Global leaders commit to healthy oceans

Innovative and transformative strategies have been called for in the development of the ocean economy at a three-day conference on marine sustainability that opened on Monday in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.

The high-level conference, attended by over 4,000 delegates, including heads of state and governments and leaders of international organizations, acknowledged the opportunities and importance of the ocean economy to the global community in terms of supporting maritime trade and job creation.

However, they warned against lethargy and urged governments to step up their efforts against emerging threats from global warming and human activities.

Attendees made a series of commitments geared toward developing policies to balance growth and sustainability of the oceans.

"Unless our environmental riches are protected, there can be no lasting prosperity for any of us," said Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta as he opened the conference under the theme "Sustainable Economy under Agenda 2030".

He committed to adopting appropriate policies, strategies and mechanisms to harness the so-called blue economy, confront challenges of waste management and plastic pollution, ensure responsible and sustainable fishing, and boost safety and security on the high seas.

Kenya recently launched coast guard services to monitor illegal fishing, firearms smuggling, drug and human trafficking and illegal fishing.

While calling for concerted efforts toward reversing the declining health of oceans, Peter Thomson, the UN secretary-general's special envoy for the oceans, said it was imperative for the global community to commit to a sustainable marine economy.

"We must have an honest assessment of our progress towards the implementation of SDG Goal 14 before 2020. My organization will push forward the implementation of this goal," he said.

Detrimental impact

SDG 14 calls on the global community to conserve and sustainably use the oceans and maritime resources by adopting innovative solutions that mitigate against detrimental impact to the marine environment caused by human actions.

To strike a balance between economic growth and sustainability, the global economy needs to explore the advantages of the latest innovations, science and best practices, said Jonathan Wilkinson, the minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

"The world can reap dividends of the blue economy, but we must manage our water resources widely."

Human activities such as pollution were highlighted, with leaders calling for innovative and sustainable solutions for inclusive growth.

"By 2050, there may be more plastics in the ocean than fish," said Nikolai Astrup, minister of international development of Norway.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates that by 2030, the value of the world's ocean economy will more than double, reaching $3 trillion.

Around 880 million people depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods, many from developing and coastal states.

lucymorangi@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 11/28/2018 page11)