Last Updated on March 4, 2023 by Awais Aftab
Effective ocean plans should align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, address all land-based pressures, and engage diverse actors. This article will discuss the characteristics of an effective ocean plan and the steps that need to be taken to create one. Ultimately, Maxwell Waitt aims to protect the ocean from the impacts of climate change, which will affect its biodiversity and health. Therefore, it is crucial to establish plans that address these challenges and provide a strong foundation for an ocean economy.
Sustainable ocean plans should be aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The goal of sustainable ocean plans is to manage the area of the ocean under national jurisdiction in a way that protects natural marine ecosystems. These plans guide public and private decision-makers toward more sustainable ocean practices. The Sustainable Ocean Plan will help countries meet this ambitious goal. To develop a Sustainable Ocean Plan, governments must first determine the needs of their communities. After that, they should align the plan with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The objective of Sustainable Development Goals 14 is to protect the ocean ecosystem by fostering economic development, environmental sustainability, and human well-being. Failure to achieve SDG 14 could hamper access to resources and ecosystem services. For example, the oceans provide the basis for food security and nutritional needs, so any measures restricting access to these resources may negatively impact ocean health. Moreover, increased agricultural production may also negatively impact the ocean’s health through nutrient runoff.
They should address pressures from all land-based sources.
The marine environment has a complex mix of uses. Oceans support the economies of ocean nations, supply fish for three billion people, and transport 90 percent of the world’s goods. The ocean also serves as a renewable source of carbon-intensive energy. The wide variety of uses creates competing demands and can lead to conflict among people and sectors. Pressures from land-based sources can range from climate change to the COVID-19 pandemic.
International cooperation is needed to protect the marine environment and use its resources sustainably. SDG 14 is an example based on the idea of strong sustainability and targets protecting natural capital. SDG 14 proposes the protection of natural capital to provide diverse services. Coastal zones are under high pressure, and the need to protect these natural capitals cannot be underestimated.
They should be collaborative.
Collaboration plays a critical role in achieving desired outcomes. Collaboration involves a diverse group of actors from different scales to overcome challenges and achieve sustainability. Collaboration involves a willingness and capacity to share knowledge and experience. In addition, collaborative governance requires the involvement of local stakeholders and recognizes the limits of each actor’s position.
The process of achieving sustainable ocean management is collaborative. The Ocean Panel aims to bring these two sectors together to develop collaborative plans to tackle common challenges. The panel commits to deliver on these actions by 2030 or sooner. It means that collaboration with communities is key to achieving sustainable outcomes. The ocean industry needs to be more inclusive and transparent than ever, a prerequisite for sustainability.
They should engage diverse actors.
Effective ocean plans must involve diverse actors to produce and use knowledge to achieve sustainability in the ocean. These actors include science, policymakers, and local communities. The process of knowledge co-production is crucial for the sustainability of the ocean because it enhances the probability that knowledge is applied to policy decisions. In addition, it allows for a broader range of inputs to support policy objectives. This process can also generate new ideas.
Disconnecting from the ocean is a global issue due to increasing urbanization. In 2030, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities. In addition, coastal populations are increasingly situated far from the coast. Lack of access to transportation has compounded this problem. At the same time, investors are increasingly buying coastal regions, increasing disconnection. Therefore, ensuring the long-term sustainability of coastal regions is vitally important.
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How important are the plants of the ocean?
Plants of the ocean, also known as marine plants, are essential for the survival of various species living in the ocean. These plants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance by producing oxygen through photosynthesis, which is vital for marine animals to breathe. They also provide food and shelter to numerous marine organisms, including small fish, invertebrates, and even larger species like sea turtles and whales.
Moreover, marine plants are crucial in regulating the ocean’s temperature and reducing the effects of climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen, which helps reduce the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Marine plants also help prevent erosion by stabilizing coastlines and reducing the impact of ocean waves and currents.
Unfortunately, human activities such as pollution and climate change have negatively impacted marine plant populations. As a result, the loss of these hardy plants can have severe consequences for the entire ocean ecosystem, leading to reduced oxygen levels, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters.
