References:
Wright, G., Schmidt, S., Rochette, J., Shackeroff, J., Unger, S., Waweru, Y., Müller, A. (2017). Partnering for a Sustainable Ocean: The Role of Regional Ocean Governance in Implementing SDG14’, PROG: IDDRI, IASS, TMG & UN Environment.
Presentation:
"[...] tailor-made and context-specific regional partnerships for sustainable management of the ocean could prove useful. Such partnerships could provide a platform for dialogue and exchanges on implementation challenges within a region, as well as create a mechanism through which countries and competent regional and global management organisations could cooperate towards a harmonised implementation across SDG14 targets and other oceanrelated SDGs. Opportunities for region-to-region exchanges are also still largely absent from global governance processes. A mechanism for 'interregional' and 'region-to-global' cooperation could gather different regional organisations and further involve stakeholders, NGOs, and scientists in regional discussions. Such a mechanism could provide the opportunity to meet informally to share experiences and good practices, discuss common initiatives, highlight options to tackle key challenges, and identify pathways towards improved cooperation for ocean sustainability."
Key Messages:
- Regional cooperation is essential for ocean sustainability.
Regional approaches to ocean governance make it possible for States and stakeholders to cooperate at an ecosystem scale and work together across sectors and national boundaries.
- Most of the SDG14 targets can be addressed through regional initiatives.
Regional approaches and instruments can play a key role in meeting most of the SDG14 targets, with par - ticular relevance in the areas of marine pollution, sus - tainable ocean management, fisheries, conservation, and economic benefits for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
- Regional ocean governance is a driver for the development of integrated approaches.
Regional approaches can help advance ocean govern - ance by bringing all relevant actors together, taking the interdependencies among SDG14 targets into account, and providing co-benefits for the other SDGs.
- Regional ocean governance efforts require greater support to overcome gaps and institutional weaknesses.
Regional cooperation is key to the success of SDG14 and the 2030 Agenda, and should be further strength - ened, including through capacity building and the development of regional partnerships.
