The importance of the ocean for life on Earth is so great that it is impossible to think of it without the sea. Even so, the discussion about this ecosystem is recent among the world’s leading economies. This resource covers more than two thirds of our planet’s surface and holds important keys to combating global warming, preserving and restoring the earth’s biodiversity, providing energy, food, logistics and natural resources, as well as ensuring economic growth and a fairer distribution of prosperity for the population.
With a huge challenge on their hands, hundreds of experts met at the G20 House in Rio de Janeiro on Monday (18) to discuss the panorama and point out solutions for a limited resource in crisis.
With this panorama, the first meeting of the G20 Social Engagement Group took place about the oceans, the Oceans20 (O20). Participants from around the world discussed the central role of the ocean in environmental sustainability and the global economy, seeking to lay the foundations for the proposal that will influence G20 policies on the subject.
During the meeting, the Blue Economy (Economia Azul) concept was presented, which refers to the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources to promote economic growth, without affecting the health of marine ecosystems.
Simone Pennafirme, a postdoctoral fellow in Marine Biology and UNESCO’s representative for ocean sustainability, explained that the idea encompasses a wide range of sectors, such as sustainable fishing, coastal tourism, maritime transportation and ocean renewable energy. The aim of the Blue Economy is to ensure that human activities in the oceans are ecologically responsible, socially inclusive and economically viable in the long term. This involves environmental management practices, innovative technologies and collaboration between governments, companies and local communities.
The oceans face challenges from the destruction of marine habitats to pollution and climate change.
These problems affect not only marine ecosystems, but also have a direct impact on the global economy. During the meeting, representatives discussed the G20’s commitments regarding the oceans, highlighting the need for protection and sustainable use of this resource.
The ocean agenda is one of the four pillars of the Climate and Environmental Sustainability Working Group, coordinated by the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment, and permeates other official G20 working groups, given the cross-cutting characteristic of the theme. It is coordinated by UNESCO Chair for Ocean Sustainability at the University of São Paulo, in collaboration with World Economic Forum, the UN Global Compact – Brasil Network and Ocean Stewardship Coalition -, the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (FUNBIO) and National Institute for Ocean Research (INPO).