United Nations Ocean Conference
At OCL, we believe that there is a universal ocean culture that connects us all, and looking back at the United Nations Ocean Conference affirms exactly this.
This monumental week offered an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation for ocean management, for the achievement of SDG 14, and for the sustainable development of the blue economy, and catalyses international scientific work, data sharing, and new partnerships for the ocean.
We had the pleasure of being invited alongside Ocean Born Foundation, to support our community of Ocean Guardians and to get a better understanding of ways in which we as storytellers can play an active role in ensuring CTA’s translate into policy change.
Recognising a “collective failure to achieve Ocean related targets” so far, leaders at the UNOC2022 renewed their commitment to take urgent action and to cooperate at all levels to achieve set targets.
What has been evident and truly concerning for some time is the lack of investment in the ocean. Of all the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 14 on the ocean is by far the least funded. We spent much of our time having promising conversations with investors and ocean guardians throughout the week, and left feeling refreshed and reassured knowing that plenty of other organisations and individuals share our concerns, and, like us, plan to act on it.
Acknowledging that Governments can help de-risk ocean investments and integrate the blue economy in national budgets and policy, we were hopeful for a shift from unsustainable subsidies towards rebuilding natural ocean assets. Also recognising the Blue Economy is now a huge part of the future security of humanity, many called for more financial resources for it, with particular interest in Blue bonds.
In addition the recognition that equal and meaningful participation from women and girls is key in progression towards a sustainable ocean-based economy and to achieving Goal 14, was an important focus of the conference. We took great pleasure in listening to our Ocean Guardians Women in Ocean Science as they discussed bringing gender equity to the forefront of ocean conservation. Their mission to elevate and empower women could not be any more pertinent.
Such ambitions can only be achieved if collaboration is at its heart. These ideas need to be embraced on a global scale, with the backing of countries, businesses, organisations and other significant stakeholders
What we experienced at the OSO side event was something special, we witnessed conversations of action, of change and of hope. Individuals, organisations, investors and members of the public all under one roof, sharing ideas over a @oceanbeer. Pledges were made and coalitions were formed. It was testament to the power of organic collaboration.
The means of implementation will be essential to implement such a bold vision, both in terms of sufficient financial resources and ample capacity. Only 1.6% of the Overseas Development Aid (ODA) and 1.7% of the global research budget is dedicated to SDG 14. This level of resources is marginal compared to the contribution of the Ocean to human development and wellbeing.
From actions on blue carbon ecosystems to new financial instruments to pledges towards larger and more effective protection of the Ocean. There have been bold statements and positions on deep-sea mining but even more so the presence of young impact leaders at UNOC. You can read more about the Lisbon Declaration and the commitments made here.
