Focus on National Action

National Programmes of Action to protect the marine environment from land-based activities (NPAs) are the translation of the GPA at the national level. The implementation of the GPA and the NPAs is primarily the task of national governments. NPAs are flexible and result-oriented programmes for the protection of the marine environment from land-based activities.

The aims of developing and implementing an NPAs are to:

1. Develop an NPA as a long-term iterative process that feeds into national development plans and priorities;
2. Improve the effectiveness of existing action plans;
3. Mobilize political and financial support for the long-term programme and to demonstrate that land-based activities can be addressed using alternative, realistic and country-driven approaches; and,
4. Raise awareness and understanding of the value, benefits and vulnerability of strategic coastal and marine environments.

The revised NPA Handbook "Protecting coastal and marine environments from land-based activities: A guide for national action" will be made available shortly on this site.

The UNEP Handbook on the Development and Implementation of a National Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities is available in English, French, and Spanish.

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