CARIUUEAN SEA EcosYSTEM AssESSMENT xix To initiate studies on specific policy options available to decision-makers in the region. for example. economic policy instruments to enhance the protection of ecosystem !unctions. should reside within one or other of the cxtstmg intergovernmental groups. It is to be note that the ACS has responded to this idea by setting up a Follow-up Commission for its Caribbean Sea Initiative. • To act as a catalyst to achieve better co-ordination between the disparate institutions whose decisions aflcct the Caribbean Sea, and to promote greater co-operation with states outside the region. whose activities have an impact on its ecosystem. Its nature requires that it be advisory rather than executive, and for the commission to address the problems lttcing the Caribbean Sea and its peoples, decision-makers must be prepared to value and act on its advice · or, if they ignore it, to be accountable to the citizens whom they represent. • To provide continuing analysis of the impacts of policies and programmes. so that the COJTect lessons can be led back into better design of future measures. Better information and more co-ordinated institutions arc an essential first step to a brighter future lor the region. Ultimately, however, it will be up to those in positions of responsibility in the Caribbean and beyond to usc that inlom1ation and those institutions to ensure that the natural wealth of this unique Sea is passed on to future To avoid adding to the complexity of the existing governance of the Caribbean, it is not suggested that this body should be a new institution, but rather that it generations. - 21 -