Ms. Dowdeswell welcomed the arrangement as a major step forward in the global fight against the rapid degradation of coastal areas which form a life support system to more than 60 per cent of the world population. Action to address the problems must include awareness building and the mobilization of financial resources. UNEP's Governing Council has been asked to review the implementation of the programme which is a common endeavour of more than 100 governments and numerous agencies and reorganizations within and outside the United Nations system. Throughout its history, the Netherlands has struggled with the interface between land and water. Managing and protecting marine resources form an important pillar of economic activity.
Tourism also provides a major incentive for protecting and managing natural coastlines sustainably.
Coastal zone management in The Netherlands is a matter of public action and concern. The country forms a natural home for the GPA Co-ordination Office and has offered an enabling environment and major support for its work.