NOS International Strategy: AA Message
Message from the NOS Assistant Administrator
Across the globe, our vulnerability to the negative impacts of environmental change is increasing. In the 21st century, we must act to address growing pressures from the accelerating concentration of populations and economic activity in coastal zones and acute events such as Hurricane Katrina, the Indian Ocean Tsunami or coral reef bleaching. The challenge is to save not only the last, best places, but manage the coastal landscape and ocean space to adapt to global change, while providing for economic growth of coastal communities, and sustainable management of coastal resources.
Responding successfully to environmental stresses increasingly requires NOS to exercise leadership in reaching across our borders to engage global partners. This NOS International Strategy underscores our corporate commitment to collaborate with the international community to build coastal resilience to sustain coastal communities and improve marine health and productivity. Coastal resilience addresses the ability of an ecosystem or coastal community to recover from chronic or acute stressors. This strategy proposes a NOS contribution – based on our core products and services - to build coastal resiliency at the national and international levels.
As America’s premier civilian ocean agency, NOAA’s National Ocean Service works internationally to: ensure safe and efficient marine transportation; implement sustainable resource management and conservation practices; provide leadership in Earth science; and advance international ocean policy issues. This International Strategy will mobilize NOS international efforts to promote a comprehensive approach to international challenges by focusing on the following priorities:
- Observe and predict the Earth system.
- Improve and maintain the viability of marine and coastal ecosystems.
- Mitigate and adapt to climate change and vulnerability.
- Reduce vulnerability to natural and anthropogenic hazards.
- Promote safe and environmentally sound navigation.
Addressing these five goals requires NOS and NOAA to think globally, act locally, and partner internationally to help restore and maintain coastal resilience. NOS will collaborate globally to advance the continued enjoyment, health, and productivity of the oceans and coasts in the U.S. and abroad.
John H. Dunnigan
Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce