Goal 14 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is focused on Life Below Water, emphasising the need to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
With marine ecosystems facing unprecedented threats from pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation, urgent action is required to protect these vital resources upon which life on Earth depends.
What does UN SDG 14 include?
The targets outlined under Goal 14 provide a framework for action to conserve and sustainably use marine resources:
Reduce marine pollution (Target 14.1): Efforts must be made to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution, including marine debris and nutrient pollution, originating from land-based activities.
Protect and restore ecosystems (Target 14.2): Sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems are essential to avoid significant adverse impacts and promote the restoration of healthy and productive oceans.
Minimize ocean acidification (Target 14.3): Collaborative efforts are needed to minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels.
Promote sustainable fishing practices (Target 14.4): Effective regulation of harvesting, an end to overfishing, and the elimination of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices are essential for restoring fish stocks to sustainable levels.
Conserve coastal and marine areas (Target 14.5): Conservation efforts should aim to protect at least 10 percent of coastal and marine areas, based on the best available scientific information and in accordance with national and international law.
End subsidies contributing to overfishing (Target 14.6): By prohibiting certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, countries can promote sustainable management of marine resources.
Increase economic benefits from sustainable use of marine resources (Target 14.7): By enhancing the economic benefits derived from sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism, countries can support the development of small island developing states and least developed countries.
Enhance scientific knowledge and research for ocean health (Target 14.8): Increased investment in scientific research and technology transfer is crucial for improving ocean health and supporting the sustainable use of marine biodiversity.
Support small-scale fishers (Target 14.9): Providing access to marine resources and markets for small-scale artisanal fishers can promote their livelihoods and contribute to sustainable fisheries management.
Implement and enforce international sea law (Target 14.A): Enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources requires the implementation of international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
According to the United Nations, by implementing these targets and taking collective action, stakeholders can work towards conserving marine ecosystems, promoting sustainable fisheries, and safeguarding the oceans for future generations.
To learn more about how to improve sustainability in your business, make sure you read www.sustainabilityonline.net. For more details on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, click here.
