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Goal 14. Oceans

ICTs can play a significant role in the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans – notably through improved monitoring and reporting which leads to increased accountability. Satellite-based monitoring delivers timely and accurate data on a global basis, while local sensors deliver on the spot updates in real-time. Big data can be used to analyse short- and long-term trends in terms of biodiversity, pollution, weather patterns and ecosystem evolution, and to plan mitigation activities.

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Case study – UNESCO/IOC

The UNESCO/IOC Oceanographic Data Exchange Policy was set up to allow for the timely, free and unrestricted international exchange of oceanographic data which is essential for the efficient acquisition, integration and use of ocean observations gathered by countries around the world. This data is gathered for a wide variety of purposes including the prediction of weather and climate, the operational forecasting of the marine environment, the preservation of life, the mitigation of human-induced changes in the marine and coastal environment, as well as for the advancement of scientific understanding that makes this possible.
The International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) has benefited enormously with advances in ICTs for data management and dissemination. The traditional model of centralized data centres at the national or global scale are gradually being replaced by a decentralized network of data centres accessible and searchable over the Internet. Thanks to this decentralized model, scientists can participate more actively in the data management chain, and can also access data and information more easily. The model also enables a wider range of user communities to access data, data products and information.
Related links:
IODE and WSIS Stocktaking

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Sound Bite

"This is not a choice between the ocean or ourselves: a healthy ocean means healthier humans, more food on our tables, more jobs, and a healthier economy."

Dr Enric Sala
Marine Ecologist, National Geographic

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Goal & Targets SDG-14

Oceans provide the oxygen for every second breath we take, and two thirds of the value of all the natural services offered by the planet.¹

¹ Source: UNESCO

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

14.1 By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
14.3 Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels.
14.4 By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics.
14.5 By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.
14.6 By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation.
14.7 By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
14.a Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries.
14.b Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets.
14.c Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want.