The 2022 United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, saw world leaders pursue the objective of scaling up solutions to reverse the decline in ocean health and protect it from existing and future threats.
Work experience student at Galapagos Conservation Trust
The conference, which took place between 27 June – 1 July, was co-hosted by the governments of Kenya and Portugal
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes 17 goals to improve and protect the planet. The focus of the conference was Goal 14, ‘Life below water’. Life below water focusses on protecting and conserving the world’s seas, oceans and marine sources for sustainable development.
This is particularly important with the increased risk of climate change and human effects on oceans through pollution, the fishing industry and maritime transportation.
There have been many positive outcomes from the Conference on a global and local scale. The UN adopted the declaration ‘our ocean, our future, our responsibility’ to show support for and agree to implement Goal 14.
On a global level, the UN has planned innovative and scientific solutions to conserve the oceans, such as preventing, controlling and reducing marine pollution across countries within the United Nations. They are also developing and implementing measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change which is extremely important so that we don’t lose the natural carbon sink our oceans provide.
Locally, the UN has also committed to many urgent actions including reducing greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transportation and strengthening regional, sub-regional and national data collection efforts.
In order to achieve these actions, the UN has pledged to empower women and girls, as ‘their full, equal and meaningful participation is key in progressing towards a sustainable ocean-based economy’. They are also recognising the importance of Indigenous, traditional and local knowledge, and aim to include this in shaping their future decisions.
During the event, Colombia’s President, Iván Duque Márquez, announced that the country had already achieved protection of 30% of its oceans. This makes Colombia the first nation to achieve its 30×30 promise to preserve 30% of its oceans by 2030. This goal was accomplished due to the expansion of the no-take Malpelo Sanctuary of Flora and Fauna which provides a safe, no-fishing area for migratory species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific such as hammerhead sharks.
A detailed look at the various ocean protection initiatives around Galapagos, including the Swimway, the Hermandad Reserve and CMAR.
During the conference, the Government of Ecuador held a side event in collaboration with the Charles Darwin Foundation, Jocotoco Foundation, Re:wild, Marine Conservation Institute, The Nature Conservancy and UNEP.
Here, they presented their progress on implementing the Hermandad Marine Reserve in Galapagos. The new protected ‘swimway’ between Galapagos and Cocos island, Costa Rica strengthens ecological connectivity and provides a safe migration route for many species of marine mammals, sea turtles, sharks and even sea birds.
“The Galapagos Marine Reserve has demonstrated itself to be a successful management tool, enabling a spill over effect for key species and we expect Hermandad to add to this,” said Inti Keith from the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Not only will the Reserve help to conserve important migratory species, but it will also aid in our fight against climate change. The area will be less susceptible to pollution and overfishing meaning the ecosystem can thrive. As a result, the ocean can absorb carbon dioxide emissions and help to regulate our climate.
Not only will the Reserve help to conserve important migratory species, but it will also aid in our fight against climate change.
