World Ocean Conference organized by the Government of Indonesia to be held in Manado, North Sulawesi Province, which will take place in May 2009. The Conference is expected to be attended by high level government officials and representatives from relevant international organizations with a view to develop a common understanding and firm commitment to address the adverse impact of climate change on the state of the world’s oceans, and increase understanding on the role of the oceans as ‘climate moderator’. (Draft Manado Ocean Declaration in annex to the CL)

The overall goals of the World Ocean Conference 2009 are: 1. To increase the understanding of many parties regarding (i) climate change and it's implications for the social and economic welfare of coastal peoples and for the ecological conditions of the marine and coastal zones, (ii) the role of the oceans in determining the way in which global climate change phenomena behave, (iii) the need for mitigation and adaptation measure to face up to the reality of climate change, and 2. To develop a strong commitment from the global community and discuss the future of the world's oceans in relationship to the role of the oceans in climate change processes and the effects of climate change on the oceans. This commitment from the world community to work together to improve marine resource management with regards to global climate change impact management will be captured in the MANADO OCEAN DECLARATION which will contain an agreement stressing the role of the oceans in regulating climate change and the importance of safeguarding the function of the oceans as an effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and will provide the impetus for the establishment of the World Ocean Forum (WOF) as a forum for communication between nations regarding the management of their seas. The Draft Manado Declaration kindly provided by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia is annexed to this circular letter. IOC and UNESCO Member States are invited to provide comments on the draft text. Comments should be sent directly to the conference organizers at: ida-k@centrin.id Alongside the main WOC2009 event, there will be opportunities for scientists and experts, NGO members, and journalists to discuss the results of research and the latest developments in science and technology, and recommend measures for resolving climate change related problems in the marine and coastal environment, through holding of a number of side events organised within the framework of the WOC2009, which include: • A Symposium and Scientific Seminar on the theme of Ocean Science, Technology and Policy • An International Marine Exhibition • The official declaration of Bunaken as one of the World Natural Heritage Sites in Indonesia • Strengthening cooperation in the field of marine ecosystem conservation within the framework of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME) • A Summit Meeting of the Heads of States of several nations who have joined together within the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) conceived by Indonesia, Filipina, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands. Additional information can be found on the Conference Website at: www.woc2009.org.