This introduction to the special issue on Earth Summit implementation calls attention to the significance of the review of progress achieved in the implementation of the oceans and coasts agenda of the 1992 Earth Summit (the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED ) ) conducted by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development in April 1996. It poses major questions facing the Commission, introduces the major themes discussed in the special issue and makes some assessments on the nature and pace of UNCED implementation.
Almost four years have passed since the momentous Earth Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992. In April 1996, the institutioo created to monitor and provide oversight on the large and complex blueprint for change adopted in Rio, the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), considers the progress that has been achieved in the area of oceans and coasts. This is, then, a very propitious time to take stock of what, if anything, has changed in the way in which nations, international institutions and communities manage the world's oceans and coasts. Four years is a very short time in the implementation of almost any program, and in this case particularly so, with more than 2500 prescriptions for action emanating from the Earth Summit--prescriptions aimed at national governments, local communities, international organizations, groups and individuals--all important actors in implementation. Nevertheless, the CSD review provides a focal point, an agenda focusing event, for the interested community to pause and reflect on what has changed since Rio.