The 4th Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts and Islands brings analyses and perspectives from all ocean sectors and areas of the world to focus on tangible steps to advance ecosystem management by 2010 and examines the current trends in integrated coastal and ocean management. 12 Global Forum Working Groups will report their findings and policy recommendations.

The conference results will be relayed to various organs of the United Nations, presented at the UN Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and Law of the Sea, and be broadly disseminated to governments, civil society, and industry and scientific groups throughout the world. The specific recommendations from the 4th Global Conference will be considered by ocean political leaders at the World Ocean Conference to be held in Manando, North Sulawesi, Indonesia in 2009.