User:JohnYoung1712/KIMO International

History
For two decades Kommunenes Internasjonale Miljøorganisasjon (Local Authorities International Environmental Organisation) has worked to protect, preserve and enhance northern Europe’s marine environment. The organisation, which represents coastal communities on marine pollution issues, started life with a membership of just 4 authorities but now represents over 120 municipalities. The impetus for the establishment of the organisation originated from a need to find enduring solutions to the many pollution related issues which threaten the long-term health of northern Europe’s marine environment. As marine pollution is a complex problem, which does not adhere to national boundaries it was necessary to create an organisation that could be co-ordinated on an international basis. Kommunenes Internasjonale Miljøorganisasjon (KIMO) was founded in Esbjerg, Denmark, in August 1990 to protect, preserve and enhance northern Europe’s oceans.

From this modest start KIMO has grown in size and in terms of its aims and objectives. It now represents over 100 members in Belgium, United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Faeroe Islands, The Netherlands, The Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man (associate member) representing over 6 million people.

In 2007, KIMO increased its remit to include all the countries around the Baltic Sea in the biggest expansion in its 17 year history. The expansion saw seventeen municipalities from Sweden, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia commit to establish a KIMO International Baltic Forum as part the KIMO Network. The inaugural KIMO Baltic Forum meeting was held in Simrishamn, Denmark in February 2008.

Mission
KIMO is committed to the development of sustainable coastal communities by:

- Preventing pollution of the seas and coastal waters of North Western Europe and preserving, improving and enhancing them for future generations

- Protecting coastal communities from the impacts of marine pollution and climate change.

- Representing our Member Local Authorities and Associated Members at an international and national level

Strategic Aims
In order to complete KIMO's mandate the organisation has eight strategic aims:

- Provide a viable and financially sustainable organisation

- Increase the influence of the organisation both Nationally and Internationally

- Lobby International Conventions, the EU and National Governments to take effective action on marine pollution issues

- Exchange information on effective pollution prevention and clean up operations

- Lead by example in improving regional marine environments

- Make representations against threatening proposals

- Develop best practice on marine pollution issues

- Undertake demonstrative projects

- Disseminate information

Organisation
The organisational structure of KIMO is outlined in the Constitution (see Appendix 1) and comprises an Annual General Meeting of Delegates, International Board and Secretariat. Each individual Member Authority is a member of KIMO International and entitled to elect three delegates to represent them at the Annual General Meeting where policy is decided. The International Board, which is made up of representatives from each Member Country and Associate Member manages the organisation and implements policy. The language of the organisation is English and translation will only be provided in exceptional circumstances.

National Networks
In the UK, Sweden, Denmark and Netherlands/Belgium national networks have also been formed which operate under the strategic aims of the organisation but represent their individual members on national issues. Each National Network has a management board and Coordinator, which report back to the International Board via their representative. Some Networks have also developed their own constitutions however they are still bound by the overarching international constitution.

Practical Work
To deliver on the strategic aims of the organisation KIMO must set ambitious targets that challenge the organisation at both international and network level. The following vision has been divided into KIMO’s primary work areas and outlines the main aspirations for the organisation in each case.

Administration

- Provide a dedicated administration that can meet the needs of the organisation - Utilise the expertise contained within Member Authorities whenever possible

Nuclear Issues

- The elimination of radioactive discharges into the marine environment - The elimination of the transport of ultra hazardous nuclear cargoes by sea and air.

Pollution from Oil and Gas Industry

- The removal of all structures from the seabed where at all possible and the development of a regime for the management of the long-term liabilities of those left in place - Elimination of the discharge of contaminated produced water

Marine Litter

- The elimination of deliberate discharges of marine litter into the marine environment

Maritime Safety and Pollution

- Promotion of the highest environmental, safety and occupational standards for the maritime industry - Elimination of all operational discharges of pollution from shipping (Clean Ship Approach) - Full compensation for all incidents of marine pollution - A single coastguard for Europe - Marine Awareness training for all marine professionals

Dumping at Sea

- The implementation of a monitoring scheme for marine dumps containing radioactive material - A complete ban on CO2 dumping at sea

Hazardous Substances

- The elimination of pesticide inputs into the marine environment from KIMO Member Authorities

Vision for the Future
There are many threats to the survival of our vulnerable oceans; the steady increase in the utilisation of the sea has been matched by increases in marine pollution. Through demonstrative projects, lobbying and research KIMO will continue to work passionately to encourage the implementation of legislation that tackles current problems, such as marine litter and to prevent future problems, such as ocean acidification. To ensure that marine pollution does not overwhelm Europe’s oceans, commercial companies, local government and national government must work in close collaboration to ensure all serious threats are addressed. By being more environmentally responsible now we can reduce the volume of work for the next generation.

Many well intentioned environmental policies fail to navigate their way through the conflicting agendas of the legislative process without becoming diluted and blunted. KIMO is passionate about implementing legislation that will have a positive effect on Europe’s marine environment in the long-term. Economic pressures must not be ranked above environmental concerns; without a healthy environment Europe’s economies cannot operate effectively.