[ad_1]
There are many reasons to feel blue about the state of the ocean. From acidification to the impact of climate change on the zooplankton that is at the base of the marine food chain, there is a steady stream of bad news.
But there is also room for optimism. The 8th of June World Oceans Day celebrates our seas and reminds us why we should protect them.
Here are some stories recently published by the World Economic Forum that show what people are doing to save the oceans.
The exploitation of the oceans could be limited by the creation of sanctuaries. A plan defined by the University of York, Oxford University and Greenpeace – would ensure that at least 30% of the world's oceans become protected areas or ocean sanctuaries.
Future oceanic sanctuaries?
Image: Greenpeace
Manage the ocean in a sustainable way
In an article written for Davos 2019, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg said that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals would involve producing more from the ocean, in terms of food, jobs and food. 39; energy.
But – and this is a big one – it will require better management, preventing degradation and improving its environmental condition.
The good news, however, is that sustainable ocean management could bring huge benefits to humankind: "We firmly believe that oceans are the answer to the most difficult problems facing the world today. She wrote.
Abandoned, lost or abandoned fishing gear – called "ghost nets" – damages coral reefs and kills marine life.
But thanks to the work of a nature conservation group, ghost nets are taking on new life as recycled volleyball nets, including on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. The project works with local divers and salvage companies to remove the nets from the sea – ensuring that no fish can be caught accidentally.
Ghost fishing cycle
Ok, this one maybe cheats a little … here are six positive developments.
From an Indonesian government project to combat plastic pollution through electric ferries, these initiatives tackle some of the biggest problems facing the oceans.
Our oceans cover 70% of the surface of the planet and represent 80% of the planet's biodiversity. We can not have a healthy future without healthy oceans – but they are more vulnerable than ever because of climate change and pollution.
Addressing the serious threats to our oceans means working with leaders from all sectors, from corporations to governments to academia.
The World Economic Forum, in collaboration with the World Resources Institute, brings together Friends of the Ocean Action, a coalition of leaders working together to protect the seas. From a program with the Indonesian government to reduce plastic waste entering the sea up to a global plan to hunt for illegal fishing, the Friends are calling for new solutions.
Climate change is an inseparable part of the threat to our oceans, rising temperatures and the disturbing acidification of fragile ecosystems. The Forum is implementing a number of initiatives to support the shift to a low-carbon economy, including hosting the Alliance of Climate Change CEOs, who have reduced their emissions 9%.
Is your organization interested in working with the World Economic Forum? Learn more here.
In another publication in Davos, Laura Liswood, secretary general of the Council of Women Leaders Worldwide, called for greater gender equality in all areas of the ocean.
"Fishing and aquaculture are neither blind nor neutral," she said. However, groups such as the Friends of the Ocean Action, convened by the World Economic Forum and the World Resources Institute, ensure that women's voices are heard.
If we want to solve the many challenges facing the oceans, women must be involved in the decision-making process.
Image: Nereus Program
Share
[ad_2]
Source link