Historic vote paves way for new era of Atlantic Ocean conservation – Oceanographic Magazine

Report on the Macaronesia Marine Sanctuary Initiative and Sustainable Development Goal Alignment

1.0 Executive Summary

A resolution to establish the Macaronesia Sanctuary, a transnational Marine Protected Area (MPA), was approved with a 96.5% majority at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress. This initiative, led by the Loro Parque Fundación, represents a significant advancement in marine conservation. The project directly supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a primary focus on SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the protection of critical marine ecosystems and the demonstration of effective international cooperation.

2.0 Project Details and Ecological Context

The Macaronesia Sanctuary is an ambitious conservation project designed to protect the marine biodiversity across the waters of four archipelagos. Its establishment addresses multiple threats to the marine environment, aligning with global conservation targets.

• Geographic Scope: The MPA will encompass the waters of the Canary Islands, the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde.
• Ecological Significance: The region is a vital corridor for 32 species of cetaceans, which constitutes 84% of all cetacean species found in the North Atlantic.
• Threats Mitigated: The sanctuary aims to protect marine life from a range of anthropogenic pressures, including:
  • Intensive maritime traffic
  • Underwater noise pollution
  • Industrial fishing activities
  • The prospective threat of deep-sea mining

3.0 Contribution to SDG 14: Life Below Water

The creation of the Macaronesia Sanctuary is a direct and substantial contribution to the targets outlined in SDG 14. The initiative provides a tangible framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

1. Target 14.2: By establishing a protected area, the project directly addresses the goal to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, thereby strengthening their resilience.
2. Target 14.5: The sanctuary contributes significantly to the target of conserving at least 10 percent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.
3. Target 14.c: The legal and cooperative framework required for the sanctuary’s operation will enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law.

4.0 Contribution to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The success of the Macaronesia Sanctuary initiative is a testament to the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration, a core principle of SDG 17. The project exemplifies how partnerships can drive progress on global sustainability targets.

• Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration (Target 17.17): The project is the result of a long-term partnership between civil society, scientific institutions, and international bodies. Key stakeholders include:
  • Civil Society/Foundation: Loro Parque Fundación, which spearheaded the motion after four decades of scientific work and advocacy.
  • International Organisation: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which provided the platform for international approval.
• Intergovernmental Cooperation (Target 17.16): The next phase requires close cooperation between the governments of Spain, Portugal, and Cape Verde to formally implement and manage the transnational MPA, reinforcing the global partnership for sustainable development.

5.0 Conclusion and Future Outlook

The IUCN’s approval of the Macaronesia Sanctuary marks a milestone in marine conservation, demonstrating a global commitment to protecting ocean biodiversity. The initiative serves as a powerful model for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 and SDG 17. The successful implementation of the sanctuary will depend on the continued collaboration between the Loro Parque Fundación and the national governments involved, setting a precedent for future large-scale, transnational conservation efforts.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  This is the primary SDG addressed in the article. The entire focus is on the conservation of marine life and ecosystems through the establishment of the “Macaronesia Sanctuary.” The article explicitly mentions protecting “32 species of cetaceans,” safeguarding ocean biodiversity, and protecting marine habitats from threats like industrial fishing, maritime traffic, and deep-sea mining.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article heavily emphasizes the collaborative effort required to create the sanctuary. It highlights a partnership involving a private foundation (Loro Parque Fundación), an international conservation body (IUCN), and multiple national governments (“Spain, Portugal, and Cape Verde”). The text states that “international cooperation remains the most powerful tool we have to safeguard ocean biodiversity,” directly linking the conservation effort to the principles of global partnership.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 14.5: Conserve coastal and marine areas

   The article’s central theme is the approval of a motion “to establish the Macaronesia Sanctuary – a transnational Marine Protected Area.” This action directly aligns with Target 14.5, which aims to “conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas” through mechanisms like protected areas.

2. Target 14.2: Protect and restore ecosystems

   The sanctuary’s purpose is to protect cetaceans and their habitats “from increasing pressures, including maritime traffic, underwater noise, industrial fishing, and the looming threat of deep-sea mining.” This goal corresponds with Target 14.2, which calls for the sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.

3. Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development

   The creation of the sanctuary is presented as a result of a multi-stakeholder effort. The article describes it as a “transnational” initiative involving the governments of Spain, Portugal, and Cape Verde, spearheaded by the Loro Parque Fundación and approved by the IUCN. This collaboration exemplifies the multi-stakeholder partnerships promoted by Target 17.16 to support the achievement of sustainable development goals.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 14.5.1: Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas

  The primary indicator is the establishment and geographical extent of the “Macaronesia Sanctuary.” The article defines this area as “spanning the waters of the Canary Islands, the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde.” The formal creation and demarcation of this Marine Protected Area (MPA) would be a direct measure of progress for this indicator.

• Implied Indicators for Target 14.2

  The article implies several indicators for ecosystem protection. Progress could be measured by:

  • The number of species protected within the sanctuary (the article mentions “32 species of cetaceans”).
  • The implementation of regulations to mitigate threats such as “maritime traffic, underwater noise, industrial fishing, and the looming threat of deep-sea mining” within the sanctuary’s boundaries.
• Implied Indicators for Target 17.16

  The success of the partnership is demonstrated by tangible outcomes. The key indicator mentioned is the “overwhelming majority vote of 96.5% in favour” at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, which quantifies the international support for the initiative. The formal agreement and cooperation between the governments of “Spain, Portugal, and Cape Verde” to manage the transnational sanctuary would be another clear indicator of a successful partnership.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary Table

Source: oceanographicmagazine.com