Sustainable Societies

Oceans and Seas

Oceans and seas constitute the largest part of the planet, supporting all life and providing vital resources for realizing economic prosperity, eradicating poverty, ensuring food security and conserving the marine biological diversity that helps maintain life on earth. Coastal areas protect many ecosystems from storm surges and other weather-related events, and their destruction or degradation will result in their poorer performance. Twenty- seven per cent of the world's coral reefs, one of the world's most diverse ecosystems, have been lost owing to direct human impact and the effects of climate change, while a further 32% may be functionally destroyed within the next 30 years unless urgent measures are taken. Human activity has extensively exploited and degraded oceans and seas, exploiting or over fishing an estimated 60% of the world fisheries. Global warming, changing rain patterns and raising sea levels will result in flooding, drought, and extremely high temperatures that could threaten the life and livelihood of millions of people. The intrinsic value of oceans and seas for global sustainable development demands sound human activity for their conservation.