Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)).
While setting environmental policies on a global scale as a political goal, the
pressure will increase for science to respond more quickly and effectively to the
needs of society and participation in the decision-making process and governance.
Researchers and scientists should investigate sustainability questions that society
defines as important and move beyond a purely technological approach to sustainable development in all dimensions (Schmalzbauer and Visbeck 2016). Underlying
the development of policies for sustainable management is the assumption that
policy decisions are based on a reasonably certain knowledge base, or the required
knowledge can be obtained (Schmalzbauer and Visbeck 2016). However, the interdisciplinary research underpinning the study of sustainable management often lacks
this knowledge base, and it can be only achieved if there are investments for more
solution-oriented research and for scientific research to improve the knowledge and
functioning of the dynamic and changing future.
From all that commented, (i) there is a scientific and social demand to increase our
capabilities in oceanographic research in the Alboran Sea, (ii) there is a political
consensus on the need to establish environmental sustainability practices, and (iii)
there is the technological capacity to improve our data and models, but the paradox is
the limitation given mainly by the economic impossibility that a single scientific
institution undertakes with charge to its budgets the necessary investments.
Decision-makers must ensure that scientific analysis is articulated in conjunction
with other tools such as social impact assessments, and that information is accompanied by a road map, including a timeline with targets and indicators. Because there
are other factors affecting environmental decision-making (as the possible irreversible outcomes and the difficulties of balancing short-term gain against long-term
uncertain loss), the consequences of the human behavior should be made as clear as
possible, e.g., based on scenarios, so that the actors can envision the outcome of their
actions. Although necessary, such prioritization is complicated because the priorities
may vary for various actors (e.g., business operators, resource managers, NGOs, or
governments).
24.2.2 Recent International Developments to Improve Ocean
Governance and Sustainability
Seas and ocean international dimension is reflected in its extensive regulatory
development. In the Mediterranean Sea (major detail in Chap. 2 of this volume),
more than 50 international, general, and regional treaties can be applied, although
not all countries are signatories or have ratified them. These treaties cover a wide
spectrum of subjects: from fishing to discharges, pollution, biological diversity, or
different aspects of navigation and transport. It is essential for management plans
that all uses and activities are already regulated. The United Nations Convention on
24 Sustainable Development and Blue Growth in the Alboran Sea: Enabling Ocean. . .
803
While setting environmental policies on a global scale as a political goal, the
pressure will increase for science to respond more quickly and effectively to the
needs of society and participation in the decision-making process and governance.
Researchers and scientists should investigate sustainability questions that society
defines as important and move beyond a purely technological approach to sustainable development in all dimensions (Schmalzbauer and Visbeck 2016). Underlying
the development of policies for sustainable management is the assumption that
policy decisions are based on a reasonably certain knowledge base, or the required
knowledge can be obtained (Schmalzbauer and Visbeck 2016). However, the interdisciplinary research underpinning the study of sustainable management often lacks
this knowledge base, and it can be only achieved if there are investments for more
solution-oriented research and for scientific research to improve the knowledge and
functioning of the dynamic and changing future.
From all that commented, (i) there is a scientific and social demand to increase our
capabilities in oceanographic research in the Alboran Sea, (ii) there is a political
consensus on the need to establish environmental sustainability practices, and (iii)
there is the technological capacity to improve our data and models, but the paradox is
the limitation given mainly by the economic impossibility that a single scientific
institution undertakes with charge to its budgets the necessary investments.
Decision-makers must ensure that scientific analysis is articulated in conjunction
with other tools such as social impact assessments, and that information is accompanied by a road map, including a timeline with targets and indicators. Because there
are other factors affecting environmental decision-making (as the possible irreversible outcomes and the difficulties of balancing short-term gain against long-term
uncertain loss), the consequences of the human behavior should be made as clear as
possible, e.g., based on scenarios, so that the actors can envision the outcome of their
actions. Although necessary, such prioritization is complicated because the priorities
may vary for various actors (e.g., business operators, resource managers, NGOs, or
governments).
24.2.2 Recent International Developments to Improve Ocean
Governance and Sustainability
Seas and ocean international dimension is reflected in its extensive regulatory
development. In the Mediterranean Sea (major detail in Chap. 2 of this volume),
more than 50 international, general, and regional treaties can be applied, although
not all countries are signatories or have ratified them. These treaties cover a wide
spectrum of subjects: from fishing to discharges, pollution, biological diversity, or
different aspects of navigation and transport. It is essential for management plans
that all uses and activities are already regulated. The United Nations Convention on
24 Sustainable Development and Blue Growth in the Alboran Sea: Enabling Ocean. . .
803