The 2022 United Nations Ocean Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, was held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 27 June to 1 July. The delegation of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) attended the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon and brought us the latest news.

The discussions focused on sustainable marine economies, small island developing States and least developed countries called for urgent protection of the oceans on which they depend.

During the second interactive dialogue on the management, protection, conservation and restoration of Marine and coastal ecosystems, representatives from countries shared their national marine conservation initiatives, actions and plans and stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation to protect marine and coastal ecosystems.

The contribution from the world's coastal inhabitants to the global economy is huge, estimated at $1.5 trillion per year and expected to reach about $3 trillion by 2030.

Ensuring the health of marine ecosystems, supporting livelihoods and driving economic growth requires targeted support for key sectors, including fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, energy, shipping and port activities, seabed mining, and innovative areas such as renewable energy and marine biotechnology.

This is particularly important for small island developing States, whose key assets are marine resources providing them with food security, nutrition, employment, foreign exchange and recreation.

What does a truly sustainable blue economy mean?

While there is no universally accepted definition for the term "blue economy," the World Bank defines it as "to sustainably use the marine resources to promote economic growth, improve livelihoods and employment, while maintaining the health of marine ecosystems."

The Blue Economy prioritizes three pillars of sustainable development: environment, economy and society. When talking about sustainable development, it is important to understand the difference between the blue economy and the ocean economy. The term "blue economy" implies that the initiative is environmentally sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient.

Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows and wetlands provide important ecosystem services such as coastal protection and carbon sequestration, in addition to measurable goods and services.

Original Chinese Article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/9tv4Yl5PEWXlfqvzAnZRwA

Translator: Sara

Editor: Samantha     

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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