Case study: Give It 100%, Sustentability in action, Expert Opinion

Expert Opinion

Mauricio Lanfdwoigt de Oliveira, ADM, MSc, PMP

Give It 100%

For creating a framework to futureproof the world’s ocean economy

A healthy ocean contributes US$1.5 trillion and millions of jobs to the global economy annually, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development . Yet climate change has already wreaked havoc on some ocean economies and threatens to put more at risk. So the leaders of 14 countries that make up 40 percent of the world’s coastlines are banding together. The goal? Sustainably manage nearly 30 million square kilometers (11.5 million square miles) of waters by 2025.

The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (known as Ocean Panel) includes Canada, Japan and Australia as well as emerging economies like Chile, Namibia and México.?

Together, the group completed a two-year effort to craft recommendations that were released in December 2020. And by the team’s calculations, accomplishing every item from its 74-point plan would help oceans reach their potential benefits, including six times more food production. It would also generate up to one-fifth of the greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed to stay within the warming threshold set by scientists to curb the worst of climate change’s effects.?

The team is now working to finance and scale the initiatives identified by the panel, with each member country aiming to sustainably manage 100 percent of waters under its national jurisdiction within four years.

“The ocean is neither too big to fail nor too big to fix, but it is too big and too central to our future to ignore,” said Jane Lubchenco, PhD, co-chair of the Ocean Panel Expert Group.

Sustentability Plan

Based on the information provided about the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel), its goals, and the commitment of 14 world leaders to manage 100% of their national waters sustainably by 2027, we can suggest a sustainability management approach for the case study.

To effectively manage the sustainability of the world's ocean economy, it is crucial to implement an integrated and holistic approach. The following steps can be taken to achieve this:

1. Establish a Comprehensive Ocean Governance Framework: Develop a robust governance framework that involves collaboration and coordination between governments, industries, and civil society. This framework should integrate policies, regulations, and decision-making processes to ensure sustainable use and conservation of ocean resources.
2. Implement Ecosystem-Based Management: Adopt an ecosystem-based management approach that takes into account the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and their components. This approach involves setting objectives for the entire ecosystem, rather than managing individual species or sectors. It promotes the sustainable use of resources while maintaining ecosystem health and resilience.
3. Promote Sustainable Blue Economy Practices: Encourage the adoption of sustainable practices in the blue economy sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy, and maritime transportation. This includes promoting sustainable fishing practices, supporting the development of responsible aquaculture, promoting low-impact tourism, and investing in renewable energy sources.
4. Strengthen Marine Spatial Planning: Implement effective marine spatial planning processes to optimize the allocation and management of ocean space and resources. This involves identifying areas of ecological significance, potential conflicts between different uses, and ensuring the compatibility of activities to minimize negative impacts on the marine environment.
5. Enhance Data Collection and Monitoring: Establish robust monitoring systems to collect and analyze data on ocean health, resource use, and economic activities. This includes investing in research, monitoring technologies, and data-sharing mechanisms to improve the understanding of ocean ecosystems and track progress towards sustainability goals.
6. Foster International Collaboration: Encourage international collaboration and knowledge-sharing among countries to address transboundary challenges and promote best practices in sustainable ocean management. This includes sharing expertise, technologies, and resources to support capacity building and facilitate joint initiatives for ocean conservation and sustainable use.

By implementing these measures, the Ocean Panel and participating countries can work towards protecting the future of the world's ocean economy. This comprehensive approach will help ensure the sustainable management of marine resources, promote economic prosperity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on coastal communities and ecosystems.