Introduction
Humanity's origins are tied to the ocean, which plays a crucial role in sustaining life by generating oxygen, absorbing carbon emissions, and moderating climate. The ocean acts as a major carbon sink, and its health is vital for Earth's climate regulation.
Global Ocean Governance and Challenges
Historical Context and Current Goals
- The Law of the Sea, signed in 1982, aimed to protect the marine environment.
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015, include SDG 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources, with 10 targets to be achieved by 2030.
Despite efforts, progress on these targets has been insufficient, as highlighted by the UN Ocean Conferences in 2017 and 2022.
Current State and Concerns
- OceanCare reports worsening ocean conditions and a lack of tangible government action.
- UN conferences produce voluntary commitments with no legally enforceable compliance provisions.
- The third UN Ocean Conference in June brought together over 170 countries and resulted in a Political Declaration and a Nice Ocean Action Plan.
Key Treaties and Initiatives
- Efforts include early ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) or High Seas Treaty and concluding negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty to safeguard ocean health.
- Plastic pollution poses a major threat, with 18-20% of global plastic waste ending up in oceans annually. If unchecked, this could reach 37 million tonnes by 2040.
- The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework pledges to designate 30% of ocean space as marine protected areas by 2030.
Urgency and Funding Challenges
The Nice Political Declaration stresses the urgent need to address the ocean's deteriorating health. Nearly 2,000 scientists warned of the existential threat posed by marine ecology degradation. However, resource mobilization remains inadequate, with a $15.8 billion funding gap for ocean protection, likely underestimated given ambitious targets.
India's Role and Strategy
Represented by Minister Jitendra Singh, India proposed a six-point ocean conservation plan, emphasizing marine research, expanding protected areas, reducing pollution, and incorporating indigenous knowledge in governance. India's large exclusive economic zone and coastline make it a key player in global ocean governance, with implications for its economic and maritime security.
Conclusion
India, as a maritime nation, should extend its protected marine national parks and consider restoring degraded areas like the Ganga delta. An ecological strategy recognizing the interconnection of terrestrial and marine systems is essential for effective conservation.