The Honorable Kofi Annan
Secretary-General
United Nations
New York,
New York 10017
United States of America

Su: 1998 - International Year of the Ocean

Dear Secretary-General Annan,

With 1998 commemorated by the international community as the "International Year of the Ocean," Greenpeace International urges you and, through you, the entire United Nations system, to actively support, encourage and promote a wide range of initiatives during the year that will help protect and preserve the marine environment, and conserve marine living species.

With that objective in mind, attached is a packet we have prepared to focus critical ocean-related issues and actions for decision makers in the UN, governments, media, NGO community, private sector and elsewhere - intended for those who care about the world's seas, now and for tomorrow.

With the requisite political will, 1998 could mark a historic turning point - building on the handful of victories for the oceans, in recent years, with a clear agenda for ending harmful practices that increasingly have characterized humankind's relationship with the ocean. We stand ready and interested in assisting you and others in achieving a positive outcome for the Year of the Ocean.

Sincerely,




Thilo Bode
Executive Director
Greenpeace International

Copies have been sent to the following addressees

Statement in Recognition of the International Year of the Ocean