HANOI, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The 4th Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts and Islands opened here on Monday, centering on three major themes related to achieving ecosystem management and integrated coastal and ocean management at national and regional levels, and in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

    The five-day conference christened "Advancing Ecosystem Management and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management by 2010 in the Context of Climate Change" was organized by the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands.

    During the conference, officials and experts from governments, international agencies, non-governmental organizations and the private sector are to review progress in advancing ecosystem management and integrated coastal and ocean management by 2010 at national and regional levels.

    The goals were adopted by the world's political leaders at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. They are considered in the context of climate change, which will have profound effects on ecosystems and coastal populations around the world.

    The conference's three major themes include achieving ecosystem management and integrated coastal and ocean management by 2010.