The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), established within the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), plays an important role in ocean sciences and services in regard to current developments such as planning and implementation of global climate research programmes as well as protection of the marine environment. The 27th Session of the Executive Council, of which India is a member, was held in Paris from 5-13 July 1994. The Annual Report of the IOC for 1993 presented to the Council highlighted major programmes undertaken by IOC like the Global Ocean Observing System, Capacity Building, responsibilities of IOC under UNCLOS, Agenda 21 of UNCED and the report of the Adhoc Study Group on strengthening the role of the Commission. While there was general support for the scientific programmes of IOC, there was no agreement on restructuring of the IOC, which matter required further consideration by the member States. It was felt that this particular aspect should be considered in the light of the developments of the UN System in general.

Global Ocean Observation System

Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 of the United Nations Conference on Environment & Development 1992 calls upon the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commissiojn (IOC) of UNESCO, to set up a Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) with the support and participation of member States. Pursuant to this IOC has set up a Committee on GOOS as an international mechanism for promotion, coordination, implementation and management of GOOS.

The first planning session of the IOC-WMO-UNEP Committee for the Global Ocean Observing System was held in Melbourne, Australia from April 18-21, 1994. India's nominee Shri B.N. Krishnamurthy has been designated as Vice Chairman of the GOOS Programme. The status of planning and implementation of the Global Ocean Observing System, reports on GOOS National activities and related regional perpsectives, GOOS interaction with other relevant activities of IOC, internal structure of GOOS, matters relating to implementation, capacity building, coastal zone issues were considered. Specific recommendations for implementation of GOOS programme were adopted. A working document on proposed data management policy requirements which contains guiding principles for the Global Ocean Observing System was also considered. The overall purpose of this policy is to facilitate timely, full and open access to quality ocean data for the global ocean observing system.

The Department of Ocean Development has established in terms of the GOOS Development Plan a national GOOS Coordination Committee in which various Ministries/Departments/Organisations are represented.