A/RES/54/31 Page 2 Conscious that the problems of ocean space are closely interrelated and need to be considered as a whole, Noting with satisfaction the increase in the number of States parties to the Convention and the Agreement, Recognizing the impact on States of the entry into force of the Convention and the Agreement and the increasing need, particularly of developing States, for advice and assistance in their implementation in order to benefit thereunder, Noting that developing countries, in particular small island developing States, may need assistance in the preparation and publication of charts under articles 16, 22, 47, 75 and 84 and annex II to the Convention, Taking note with concern of the financial situation of the International Seabed Authority (“the Authority”) and of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (“the Tribunal”), Conscious of the need to promote and facilitate international cooperation at the subregional, regional and global levels in order to ensure the orderly and sustainable development of the uses and resources of the seas and oceans, Conscious also of the importance of education and training in the field of ocean affairs and the law of the sea, Reaffirming the strategic importance of the Convention as a framework for national, regional and global action in the marine sector, as recognized also by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in chapter 17 of Agenda 21,3 Welcoming the review by the Commission on Sustainable Development on oceans and seas and the adoption of the recommendations made by the Commission through the Economic and Social Council, 4 Taking note of the major challenges as well as the areas of particular concern facing the international community, as formulated in the recommendations on oceans and seas made by the Commission on Sustainable Development through the Economic and Social Council, 5 Expressing its concern in this context at the continuing threat posed to the sea by the dumping of nuclear waste and other toxic substances, 3 Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 3–14 June 1992 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.93.I.8 and corrigenda), vol. I: Resolutions adopted by the Conference, resolution 1, annex II. 4 See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1999, Supplement No.9 (E/1999/29), chap. I.C, decision 7/1. 5 Ibid., paras. 3–36. /...