The Global Initiative: 20 Years of Government and Industry Cooperation

Abstract

Abstract The Global Initiative (GI) is a partnership between IPIECA, the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The programme aims to enhance oil spill preparedness and response capacity for potential spills at specific locations around the world, by bringing industry (through IPIECA) and governments (through IMO) together. 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the first Global Initiative efforts – as such, this paper will reflect on the key achievements and progress made since the GI was established in 1996. Typical activities of a GI programme include the identification of responsible government agencies in charge of oil spill preparedness and response at national levels and the offering of technical workshops, training courses and exercises, which promote the ratification and implementation of relevant IMO conventions (i.e. the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation 1990 and the conventions relating to compensation for damage caused by oil spills from shipping), the development and approval of national oil spill contingency plans and regional/sub regional co-operation plans, and improved communications between governments and industry. Currently there are programmes established in four regions: (1) the Black Sea, Caspian Sea and Central Eurasia (OSPRI), (2) West, Central and Southern Africa (GI WACAF), (3) South East Asia (GI SEA) and (4) China (GI China). Updates on progress and activities of these established programmes over the last two years will be given, as well as a reflection on key achievements since their inception. Results from the various GI programmes have been positive and the programme has raised the capacity in the regions of focus since its establishment in 1996. Case studies and specific results will be provided as an indication of how the situation in these regions in terms of oil spill preparedness and response has improved as a result of the GI programme. The paper will also highlight other regions being considered as potentially suitable for GI activities based on an examination of current and future risk factors. These include regions such as the Mediterranean and East Africa, and recent progress in these regions will be discussed.