By Loretta B Manele
Under the “Transformations Agenda”, the aim is working towards achieving a 100 percent sustainable ocean economy.
Dr Tom Pickerill of World Resources Institute discussed this when contributing to the Honiara Summit which focused on SDG 14.4 “Achieving Sustainable Resources” in late February this year.
He explained that there is the Ocean Panel which is currently formed of 18 members from across the globe and they collectively contribute 37% of the world’s exclusive economic services.
Pickerill said they have prepared what is called the “Transformations Agenda” which is their roadmap to 2030 that sets the tone to how they are going to get a sustainable ocean economy.
“The keystone of this Transformations Agenda is their headline commitment, which is by 2025, or within five years of joining, whatever is soon, to sustainably manage 100% of their national waters.
So just to put that in perspective, we have 37% of the world’s exclusive economic zones committing to deliver 100% sustainable management of their national waters.”
Pickerill stated that this is a significant effort that goes towards ocean conservation and sustainable ocean economy.
He expressed that this initiative relates to the aim of the Honiara conference in three ways.
Pickerill said firstly, the 100% sustainable management is a solution to IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing) and overfishing in the sense that the 100% approach commits nations to manage 100% of their national waters whilst also ensuring that fisheries are not only productive, but also well-regulated.
He added that this directly supports SDG 14.4 by integrating real-time monitoring, stronger enforcement, transparency, all to eliminate IUU.
Pickerill said the second point is the 100% sustainable management as a framework for achieving 30 by 30 and marine biodiversity goals.
He stated that the 100% approach not only works to protect the 30%, but also ensures that the remaining 70%, in this example, is managed responsibly through a framework called a Sustainable Ocean Plan, or SOP.
Pickerill said it helps to ensure the balance between conservation and sustainable use.
He went on to state that the final point is on the 100% sustainable management as a political and financial catalyst.
Pickerill said the 100% approach provides a clear, actionable commitment that enables governments, donors and investors to align funding with national ocean priorities.
Henceforth, he noted that by linking RFMOs, (Regional fisheries management organisations) UN agencies, and multilateral agreements, such as the High Seas Treaty or the World Trade Organization subsidies reform, this approach ensures policy coherence and long-term investment, all necessary for SDG 14.
Pickerill also took the opportunity to stress that the 100% approach can be really formative in transforming fisheries management, both including marine conservation and political action however it should be extended.
“37% is admirable and a huge achievement, but it means there’s an awful lot left, 63% of the world left.”
Pickerill stated that in September last year, they launched something called the 100% Alliance, which seeks to expand the approach to all coastal and island nations, providing technical and financial assistance and resourcing.
“We invite you to join us in this endeavour and commit to 100% sustainable ocean management.”
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