MARINE SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES IN THE NEW OCEAN REGIME

Presented by M ABDULSALAM OE11M032

Objective

To discuss the implications of the Law of sea convention for the management of science and technology in broader context To examine the role of science and scientists in governance in the 21st century

Introduction
Emphasis of UNCLOS

Science and Technology assigned as fundamental importance in the convention. Almost 1/3 of the 320 articles in the convention related to science and technology. the need of international co-operation both at the regional and global level. The new regime has to be a consent regime. Reservation of marine scientific research for peaceful purposes only. Formation of intergovernmental organizations for direct involvement in marine sciences and for solving disputes related to scientific issues. Implementation of new science and technology regime could be greatly enhanced by utilizing the UNCED conventions and decisions.

The Role of Science in the 21st century

Since WW II, scientific information has become a basic and necessary element in making almost any political decision, especially regarding conservation of environment. Economic growth depends on technological innovation (85 to 90%) which is based on scientific research.

Science , technology and economical developments are linked fundamentally.

Also science and defence industry are linked. Defence industry grows exponentially. Conversion of military establishments for peaceful purposes for monitoring, surveillance and enforcement.

Implications
Social responsibility

Intellectual, ethical and civic responsibility on scientists in answering questions related to political decision making. Reduction of uncertainty factor in scientific issues for example global warming

Implications contd.
Development gap

About 90 percent scientific and research and development is carried out in developed countries. The research gap between North and South is the worst of all development gaps. Without scientific and industrial research, the developing countries cannot simply develop. The developing countries are in the danger of increasing marginalization due to the new phase of industrial revolution in the North.

Oceanography

Marine science has tended to become a planetary science, applying the principles of other disciplines for the study of oceans (Lord Ritchie Calder -1978). Oceanographic theory while utilizing other natural sciences can only be a consensus of views subjected to long term observations, with no means of experimental conformation. The dynamic nature of the ocean makes it difficult to predict and control its processes. New technology advances in oceanography has led to major marine discoveries (John Woods -1991). The use of information technology and remote sensing has led to the formulation of better and more comprehensive models of ocean behavior.

Marine Science, Technology and Sustainable development

Marine science and technology have two-way interactions with each other, with technology leading to better science and scientific knowledge leading to improved technological development. Marine sciences has become an essential input into decision-making process for model buildings and predictions of tsunamis, cyclones, pollution. Marine technology is essential for the exploration and exploitation of marine resources, both living and nonliving. Sustainable developments comprises of the triune concepts of equity, ecology and efficiency

Marine Science, Technology and Sustainable development contd.

Only few nations are capable of coping with the problems raised by the marine environment. Since ocean is a single large system, what happens in one part can have consequences (often of catastrophic dimensions) in the other parts also. The issue of inter-generational equity and equity as between genders, indigenous people and other vulnerable communities place a special responsibility on Scientists and technologists.

Marine Science, Technology and Sustainable development contd..

Mieke Boon and Joop Doorman (1994) attempt to answer the following questions:

What is the role of science in society aiming at sustainability? Is science as practiced today appropriate for a sustainable society? Is there an emerging methodology and paradigm relevant to sustainability? How can favorable conditions for science be created so as to lead to a sustainable society?

Marine Science, Technology and Sustainable development contd..

Two radically opposed views are there about the problem According to the first view, a radically different approach is required as compared to that of traditional science. Our scientific judgments are guided by the wrong values as well as a purely instrumentalist approach towards nature. Hence New science should be developed, based on new value system. The opposite view maintains that science and technology in their present functioning are preeminently suitable for generating appropriate solutions to sustainability problems. There is no need of adoption of a new value system.

Marine Science, Technology and Sustainable development contd.

As per a middle view, sustainability as a value should guide actual research practice since that enables knowledge to be obtained in spite of limited financial resources. New possibilities in the domain of methodology to be considered rather than searching for a new or alternate science. Sustainable development being a dynamic and ongoing decision-making process, the science of ecological systems has to fit into a decision-making paradigm.

Marine Science, Technology and Sustainable development contd..

In dealing with uncertainty in decision making, it was remarked at the Sustainable development, Science and policy conference that it was better to find out that we are roughly right in due time that be precisely right too late (1990) Policies have to be made with out complete knowledge as the basis for decisions and their effects, which puts a time limit on scientific research if it is relevant to decision making.

Future directions of marine scientific research

The establishment of 200 mile EEZ has stimulated the need to gain knowledge of national resources. Long term systematic research and observation programmes need to be organized according to a globally coordinated strategy to monitor the changes in the state of the marine and coastal environment and of ocean processes, and their interaction with atmospheric and terrestrial processes. The results of the research and observations have to be widely disseminated through easily accessible data bases. Bridging the gap between developing and developed countries.

Future directions of marine scientific research contd.

Solutions to global problems through international and intergovernmental cooperation. Long term commitment to fund the research and associated interpretation of results for management use. Sharing of technical facilities like ships, satellites and new automated devices.

According to Kullenberg the kind of marine research that is needed as follows

Global climate research programmes and the large associated oceanographic experiments to observe, understand and study the impacts.

Future directions of marine scientific research contd.

Research and monitoring of marine pollution to measure and assess the effects of human activity especially in the coastal interface zones. Study of marine environments, i.e., both coastal and openocean, its physical and biological parameters and processes, geological and geophysical properties, living and non living resources etc. Accelerated development of ocean services, including observing and monitoring data exchange and product producing systems.

Future directions of marine scientific research contd.

Integration of open ocean research programmes with those on shelf areas and in the coastal zone. The challenge for marine science is not only to address its current role, but also to redefine its objectives such that new goals and targets can be met expeditiously and economically.

Marine sciences and decision making

The major issue arising from the new role of science in world affairs is institutional restructuring. Knowledge of coastal and ocean ecosystems is a prerequisite for more effective decision making. Hence linkages between scientists and decision makers are critical. Scientists should have an active role in decision making. Scientists without decision making power is simply bought off by the decision makers. They will be forced to produce the kind of science that is needed by the decision makers to justify their political decisions.

Marine sciences and decision making

Considering the importance of science, the decision making system whether local, national or international has to be reorganized so as to include scientists in the decision making process. A classic example is the Yugoslav parliament which has separate chamber for scientists. Participation of scientists in decision making in integrated coastal management is recommended by Agenda 21 of UNCED.

Marine technology and sustainable society

Agenda 21, chapter 34 introduced the concept of Environmentally sound technologies. According to this concept, such technologies Protect the environment by using all resources in sustainable manner, recycling the wastes. Are process and product technologies which produce low/ no waste and treatment for pollution. Are total system including know-how, procedures, goods and services and equipment as well as organizational and managerial procedures.

Marine sciences and decision making

Chapter 34 says that the above implies consideration of human resources development, capacity building and rendering of technology with socio-economic, cultural and environmental priorities.

Sustainable technologies and their acceptability depends on culture and structure. Culture Legitimates the nature and volume of social needs, consumption pattern. Structure The economic and institutional organization of the society. Technology alone will not be able to provide a solution for sustainability. Communication strategy is necessary to diffuse sustainable technologies by balancing culture, structure and technology.

Marine sciences and decision making

Jansen developed a three track strategy for the for the use of sustainable technology to increase the environmental efficiency

Operational streamlining the existing production system Implementation improvement and application of both end of process/ product and process/ product integrated Renewal Development of new technological combinations and concepts

Sustainable technology in the international context

Regarding critical technologies, there is a high degree of correspondence between developed countries. The world wide diffusion of technology has recently accelerated due to the activities of transnational companies. Danger Lack of diversity in technological development which may lead to disastrous consequences only apparent with passage of time. The increasing unequal accessibility to environmental resources between North and South has to be bridged. High priority is given to the transfer of environment technologies to the South.

Regional differentiation in technology development: A chance for sustainability

According to Janson (1994), a number of arguments plead for regional diversification in technology. There is no simple relationship between scale of environmental threat and the scale of technological solution. A great deal of environmental resources and damage in exploiting them is a result of use far from their origin. Frequently, the use is in the North and source is in the South. There are differential need of technology. North urgently needs improvements of environmental technology where as South needs technology for sustainable development.

Regional differentiation in technology development: A chance for sustainability

Infrastructural situation is very different. Developing countries have unique opportunity to adopt cleaner and more efficient production systems. There is tremendous difference in availability and orientation of human resources such as labor, scientific infrastructure and organizational capabilities. The ESID conference emphasized on the importance of North South cooperation and South South cooperation.

Regional differentiation in technology development: A chance for sustainability

International basis for development of sustainable technology can be laid by Working out a philosophy of sustainable technology based on regional differentiation. The creations, building and expanding of international networks to exchange views and experience. Setting up of international pilot projects to try out and compare different approaches on a regional basis.

Institutional restructuring

There is difference in orientation of innovations between developed countries due to difference in management styles. Scanning of world technological trends followed by assessment of the relevant technologies is required. Acquiring new technologies through horizontal technology transfer groups and assimilation of technology through technical assimilation teams finally leads to new business.

The international ocean institute in 1988 lead a study to establish a regional centre for marine science and technology (Meditech). The study propose ways and means:

Institutional restructuring contd.

To implement articles 276 and 277 of UNCLOS To build on the UNEP regional seas programme Opening up of Europes EUREKA/ EUROMAR system to developing countries To enable developing countries to acquire high technology To introduce technology co-development as the most effective means of technology transfer To enhance North - South and South South cooperation

This will help the developing countries in acquiring new technologies with reduced R&D costs, risks and creation of markets Sharing of technology is inevitable due to the very nature of technology, over a period of time it will be stolen.

Institutional restructuring & Conclusions

The Meditech centre has been established with the cooperation of both North and South. In conclusion, the institutional models for sustainable technology development should have the following qualities: They should be based on a new value system, including a new concept of the continuity between humanity and nature. They should be geared for innovation modified to fit into other cultures. They should be imbedded in different cultures, preferably on the basis of regional organization, following the pattern of Meditech.

Conclusion

Institutional models for sustainable technology development should have the qualities New concept of continuity between humanity and nature. For innovation ( Japanese pattern) Imbedded in different cultures ( Regional organisation, Meditech pattern) structured in such a way to mobilize investments from both public and private means at regional level emphasize human resources development and training as a major factor for technology development.