CHOGM: Nations should keep their maritime boundaries – Islands Business

Commonwealth Nations Adopt Ocean Declaration to Address Climate Change

Introduction

49 out of the 56 Commonwealth nations, which are former British colonies, have a coastline. Among them, 25 are small island states that are currently facing threats from climate change, sea level rise, rising temperatures, and increasing ocean acidity.

Adoption of the Apia Ocean Declaration

During the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Samoa, the Commonwealth nations adopted their first Ocean Declaration. The Apia Ocean Declaration calls on all 56 Commonwealth nations, including the 49 with coastlines, to protect the ocean in the face of severe climate challenges, pollution, and overexploitation.

Impact on Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Out of the 56 Commonwealth nations, 25 are Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that face unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities include sea level rise, rising temperatures, climate change-induced extreme weather events, and ocean acidity. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that small island states have experienced an average sea level rise of 0.2 meters (0.7 feet) over the past century.

Protection of Maritime Boundaries

The Ocean Declaration emphasizes that a nation’s maritime boundaries should remain fixed despite physical changes caused by sea level rise. This means that the rights and economic benefits of vast fishing grounds continue to apply to these nations, even if their populations are forced to migrate due to submergence of dry land.

Protection and Restoration of Oceans

The declaration mandates the protection of 30% of oceans and the restoration of marine ecosystems by 2030. It also calls for the urgent finalization of the Global Plastics Treaty, ratification of the UN High-Seas Treaty, development of coastal climate adaptation plans, and increased support for sustainable blue economies.

Recognition of Climate Change as the Greatest Threat

The Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, highlighted that the adoption of the Ocean Declaration is significant for the Blue Pacific continent, where climate change is recognized as the greatest threat to the security and well-being of its people. The ocean constitutes 96% of the region and is where the impacts of climate change are felt most immediately.

Upcoming International Meetings

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, praised the progress made since the adoption of the Blue Charter in 2018. She stated that the new Ocean Declaration sets the stage for upcoming international meetings, including COP29 in Azerbaijan and the UN Ocean Conference next year.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues

   • SDG 13: Climate Action
   • SDG 14: Life Below Water

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content

   • SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
   • SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
   • SDG 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts
   • SDG 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas
   • SDG 14.7: Increase the economic benefits to small island developing states and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources
   • SDG 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity, and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

   • Sea level rise
   • Rising temperatures
   • Ocean acidity
   • Protection of 30% of oceans and marine ecosystems by 2030
   • Restoration of marine ecosystems
   • Finalization of the Global Plastics Treaty
   • Ratification of the UN High-Seas Treaty
   • Development of coastal climate adaptation plans
   • Support for sustainable blue economies

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: earth.org