Advisory Committee on Protection of the Sea (ACOPS)

Status

One of the world’s first environmental NGOs. Private, independent and non-political, enjoying UK charitable status.

Mission

Originally concentrated on encouraging international agreements to reduce marine oil pollution, ACOPS has expanded its interests to include land-based sources of marine pollution, as well as other aspects of degradation of the coastal and marine environment.

Activities

Operations include:

• Research and quantification of the problem of marine pollution.

• Formulation of policy options and the conduct of studies in co-operation with central and local governments and intergovernmental agencies.

• Educational programmes covering all scientific, legal and political aspects of the problem.

• Assistance in promoting the North-South dialogue and ensuring the implementation of environmental agreements.

• Public awareness campaigns, through high-level international conferences.

• Multi-disciplinary projects are carried out by the experts of ACOPS’ three Advisory Boards.

Furthermore, ACOPS’ distinguished international panel of Vice-Presidents takes a leading role in formulating policies and overseeing their implementation within their own countries. Half of ACOPS’ Board of Vice-Presidents are from the northern hemisphere and half from the Southern hemisphere, including countries with economies in transition. All ACOPS’ officers are senior political figures, covering all colours of the political spectrum, giving ACOPS its independent status.

ACOPS’ efforts are strengthened by its association, as an observer, with major inter-governmental agencies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (IOPCF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). ACOPS also co-operates closely with governments, the Commission of the European Union, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and other bodies such as Global Legislators for a Balanced Environment.

United Kingdom Interests

ACOPS operates through a network of officers and Vice-Presidents. The Founding President is Lord Callaghan of Cardiff KG and Lord Clinton-Davis of Hackney PC is the current President. Lord Hunt of Chesterton CB, FRS  is the Chairman and Cmdr. Trygve Meyer the Vice Chairman.

ACOPS has a broad constituent base, consisting of international associations of local authorities, wildlife and environmental protection organisations, trade unions, academic bodies, ports and harbours, tourist and shipping industries, as well as eminent individual members which include some of the world’s leading politicians, administrators, scientists, economists and lawyers. There are no formalised central briefing mechanisms.