The United Nations (UN) recently held the Ocean Conference 2022, focusing on the protection and sustenance of the world’s Ocean ecosystem. The conference, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, saw involvement from countries worldwide, including a delegation led by India’s Minister of Earth Sciences. This article delves into the key agendas highlighted during the conference, the ongoing threats to our oceans, and initiatives to ensure a sustainable ocean ecosystem.
Key Agendas of the UN Ocean Conference 2022
A central aspect of the conference was the push for a moratorium on deep-sea mining of rare metals, which are vital for electric vehicle battery construction. This practice alters or destroys deep-sea habitats, thus creating a significant concern for marine life.
The conference also focused on enhancing the ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 through carbon sequestration. Options included boosting natural sinks such as mangroves or introducing geoengineering schemes.
A ‘Blue Deal’ was proposed to promote the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth. This deal encompasses global trade, investment, and innovation, aiming to create a resilient ocean economy. It also emphasizes sustainable and socially responsible marine harvests, including what’s referred to as ‘blue food’.
Threats to the Ocean
Oceans, covering 70% of the earth’s surface, encounter threats, including global warming, plastic pollution, acidification, and marine heatwaves. Despite providing food and livelihoods for billions of people, high seas remain largely unregulated due to the absence of a comprehensive legal framework.
Initiatives for a Sustainable Ocean Ecosystem
In response to these threats, various initiatives are being implemented. The United Nations has launched the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), aiming to improve ocean health and unite stakeholders worldwide under a common framework.
World Oceans Day, celebrated on 8th June every year, aims to inspire action towards ocean protection. It also highlights the importance of sustainable marine resource usage.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are another form of initiative, offering protection for some or all of the natural resources they contain.
The GloLitter Partnerships Project, launched by The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UNs (FAO), takes steps to prevent and reduce marine plastic litter from shipping and fisheries.
India’s Role in Ocean Conservation
India has also taken several steps towards ocean conservation. In 2019, the Indian and Norwegian governments agreed to collaborate more closely on oceans, leading to the establishment of the India-Norway Ocean Dialogue.
India’s Deep Ocean Mission is another significant project supporting the Government of India’s Blue Economy Initiatives. Furthermore, India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) allows countries to work together on cooperative and collaborative solutions to common regional challenges.
Way Forward
As the world recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, priority must be given to sustainability and resilience in ocean-based value chains which were unevenly affected in sectors like marine fisheries, marine and coastal tourism, and maritime transport.
Suggestions include expanding digitisation efforts to lower costs for businesses in developing countries, setting up a blue bank for investments, and improving regulations of blue finance. These ideas pave the way for a Blue New Deal, a counterpart to the Green New Deal, emphasizing the urgent need to focus on our oceans’ health and sustainability.