The conservation and guarantee of the sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources is an extremely important topic and is included as the fourteenth Objective of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. This global initiative seeks to direct efforts to address challenges related to the protection and preservation of marine ecosystems, as well as promoting the sustainable use of resources from the oceans.
The oceans play a fundamental role on our planet, providing a series of ecosystem services essential for life on Earth. They regulate the climate, absorb a large amount of carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, are a source of food for billions of people and are home to an incredible diversity of marine life. However, these marine ecosystems are facing significant threats due to irresponsible human activity.
Overfishing, pollution, destruction of coastal habitats, ocean acidification and climate change are some of the main challenges facing the oceans today. Overfishing has led to a drastic decline in fish populations, affecting the food security and livelihoods of many coastal communities. Pollution caused by plastic waste, toxic chemicals and oil spills is causing irreparable damage to marine ecosystems and wildlife.
Furthermore, the degradation of coastal habitats, such as coral reefs and mangroves, compromises natural protection against storms and coastal erosion, increasing the vulnerability of coastal communities. Ocean acidification, caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide, negatively affects the health of corals, shellfish and other marine organisms that depend on calcium carbonate to build their structures.
Climate change exacerbates all of these problems, contributing to rising sea levels, warming oceans and the intensification of extreme weather events such as storms and hurricanes. These changes have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
It is estimated that, if there is no significant change, by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in marine waters. The origin of this waste is well known: it is cities and their inadequate way of dealing with waste disposal that end up compromising water resources, such as rivers, and, ultimately, reaching the seas.
It is the responsibility of municipalities to ensure an adequate basic sanitation system, avoiding the incorrect dumping of sewage and industrial waste. Furthermore, it is crucial to implement effective solid waste management programs, promote recycling, provide access to quality clean water and, of course, invest in public awareness programs.
Cities play a fundamental role in this transformation, as they are the level of government closest to the population. They have the ability to directly influence consumption habits and the use of natural resources by the community. It is essential that cities adopt measures to promote responsible consumption and production, in line with SDG 12 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Promoting conscious consumption practices, such as reducing the use of single-use plastics and encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials, is crucial to reducing the amount of waste that ends up in the oceans. Additionally, municipalities must invest in infrastructure for the appropriate collection and treatment of waste, as well as establish partnerships with the private sector and civil society organizations to drive recycling and sustainable waste management initiatives.
Another fundamental aspect is ensuring access to clean water and improving wastewater treatment systems. This not only protects local water resources, but also prevents contamination of rivers and, consequently, the oceans.
Marine biodiversity plays a fundamental role in the health and balance of marine ecosystems, and its preservation has become a global priority. In this context, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the eDNA project, an innovative initiative that aims to expand knowledge about marine biodiversity and measure its vulnerability to climate change.
One of the distinguishing features of this project is the active involvement of local citizens in sample collection. With community participation, scientists have the opportunity to collect environmental genetic material, sequencing the DNA present in different areas considered World Heritage. Among these areas is the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, located in Brazil, which will also be studied.
By genetically sequencing environmental DNA, researchers will be able to identify and monitor marine species more efficiently. This approach not only helps to better understand the biodiversity present in these protected areas, but also contributes to the protection of species in danger of extinction.
Furthermore, the eDNA project initiative aims to improve the standardization of protocols for managing collected samples and data. This standardization is essential to guarantee the quality and comparability of the information obtained, enabling a more accurate and comprehensive analysis of marine biodiversity.
Another positive aspect of the initiative is the commitment to make the database generated by the project publicly available. This openness and transparency contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and allow other institutions and researchers to use this valuable data in their own research and studies.
An optimistic vision for the future of the oceans is conceivable if the necessary measures are taken to reverse the current situation. Policies implemented decades ago could be catalysts for this transformation, enabling a substantial reconstitution of marine life by 2050, reaching between 70% and 90% of the richness of the past.
This journey towards ocean recovery requires the protection of marine species, as many of them still face significant threats, some in critical condition. The conservation and preservation of these species are fundamental to restoring biodiversity and the balance of marine ecosystems.
Furthermore, it is essential to protect oceanic spaces. While only 0.4% of the ocean area was protected in 2000, this number has progressively increased and, in 2020, approaches 10%. The goal is to reach the 30% mark of marine protected areas by 2030. These protected areas must be actively established, based on effective restoration actions and the gradual elimination of destructive and harmful practices.
Ocean protection should not be limited to just creating marine protected areas. A comprehensive approach is needed that includes restoring degraded marine ecosystems and implementing measures to phase out harmful practices such as overfishing, pollution and degradation of coastal habitats.
Global cooperation and the adoption of coordinated policies and actions are key to driving ocean restoration and protection.
Furthermore, it is necessary to invest in scientific research, technology and innovation to develop sustainable solutions and efficient management practices. This includes developing ecological monitoring technologies, promoting sustainable fishing, reducing plastic pollution, and creating connected marine protected areas to enable species migration and ecosystem recovery.
Mobilizing Global Commitments to Preservation of the Oceans
The oceans play a fundamental role in the sustainability and health of the planet. Covering three-quarters of the Earth's surface and containing 97% of water, they represent 99% of living space by volume. According to the United Nations, more than 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods, highlighting the great importance of these ecosystems.
The UN highlighted that the oceans and seas are connected and support lives in many ways. They are home to immense biodiversity and play an essential role in defending against the global climate emergency.
However, the oceans are facing an unprecedented threat. In recent decades, about half of all living coral has been lost, and plastic pollution in the oceans has increased tenfold in the last 150 years. These alarming data require immediate and effective action.
The importance of acting across multiple sectors to address the conflicting demands of industry, fishing, transport, mining and tourism, which are placing unsustainable levels of stress on marine and coastal ecosystems, is highlighted. The market value of marine and coastal resources and industries is estimated at US$ 3 trillion per year, representing around 5% of global GDP.
Marine biodiversity is incredibly rich, with almost 200,000 species identified, and this number could reach millions. Furthermore, the oceans play a crucial role in regulating the climate, absorbing around 30% of the carbon dioxide produced by humans.
However, fishing subsidies are contributing to the rapid depletion of many fish species, harming global fisheries and generating US$ 50 billion less per year than potential.
Unfortunately, approximately 40% of the world's oceans are heavily impacted by human activities, including pollution, overfishing, and loss of coastal habitats. These problems require coordinated action at the global level to mitigate damage and promote ocean sustainability.
The protection and restoration of marine ecosystems are crucial to ensuring the health of the oceans and the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them.
The eighth World Ocean Conference began in Panama, bringing with it urgent calls for the establishment of a global agreement to protect international waters. Furthermore, the European Union announced a significant investment of more than 800 million euros (about 4.4 billion reais) destined for marine conservation in 2023. During the two days of the event, experts, ministers and philanthropists discuss new commitments aimed at boost the “blue” economy and expand marine protected areas.
A Conference titled Our Ocean (Our Ocean) focuses on critical issues related to the oceans and aims to mobilize efforts and resources to promote marine sustainability. Protecting the oceans is essential to ensuring the health of marine ecosystems, as well as the livelihoods of coastal communities and the global economy.
The establishment of an agreement to protect international waters is extremely important, since a large part of the oceans is beyond national borders and lacks effective regulations. These areas are vulnerable to predatory activities, such as excessive fishing, pollution and irresponsible exploitation of natural resources. The search for a comprehensive agreement is essential to ensure the preservation of these valuable ecosystems and the conservation of marine biodiversity.
The European Union's announcement to allocate a substantial amount of financial resources to marine conservation demonstrates a significant commitment to protecting the oceans. This investment will allow the implementation of concrete measures, such as the creation of marine protected areas, the promotion of sustainable fishing and the reduction of marine pollution. These actions aim to both preserve natural resources and encourage the development of a sustainable “blue” economy, which seeks to balance the exploitation of marine resources with the conservation of oceanic ecosystems.
During the Conference, participants will have the opportunity to share knowledge, experiences and commitments to face the challenges that threaten the oceans. The expansion of marine protected areas is one of the main goals discussed, aiming to safeguard important habitats and promote the recovery of degraded marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the Conference will address initiatives for the sustainable development of the “blue” economy, which encompasses sectors such as fishing, tourism, transport and renewable energy.
The World Ocean Conference is a crucial opportunity to reaffirm the importance of ocean protection and to promote concrete actions at a global level.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Blue Economy: Securing a Sustainable Future for the Oceans
The blue economy, also known as the sea economy, encompasses all the wealth and values derived from the oceans. According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods and generate jobs while preserving the health of marine ecosystems. This definition is complemented by the European Commission, which covers a wide range of interconnected established and emerging sectors.
Conservation International, a non-governmental organization, adds that the blue economy also includes non-tradable benefits such as carbon storage, coastal protection, cultural values and biodiversity.
Recently, the United Nations defined the blue economy as an economy that encompasses several economic sectors and related policies, which determine whether the use of ocean resources is sustainable.
One of the main challenges of the blue economy is to understand and more efficiently manage different aspects of ocean sustainability, from sustainable fishing to ecosystem health and pollution prevention. Furthermore, sustainable management of ocean resources requires collaboration across borders and sectors, through varied partnerships and on an unprecedented scale.
The blue economy agenda, as proposed by the European Commission, can contribute to mitigating climate change by developing offshore renewable energy, decarbonizing maritime transport and promoting green ports. It can also drive a more circular economy by adopting renewable fishing standards, implementing ship recycling and establishing offshore platform dismantling processes. Furthermore, promoting green infrastructure in coastal areas can preserve biodiversity and landscapes, benefiting tourism and the coastal economy.
The blue economy faces a series of challenges that limit its development potential. Throughout history, aquatic ecosystems have been considered unlimited resources and places for waste disposal, which has led to rampant exploitation. However, these resources are far from unlimited, and the impacts of this approach are becoming increasingly evident, especially in coastal areas, which are suffering from climate change.
Inefficient governance institutions, inadequate economic incentives, lack of technological advances and limited capacity to implement legal and management instruments have resulted in poorly regulated activities. This has led to the overuse and, in some cases, irreversible degradation of valuable marine resources and coastal areas. Data from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) shows that coastal urban development and climate change have already caused a 50% reduction in coral reefs over the last 30 years, compromising livelihoods, disaster risk reduction capacity and threatening marine biodiversity.
Coral reefs are incredibly important marine ecosystems, both from an ecological and economic perspective. Despite covering less than 0.1% of the world's oceans, they are home to more than 25% of marine biodiversity and provide a wide range of essential ecosystem services. These services include coastal protection from storms and erosion, fish production that sustains coastal communities, the discovery of new medicines from organisms found on reefs, recreational benefits for divers and tourists, and revenue generated from tourism due to the beauty and diversity of the reefs.
However, coral reefs are facing an unprecedented crisis due to climate change and warming oceans. Studies show that around 50% of coral reefs have already been lost and, if urgent action is not taken, up to 90% of reef-building corals could disappear by 2050, even with a temperature increase limit of 1.5°C, of according to IPCC reports.
Coral bleaching occurs when they are exposed to stressful conditions, such as high ocean temperatures. In this process, corals lose their vibrant and healthy colors, resulting in a whitish appearance. Although some corals can recover from bleaching, many do not survive this prolonged stress and eventually die.
The main cause of coral bleaching is the warming of the oceans due to climate change caused by the emission of greenhouse gases. As ocean temperatures continue to rise, corals are facing an increasingly hostile landscape for their survival.
The UNEP report emphasizes that it is necessary to significantly reduce carbon emissions to reverse this situation and protect coral reefs. Protecting coral reefs is crucial not only for marine biodiversity, but also for the communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods and economies.
Coral reefs provide a wide range of ecosystem services, including fishing, tourism and coastal protection. The loss of these ecosystems would have a devastating impact on many levels.
Therefore, it is essential to implement concrete policies and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This requires transitioning to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, promoting sustainable transportation and adopting more sustainable agricultural practices.
Under this premise, the blue economy encompasses several economic sectors related to the oceans, which are constantly growing due to the increase in the global population, increased consumption and the need for new sources of food and energy.
On land, the ocean-related economy will experience an increase in investment in coastal infrastructure, industry and tourism as the global economy expands and migration to coastal areas intensifies. However, this also poses risks to coastal populations, such as rising sea levels and intense storms caused by climate change, making it necessary to build defensive infrastructure to protect these areas.
The blue economy encompasses sectors related to marine life and renewable ocean resources, such as fishing, as well as sectors related to non-living resources and considered “non-renewable”, such as extractive industries (dredging, deep-sea mining, oil and gas offshore) when carried out in a sustainable manner and that do not cause irreversible damage to ecosystems.
The protection and conservation of marine ecosystems, the sustainable management of fisheries resources, the mitigation of the impacts of climate change and the promotion of responsible practices in extractive industries are key aspects of achieving a truly sustainable blue economy.
By effectively addressing these challenges, the blue economy can become an engine of economic growth, providing better livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.
Partnership between ICS and Irena Boosts Research into Sustainable Fuels for Maritime Transport
In recent years, maritime transport has stood out in its search for decarbonization solutions. As one of the main pillars of global trade, this sector is responsible for approximately 90% of world trade. However, it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, representing around 3% of the total.
Awareness about the need to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change has driven the maritime industry's efforts to find sustainable alternatives. By implementing effective decarbonization measures, shipping can play a significant role in reducing global emissions.
Several initiatives have been developed to promote decarbonization in the maritime sector. One of them is the transition to cleaner energy sources, such as the use of low-carbon fuels and the adoption of electric or hybrid propulsion technologies. Furthermore, improving vessel energy efficiency through route optimization projects and more efficient ship design has been a widely adopted strategy.
The industry has also been exploring the potential of offshore renewable energy, including the use of solar panels and wind turbines to power operations on board vessels. These innovative solutions not only reduce carbon emissions, but also help diversify the maritime sector's energy mix.
Furthermore, the implementation of stricter regulations and the adoption of policies to encourage decarbonization have been discussed and implemented at international levels. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector, encouraging the adoption of cleaner technologies and improved energy efficiency.
While the challenges are significant, shipping is moving forward with decarbonization projects in an encouraging manner. Collaboration between governments, companies, research institutions and non-governmental organizations is essential to drive the development and implementation of effective solutions.
Decarbonizing maritime transport will not only contribute to mitigating climate change, but could also open up new economic opportunities and boost innovation in the sector. As decarbonization efforts advance, shipping is moving toward a more sustainable future, reducing its environmental impact and promoting the preservation of marine ecosystems for future generations.
The partnership established between the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) marks a significant advance in the search for more sustainable fuels in the maritime sector. ICS, representing more than 80% of the world's merchant fleet, signed the agreement with Irena with the aim of exchanging information on “future fuel” scenarios, such as green hydrogen and ammonia.
For ICS Secretary General, Guy Platten, this partnership is essential to ensure that maritime transport adopts cleaner energy sources. The collaboration between the two entities will allow the exchange of data and information with representatives from more than 160 Irena member countries.
Reducing dependence on high-carbon fuels is a crucial goal for the maritime sector, especially considering that in the coming years the global fleet will need to transport zero-carbon fuels to countries around the world. The need for a transition to more sustainable energy sources is clear, and this partnership aims to boost research and development into low-carbon fuels.
The general director of Irena highlighted the importance of large-scale investment and cooperation for the maritime transport sector. Urgent action is needed to accelerate the global energy transition and the decarbonization of the world economy, and international transport plays a key role in this process.
According to ICS, approximately US$5 billion is needed to boost research and development of zero-carbon fuels in the maritime sector. This investment is crucial to driving innovation and the adoption of more sustainable technologies, allowing the sector to achieve its decarbonization goals and contribute to climate change mitigation.
By collaborating and sharing information about future fuels, these organizations are helping to drive the transition to a cleaner, more environmentally responsible maritime industry. These efforts will not only benefit the maritime sector, but will also contribute to building a greener and more resilient global economy.
UNESCO wants to Map 80% of the Seabed by 2030: Currently, only 20% of the Deep Ocean is Known
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is committed to advancing knowledge about the oceans and recently announced an ambitious plan to map at least 80% of the seafloor by 2030. Currently, only a small portion , around 20%, of the seafloor is known and mapped. This initiative is part of the efforts of the Ocean Decade, which seeks to promote the conservation and sustainability of marine resources. The decade will provide a unifying framework for the UN system, seeking to enable countries to achieve all ocean-related priorities of the 2030 agenda, such as helping countries achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
To achieve this challenging objective, UNESCO highlighted the importance of investing around 5 billion dollars over the next decade, which equates to approximately 625 million dollars per year. This substantial investment is needed to boost deep-sea exploration and mapping using advanced technologies and innovative scientific methods.
Comprehensive mapping of the seafloor is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it will provide us with essential information to better understand the vast diversity of marine ecosystems and the geological processes that occur in the depths of the oceans. Furthermore, this knowledge is fundamental for the management and conservation of marine resources, allowing the identification of areas of special importance and environmental sensitivity, as well as making informed decisions about the sustainable exploitation of these resources.
By investing in deep-sea exploration and mapping, UNESCO and its partners aim to boost scientific research and promote international cooperation. The knowledge gained through this joint effort will contribute to evidence-based decision-making, effective policy formulation, and the development of strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans.
Furthermore, comprehensive mapping of the seabed will bring significant benefits to diverse sectors such as shipping, the offshore energy industry, mineral exploration and even the prevention of natural disasters, enabling a better understanding of geological characteristics and associated risks. to coastal areas.
UNESCO's initiative to map at least 80% of the seafloor by 2030 is a crucial step towards expanding knowledge about the oceans and promoting a more sustainable and informed approach to marine resources.
A notable example of partnership is a seabed mapping project. This initiative brings together scientists, researchers and companies specializing in technology and underwater exploration. Using advanced equipment such as unmanned underwater vehicles and state-of-the-art sonar, these teams are mapping extensive areas of the seafloor that were previously unknown. The objective is to obtain a more comprehensive knowledge about marine geology, biodiversity and natural resources present in the depths of the ocean. This information is valuable for companies operating in sectors such as oil and gas exploration, marine mining, offshore renewable energy and aquaculture.
Another example of a partnership between industry and research is an ocean observation project. In this case, companies specializing in monitoring and sensor technology team up with scientists and researchers to collect real-time data on ocean conditions. Advanced sensors are deployed in various locations in the ocean, collecting information on temperature, salinity, sea currents, oxygen levels, among other parameters. This data is crucial for understanding climate change, the health of marine ecosystems, and predicting extreme events such as storms and ocean heatwaves. Companies participating in this partnership can use this information to improve their operations and make informed decisions, such as selecting locations for installing offshore wind farms, managing sustainable fisheries, and preventing risks to coastal infrastructure. Additionally, this data is shared with the scientific community and other interested parties to promote research and action towards ocean sustainability. These two projects exemplify the power of the partnership between industry and research in promoting a sustainable Blue Economy.
The ocean plays a fundamental role in the existence of humanity. It is essential for most economic activities around the world and offers a wide range of essential benefits for our well-being and survival. In this context, the Ocean Decade recognizes the private sector as a key stakeholder in promoting ocean health and sustainability, providing the necessary framework for companies to lead transformative changes towards a healthy and sustainable ocean.
By supporting the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Ocean Decade accelerates collaboration between different stakeholders, seeking appropriate and purpose-driven solutions. Existing and emerging companies benefit by having the opportunity to prevent risks and explore new opportunities for sustainable growth.
One of the main benefits is to strengthen companies' leadership in the area of ocean science. This allows the implementation of concrete actions, such as training and technology transfer, financing and generation of information and data. Furthermore, it promotes the establishment of important networks, connecting experts and business partners in favor of ocean sustainability.
The private sector has a unique opportunity to join forces with world leaders, benefiting from a collective effort to reverse the degradation of the health and functioning of the ocean system. The Ocean Decade represents a path for companies to put their corporate principles into practice, committing to building a sustainable future.
By actively participating in this initiative, companies can adopt sustainable practices in their operations, minimizing the negative impact on the ocean and promoting the conservation of marine resources.
The Ocean Decade offers a clear call for the private sector to take a leadership role in the pursuit of a healthy and sustainable ocean. By committing to this vision, companies can significantly contribute to the protection and revitalization of ocean resources, ensuring a better future for all.
