Sustaining What Sustains Us

Oceans can be regarded as the heart of the planet as they produce about 50 percent of the planet’s oxygen, act as a carbon dioxide sink, influence the patterns of winds and hence influence the global weather and climate. Moreover, oceans provide a variety of essential marine resources and support diverse ecosystems. Heinrich Zimmer, a German Indologist and linguist described the oceans as “Limitless and immortal, the waters are the beginning and end of all things on the earth”.

Oceans play an important role in trade as approximately 90% of the global trade is caried through the oceans. The ocean serves as a vital economic asset. The economies associated with the ocean are among the fastest expanding globally. This vast body of water sustains the livelihoods of 3 billion individuals, representing nearly 50 percent of the world’s populace. Marine fisheries account for 57 million employment opportunities worldwide. The blue economy constitutes a robust sector that enables numerous individuals to earn a living and support their families. Blue economy encompasses industries such as ports and shipping, fisheries, marine tourism and hydrocarbon exploration as well as emerging sectors including offshore renewable energy, seabed mining and marine biotechnology.

Considering the importance of oceans the concept of World Ocean Day was first proposed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 at  Rio de Janeiro. However, it was in the year 2008 that the United Nations declared 8 June as the “World Oceans Day” to create awareness regarding the important role oceans play in sustaining biodiversity and various ecosystems. The theme for this year is “Sustaining What Sustains Us”. Moreover, the UN has dedicated the present decade as “UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development” signifying the vital role of oceans for the planet.

To achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) only five years are remaining and the progress on SDG- 14 dedicated to the conservation of ocean is slow. According to the UNSGDs Progress Report 2024, the rise in ocean temperatures has increased substantially. This has lead to the alterations in climate patterns all around the global and also leading to extreme events.  Increased ocean temperature has also  raised concerns regarding coral reef ecosystems. As global warming continues to drive ocean temperatures upward, the frequency and severity of coral bleaching are expected to escalate. The Progress Report on UNSGDs 2024 reveals that intense coral bleaching is being encountered globally. Additionally, the report of 2022 highlights the increasing acidity of oceans, posing a threat to marine life. As carbon dioxide escalates in the oceans, the capacity to absorb will decline. An uptick in the maintenance cycles for marine vessels is anticipated due to ocean acidification. Furthermore, a significant contributor to marine pollution is the influx of nutrient overflow leading to eutrophication in oceans, which has intensified, as described in the report of year 2022 on UNSDGs  .

The year 2025 is important for ocean conservation and governance as many recent marine agreements show commitment to protecting the marine environment. The United Nations High Sea Treaty referred to as Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) is focusing on conserving the marine resources that lie outside of the national jurisdiction. Area Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) accounts for nearly 64% of the surface and 95% volume of the world’s oceans. This treaty was adopted in 2023 and the UN Ocean Conference in France 2025 is aiming to achieve the 60 ratifications that are necessary for the agreement to come in force. Pakistan has decided to be a signatory reflecting its dedication to global marine governance and conservation.

Also the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is finalizing the regulations for exploring and exploiting deep sea minerals. Thirty two countries have officially called for a moratorium as the consequences of deep sea mining are not fully known and scientists believe that deep-sea mining can cause irreversible damage to the deep marine ecosystem. All eyes are on the 30th session of ISA which will be held in July to find a consensus for the member states on exploitation of deep-sea minerals. At the ISA sessions Pakistan has given statement that the mining should not proceed until the mining legal framework ensures that the deep-sea ecosystems will be conserved and equitable sharing of economic benefits for mankind will be there.

About 80% of the aquatic pollution consists of plastic and approximately 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic waste goes to the oceans annually. To reduce the harm from plastic pollution the UN member countries are negotiating for a binding “Global Plastic Pollution Treaty”.  In 2025 the second part of the fifth session will take place in August in Geneva, Switzerland. There are high hopes that an agreement will be reached. Pakistan has shown  its commitment to fight against plastic pollution and has advocated on the ban on most harmful compounds that are used in plastic manufacturing.

As the oceans play an important role in employment and economic development, food provision, sustaining biodiversity and regulation of climate, hence it is necessary that we all make joint efforts to save and preserve them for the sustainability of our planet.