas, Caspian Sea, and East Africa. The programme also covers several other regions of the world, making it one of the most globally comprehensive initiatives for the protection of marine and coastal environments:

• Antarctic

• Arctic

• Baltic

• Black Sea

• North-East Atlantic

• North-East Pacific

• Pacific

• Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

• ROPME Sea Area

• South Asian Seas

• South-East Pacific

Most of the Regional Seas Programmes function through action plans, which are adopted by member governments in order to establish a comprehensive strategy and framework for protecting the environment and promote sustainable development. An action plan outlines the strategy and substance of the programme, based on the region's particular environmental challenges as well as its socio-economic and political situation.