What is the News?
At the UN Ocean Conference 2022, all 198 members of the United Nations unanimously adopted the Lisbon Declaration on ocean conservation.
What is the UN Ocean Conference?
The oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface, are the planet’s largest biosphere and are home to up to 80% of all life in the world.
It generates 50% of the oxygen human need, absorbs 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions and captures 90% of the additional heat generated from those emissions.
It is not just ‘the lungs of the planet’ but also its largest carbon sink – a vital buffer against the impacts of climate change.
Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water
It was adopted in 2015. It is an integral aspect of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its set of 17 transformative goals.
Goal 14 stresses the need to conserve and sustainably use the world’s oceans, seas and marine resources.
What is the aim of the Lisbon Declaration?
The Lisbon Declaration aims to scale up science-based and innovative actions taking into account the capacity challenges facing developing countries in particular Small Island Developing States and Least Developing Countries.
The actions range from strengthening data collection to recognizing the role of indigenous people in sharing innovation and practices to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international maritime transportation, especially shipping.
They also agreed to promote innovative financing solutions to achieve sustainable ocean-based economies and encourage women and girls’ meaningful participation in the ocean-based economy.
