Abstract

Concern about a global crisis affecting the human environment through pollution of the atmosphere and maritime, coastal and inland waters is now common place. Among other things, this crisis occurs through degradation of rural lands, destruction of the ecological balance of natural areas, the effects of oil spills, and hazardous and toxic materials expelled upon animal and plant life. The controlled depletion of the world's natural resources, including oil and gas, caused by explosive growth of human populations and demands of industrial activity contribute to significant environmental impact.

Regarding global marine environmental management in particular, several international agreements have been established. First in 1984, the international community established the Law of the Sea (called UNCLOS) which is focused on protecting and preserving the marine environment. UNCLOS also established sovereignty to all states and legal order for the seas and ocean.

Another agreement pertinent to marine management was Agenda 21, promulgated from the Second UN Conference on the Environment in 1992 (the so-called "Earth Summit"). Agenda 21 issued a global commitment to environmental policy, which was intended to serve as the basis for actions by national governments. The policy for marine matters is stipulated in Chapter 17 of Agenda 21.

Specific to Indonesia offshore oil and gas activities have significant impact on the marine environment. These impacts are exhibited in many ways, such as the recent gas blowout on UNOCAL'S Platform at Attaka field, oil spills from tankers, pipeline leaks, and water discharge from platforms, all of which can cause loss and/or damage to environment.

Several problems exist in Indonesia when attempting to comply with these two agreements, as follows:

1. Not all UNCLOS provisions can accommodate the Chapter 17 provisions, thus creating unclear direction.

2. Indonesia does not yet have complete procedures directives, standards, or criteria for implementing the environmental policy of UNCLOS and Agenda 21.

In response to these issues problems, this poster will review and develop a legal framework for marine environmental management in support of Agenda 21 and the UNCLOS.