IUCN’s Role in Advancing Sustainable Ocean Conservation in Asia

Introduction

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has actively participated in two major global conferences focused on ocean action: the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) and the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC3). These engagements underscore IUCN’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Supporting Global Biodiversity Targets

Through the implementation of the IUCN Green List Standard, a globally recognized tool promoting conservation in protected areas, IUCN supports Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework. This target aims to conserve 30% of marine areas by 2030, directly contributing to SDG 14.5, which focuses on conserving at least 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020 and beyond.

Engagement at the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC)

1. Coral Triangle Marine Protected Areas: IUCN participated in sessions dedicated to mapping marine protected areas (MPAs) within the Coral Triangle, a critical marine region spanning six Asia-Pacific countries and home to 70% of the world’s coral species. This initiative supports SDG 14.2, which promotes the sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems.
2. East Asian Seas Regional MPA: IUCN contributed to discussions on establishing a regional MPA in the East Asian Seas. This effort addresses key threats such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change, aligning with SDG 14.1 (reducing marine pollution) and SDG 13 (climate action).

Participation in the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC3)

• Renewed Global Momentum: IUCN welcomed the renewed global commitment to ocean protection, emphasizing the importance of scaling finance, combating plastic pollution, addressing climate change impacts, and enhancing conservation efforts in accordance with international laws. These priorities align with SDG 14.3 (minimizing ocean acidification) and SDG 14.a (increasing scientific knowledge and research).
• Cross-Border Collaboration: The conference highlighted the necessity of transboundary cooperation to safeguard vulnerable marine ecosystems, reinforcing SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals).

Regional Initiative: Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystems Phase II (BOBLME II)

The BOBLME II project is a key regional effort led by IUCN to address marine challenges in one of the world’s largest marine ecosystems. The project works closely with national and local stakeholders to:

• Establish protected areas that conserve marine biodiversity (supporting SDG 14.5).
• Enhance livelihood opportunities for coastal communities dependent on fishing, contributing to SDG 1 (no poverty) and SDG 2 (zero hunger).

Expert Insights and Future Directions

Maeve Nightingale, Regional Coordinator of IUCN Asia’s Coastal and Marine Programme, emphasized the importance of lessons learned from BOBLME II in strengthening regional governance and conservation. She highlighted commitments made at UNOC3 to:

• Expand marine protected areas and protect the High Seas.
• Limit deep-sea mining activities.
• Combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
• Protect small-scale fisheries.

These efforts align closely with SDG 14.c, which focuses on enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of oceans through international law.

Conclusion

IUCN remains dedicated to fostering partnerships among governments, communities, and civil society across Asia to translate ocean conservation targets into measurable outcomes. With the 2030 deadline approaching, coordinated action is critical to achieving the SDGs and ensuring the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses heavily on ocean protection, marine biodiversity conservation, and sustainable use of marine resources, which are core to SDG 14.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article mentions addressing the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, linking it to SDG 13.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Through the Global Biodiversity Framework and conservation efforts, there is an indirect connection to SDG 15, which focuses on terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • By strengthening livelihood opportunities for coastal communities reliant on fishing, the article connects to poverty alleviation under SDG 1.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article emphasizes partnerships and cross-border collaboration, aligning with SDG 17.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14 Targets
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including through marine protected areas (MPAs).
   • Target 14.5: Conserve at least 30% of marine areas by 2030 (explicitly mentioned in the article as part of the Global Biodiversity Framework Target 3).
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
   • Target 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution, including plastic pollution.
2. SDG 13 Targets
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies and strategies.
3. SDG 1 Targets
   • Target 1.2: Reduce poverty by ensuring access to basic services and livelihood opportunities, especially for vulnerable populations such as coastal communities.
4. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.16: Enhance global partnerships for sustainable development.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 14
   • Proportion of marine areas protected: The article’s reference to conserving 30% of marine areas by 2030 aligns with indicator 14.5.1 (Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas).
   • Level of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing: Implied through commitments to combat IUU fishing, linked to indicator 14.4.1 (Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels).
   • Reduction in marine pollution: Addressing plastic pollution relates to indicator 14.1.1 (Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density).
2. Indicators for SDG 13
   • Integration of climate change measures: Implied through discussions on tackling climate change impacts on oceans, linked to indicator 13.2.2 (Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies).
3. Indicators for SDG 1
   • Livelihood improvements for coastal communities: Implied through strengthening livelihood opportunities, linked to indicator 1.2.1 (Proportion of population living below the national poverty line).
4. Indicators for SDG 17
   • Number and effectiveness of partnerships: Implied through emphasis on partnerships and cross-border collaboration, linked to indicator 17.17.1 (Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: iucn.org