THE UNITED-NATIONS REGIONAL SEAS PROGRAM - HOW DOES IT MEASURE UP

This article describes the United Nations' Regional Seas Programme in terms of ifs basic structure, goals, and current status, discusses alternative approaches to determine program effectiveness; and presents a process-related evaluation of the program. The paper analyzes and critiques the effectiveness of the Regional Seas Programme based on the five program goals described in each regional action plan: environmental assessment, environmental management, environmental legislation, and institutional and financial arrangements. The analysis shows that the Regional Seas Programme has a record of substantial programmatic achievements to address regional marine pollution issues. However, the process evaluation does point out some weaknesses in the overall program including: difficulty in characterizing environmental problems, the narrow focus of environmental management programs and protocols, and inadequate funding by participating states. Finally, at this point in the program there is a critical need for derailed outcome evaluations to determine environmental improvement.