The consideration of equity in this report stands on three premises. First, systems of governance and management for the oceans must display a special sensitivity to the needs and requirements of groups and individuals who are disadvantaged by geography, by economic and social circumstances, and by their adherence to traditional methods of resource exploitation. Secondly, the oceans should be seen as a domain where institutions and arrangements should contribute to accelerating the pace of social and economic development in the developing countries, including those which are still without the capacity to use and benefit from the resources of the sea and those which do not have access to it by reasons of their geography. And, thirdly, systems of governance and management must recognize the legitimate interests of future generations, providing for arrangements through which the interests of the unborn can be articulated and safeguarded.

These premises point to the need for a fresh approach to the debate on equity in the oceans. This approach must give expression to the notion of human solidarity – a solidarity that engages all people while being protective of differences based on outlook, religion and culture. The approach must be guided by a sense of moral purpose and of longer-term goals. It must be rooted in arrangements that serve the common good and respond to the interests and needs of different users of the oceans, incorporating the overarching imperative of sustainable development.