Oceans Compact: A New Initiative to Protect the World’s Ocean
August 14, 2012
On Sunday, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced a new initiative to protect the world’s ocean from pollution, over-fishing, rising sea levels and acidification.
“The seas and oceans host some of the most vulnerable and important ecosystems on Earth, but the diversity of life they host is under ever-increasing strain,” Ban told delegates assembled in Yeosu, South Korea. The crowd was gathered to increase public awareness about the dangers facing the ocean and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Ban praised the achievements of the Law of the Sea, which was first opened for signatures in 1982. “Among its principles, the Law of the Sea recognizes that all ocean issues are related and that they need to be addressed as a whole,” the Ban said.
The new Oceans Compact, announced by Ban Ki-moon, will work to support the full implementation of the Law of the Sea by rolling out a detailed action plan to be managed by a college of scientists, policy makers and ocean specialists.
“The Oceans Compact aims to mobilize and enhance the United Nations system’s capacity to support action by governments while promoting the engagement of intergovernmental organizations, scientists, the private sector and industry to tackle challenges in protecting and restoring the health and productivity of the oceans for the benefit of present and future generations,” the UN outlined in a released statement. “It sets out a strategic vision, consistent with the Rio+20 outcome document.”
The hope is that this Compact will help improve ocean health, aid in the development of mitigation plans, strengthen management and ensure that at least 10 percent of coastal and marine areas are protected by 2020.
