SDG 14: CONSERVE & SUSTAINABLY USE THE OCEANS, SEAS & MARINE RESOURCES
Goal 14 of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
- Healthy oceans are vital for human existence and the overall health of the planet,
- covers three-quarters of Earth’s surface and houses a vast majority of its biodiversity.
GOALS & TARGETS
- 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution by 2025, focusing on land-based activities.
- 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine ecosystems by 2020 to avoid significant adverse impacts.
- 14.3: Minimize the impacts of ocean acidification through enhanced scientific cooperation.
- 14.4: Regulate fishing practices and restore fish stocks by 2020.
- 14.5: Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020, using the best scientific information available.
- 14.6: Prohibit harmful fisheries subsidies by 2020, promoting responsible fishing practices.
- 14.7: Increase economic benefits for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from sustainable marine resource use by 2030.
- 14.A: Enhance scientific knowledge and transfer marine technology to improve ocean health.
- 14.B: Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets.
- 14.C: Implement international law, including UNCLOS, to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources.
IMPORTANCE OF THE OCEANS
- Ecological Significance: Oceans cover about 71% of the Earth's surface and contain 97% of its water. They provide essential resources, such as food, medicines, and biofuels.
- Carbon Sink: Oceans act as the planet's largest carbon sink, absorbing about 23% of annual CO2 emissions, which helps mitigate climate change.
- Economic Value: Oceans support economic activities, including fisheries, tourism, and shipping, and are crucial for the livelihoods of millions.
CURRENT CHALLENGES WRT OCEANS
- Marine Pollution: In 2021, over 17 million metric tons of plastic pollution was recorded in the oceans, with projections suggesting this could double by 2040. Plastic pollution, primarily from single-use items, is the most harmful type of marine debris.
- Ocean Acidification: The average ocean pH is now 8.1, approximately 30% more acidic than pre-industrial levels. This acidification threatens marine life, disrupts food webs, and compromises food security.
- Climate Change Impact: Oceans have absorbed more than 90% of excess heat from climate change, leading to record ocean temperatures and widespread marine heatwaves, which endanger ecosystems like coral reefs.
- Overfishing: Over one-third of global fish stocks are depleted due to decades of unsustainable fishing practices. This not only affects fish populations but also the communities that rely on them for livelihoods.
- Ecosystem Degradation: Coastal ecosystems, which serve as natural buffers against storms and contribute to biodiversity, are increasingly under threat from pollution and habitat destruction.
STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
- International Cooperation: Enhanced global collaboration is crucial to protect vulnerable marine habitats, including initiatives like the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement (2023), which offers a legal framework for ocean conservation.
- Local Action: Individuals can contribute by making sustainable choices regarding ocean products, reducing plastic use, and supporting policies that protect marine resources.
- Increased Funding: Urgent funding is required for ocean science, conservation initiatives, and to address the multifaceted pressures on marine ecosystems.
- Ecosystem-based Solutions: Implementing nature-based solutions and addressing the interconnectedness of human activities can significantly improve ocean health.
SDG 14 & INDIA
To
evaluate India’s performance on Goal 14, 5 national-level indicators have been identified, corresponding to
four out of ten SDG targets for 2030.
These indicators were selected based on data availability and comparability
across States and Union Territories (UTs).
KEY INDICATORS
- Water Quality: Measured through Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Nitrogen (TN), and pH levels.
- Mangrove Cover: Important for coastal ecosystems, livelihoods, and climate regulation.
- Aquaculture Potential: Reflects the sustainable use of marine resources.
GOAL 14 INDEX SCORE
Scoring System: The SDG Index Score for
Goal 14 ranges from 5 to 100 for nine coastal States.
- o Achievers: West Bengal (100).
- o Front Runners: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Odisha (scores between 65 and 100).
- o Aspirant: Gujarat (score below 50).
HIGHLIGHTS
- Shore Zone Water Quality (BOD/TN):
- BOD: Indicates the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to break down organic material. High BOD levels suggest low water quality.
- West Bengal: Highest mean shore BOD at 5 mg/l.
- Maharashtra: Lowest at 0.18 mg/l.
- Total Nitrogen Levels: Maharashtra has the highest nitrogen levels (57.39 µmol/l), while Odisha has the lowest (18.76 µmol/l).
- Mangrove Cover:
- Vital for coastal protection and carbon capture. Increased by 0.34% in India according to the India State of Forest Report 2021.
- Karnataka: Highest increase in mangrove area (30%).
- Tamil Nadu and Kerala: No increase reported.
- Shore Zone pH Level:
- Indicates ocean acidification, linked to CO2 absorption. Acceptable pH values range from 6.5 to 8.5.
- Lower pH levels signify increased ocean acidity, impacting marine life.
- Aquaculture Potential:
- Target 14.7 focuses on economic benefits from sustainable marine resource use.
- West Bengal: Leads with 6% of the potential area developed for aquaculture.
- Goa: Only 3.5% utilization of available aquaculture area, indicating a need for development.
INITIATIVES TAKEN BY GoI
- Sagarmala Project: This ambitious project aims to improve India's port infrastructure and connectivity, promoting sustainable maritime trade and reducing pollution.
- National Plan for the Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems: This plan focuses on protecting and restoring marine ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds.
- Deep Ocean Mission: This mission aims to explore and understand the deep oceans, harnessing their resources sustainably while protecting their biodiversity.
- National Coastal Zone Management Plan: This plan outlines strategies for sustainable development and conservation of India's coastal regions, addressing issues like coastal erosion, pollution, and climate change.
- Fisheries Management Reforms: The government has implemented reforms to regulate fishing practices, prevent overfishing, and promote sustainable fishing.
- Marine Pollution Control: India has taken steps to reduce marine pollution from land-based activities, including plastic waste, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff.
- Coastal Clean Seas Campaign: This campaign aims to raise awareness about marine pollution and encourage citizens to participate in clean-up activities.
- National Marine Fisheries Policy: This policy provides a framework for sustainable development of the fisheries sector, promoting responsible fishing practices and conservation of marine resources.
- National Mission on Coastal Wetlands: This mission focuses on conserving and restoring coastal wetlands, which play a crucial role in protecting coastal ecosystems and mitigating climate change.
- International Cooperation: India is actively involved in international efforts to address ocean challenges, collaborating with other countries on issues like marine pollution, illegal fishing, and climate change.
These initiatives demonstrate India's commitment to protecting its marine environment and ensuring the sustainable use of ocean resources for future generations.
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