A/RES/56/12 Conscious also that the problems of ocean space are closely interrelated and need to be considered as a whole through an integrated, interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach, Convinced of the need, building on arrangements established in accordance with the Convention, to improve coordination at the national level and cooperation and coordination at both intergovernmental and inter-agency levels, in order to address all aspects of oceans and seas in an integrated manner, Recognizing the important role that the competent international organizations have in relation to ocean affairs, in implementing the Convention and in promoting the sustainable development of the oceans and seas, Recalling that the role of international cooperation and coordination on a bilateral basis and, where applicable, within a subregional, interregional, regional or global framework is to support and supplement the national efforts of all States, including coastal States, to promote the integrated management and sustainable development of coastal and marine areas, Mindful of the importance of the oceans and seas for the earth’s ecosystem and for providing the vital resources for food security and for sustaining economic prosperity and the well-being of present and future generations, Bearing in mind the contribution that major groups, as identified in Agenda 21, can make to raising awareness of the goal of the sustainable development of the oceans and seas, Underlining once again the essential need for capacity-building to ensure that all States, especially developing countries, in particular least developed countries and small island developing States, are able both to implement the Convention and to benefit from the sustainable development of the oceans and seas, as well as to participate fully in global and regional forums and processes dealing with oceans and law of the sea issues, Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General, 4 and reaffirming the importance of the annual consideration and review of developments relating to ocean affairs and the law of the sea by the General Assembly as the global institution having the competence to undertake such a review, Taking note also of the report on the work of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process (“the Consultative Process”) established by the General Assembly in its resolution 54/33 in order to facilitate the annual review by the Assembly of developments in ocean affairs at its second meeting, 5 Bearing in mind that marine science, by improving knowledge, through sustained research efforts and the evaluation of monitoring results, and applying such knowledge to management and decision-making, is important for eradicating poverty, contributing to food security, conserving the world’s marine environment and resources, helping to understand, predict, mitigate the effects of and respond to natural events, and promoting the sustainable development of the oceans and seas, Reaffirming the need to achieve the effective application of marine scientific knowledge and technology, through cooperation at the regional and global levels, by ensuring access of decision makers to relevant advice and information, as well as to _______________ 4 5 2 A/56/58 and Add.1. See A/56/121.