Ecosystem Approach in the Development of International Marine Environmental Law and Its Enforcement in Taiwan

Abstract

「生態系統方法」在現代海洋資源管理與環境保護法制中已漸獲重視。在國際規範上，「生態系統方法」已被相關聯合國文件、《聯合國海洋法公約》、《生物多樣性公約》和其他國際漁業規範（全球與區域性漁業組織）所承認。歐洲／歐盟在過去的區域性公約與近年發展的《整合性海洋政策》中，亦高度強調運用此方法。儘管其用語、定義、概念乃至於具體措施，隨規範領域而異，此等發展仍使「生態系統方法」成為國際海洋環境法制中正在逐漸發展的概念，影響區域與國家各別的實踐。我國目前法制雖意識到「生態系統」之重要性，亦有部分規範具體落實「生態系統方法」，但未來海事專責機關－海洋委員會－設立，仍面對若干挑戰，顯見在落實「生態系統方法」上，我國仍有待努力。

In the legal regimes of marine resource management and environmental protection, the Ecosystem Approach has received much attention. About international regulations, the Ecosystem Approach has been referenced in various UN documents, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Convention on Biological Diversity, and other international—both global and regional—fisheries regulations. Also, this approach has been highlighted by Europe/the European Union in regional conventions as well as policies. Although its terms, definitions, concepts, and specific measures vary in different regulation areas, the above-mentioned trends show that the Ecosystem Approach not only impacts regional and States` practices, but also is a rather progressive development concept under international marine environmental law. In Taiwan`s case, this Approach has not been incorporated into Taiwan`s domestic regulations and policies. Thus, challenges still exist with more efforts still required. These are even with the creations of Taiwan`s Ocean Affairs Council and its subordinate Marine Conservation Administration agency.