IMO-INDUSTRY GLOBAL INITIATIVE: AN UPDATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Global Initiative (GI) is a joint program between the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the oil industry, represented by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA). The program's primary purpose is to initiate and catalyze national governments to ratify the relevant international Conventions relating to oil pollution and work together with local oil industry in their oil spill contingency planning efforts. The GI has been formally running since 1996. So far, the achievements are encouraging; countries that had not conceived national plans or developed a national response system and strategy have made significant progress. GI also assists the efficient targeting of donor agency funds and can help leverage such funds. The experience gained and results attained are good examples that can be replicated elsewhere at both the national and regional levels. However, it is important to recognize that the GI is a long-term process and that one should not concentrate on its short-term achievements.