Thank you for subscribing, Please scroll down to check out this month’s Navigator.
THE NAVIGATOR
WELCOME TO THE NAVIGATOR!
September 2020
Welcome back! While The Navigator has been anchored over the Northern summer we hope you have also had a chance for some R&R – and we don’t mean just because you are locked-in! Sadly, the world is not as we hoped it would be for our “back to school” September special. For a start, lots of kids are not back at school. COVID-19 cases are still tragically rising in some regions, and returning with a miserable vengeance in others. Meanwhile, humanity received its 2020 Biodiversity Report Card. Turns out we’re failing biodiversity big time and when it comes to meeting our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) we really could good do much, much better. So, we’ll be looking out for bold solutions at the UN Biodiversity Summit at the end of the month. With the UN celebrating its 75th year, it is time to remind world leaders about the power of multilateralism. Solving these planetary problems and Building Back Bluer and Better is an opportunity we have to share with the whole class!
SEEN FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE
– WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?
OCEAN SIGNALS
– SHORT OCEAN ANNOUNCEMENTS
WAVES ON THE HORIZON
– WHAT'S COMING UP?
OCEAN REFLECTIONS– A LOOK BACK AT WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING
SEEN FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE –
WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?
Happy 75th Birthday United Nations!
On 24th October it will be exactly 75 years since the UN Charter entered into force in 1945. A moment to celebrate, reflect on the past, and imagine the future. The UN has a lot to be proud of with an impressive list of achievements from the past 75 years under its belt – from 170 peace settlements; 560 multilateral treaties; deploying 70 peacekeeping operations; providing food to 90 million people every year, to name just a few. Sadly, this year there will be no colourful in-person events to mark this anniversary. Instead, a UN General Assembly like no other is currently underway in New York. “Quiet corridors, full programme” is the order of the day at the first ever mostly virtual UNGA. Instead of motorcades and handshakes we will see world leaders beaming in from around the globe to a sparsely filled, socially distanced halls. The theme of #UN75 is “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism – confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action.” As titles go, it doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but it is what we need. The big question: will we get it? And that, fellow navigators, is up to us.
We must use this anniversary, against the unprecedented global backdrop of COVID-19, to reassert the importance of multilateralism and meeting the SDGs. Which is precisely what United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres stressed at the inaugural high-level SDG Moment on 18th September. Read More
UN Biodiversity Summit – humanity at a crossroads
A very timely Summit on Biodiversity is also being held at the UN during the General Assembly, on 30th September, aimed at spurring on “Urgent Action on Biodiversity for Sustainable Development.” The recent report that the world has shamefully failed to meet a single target to stem the destruction of wildlife and life-sustaining ecosystems in the last decade will undoubtedly cast a shadow on the event – but will it serve to catalyse urgent action?
Global Biodiversity Outlook 5, launched on 15th September, confirmed that the international community has not fully achieved any of the 20 Aichi biodiversity targets: natural habitats continue to disappear, vast numbers of species are threatened by extinction due to human activities, and US$500bn of environmentally damaging government subsidies have not been eliminated. What’s more, this damning assessment comes hot on the heels of the WWF Living Planet Report 2020 revelation that animal populations have plummeted by 68% since 1970, driven by human overconsumption, population growth and intensive agriculture. And it is not just other species being put at risk – a new study is adding to the growing evidence that rampant destruction of nature will unleash future pandemics. Humanity stands at a crossroads: will it choose pathways to a healthy and sustainable future – along the lines of the 8 major transitions that Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 identifies as necessary to halt nature’s accelerating decline. Will we continue along the road to destruction? Will the next 10 years accelerate the transformative change we need, or be a disappointing “Aichi 2.0”?
There are a number of key steps towards this route to transformation. This includes the protection of 30% of the planet by 2030. The argument for doing this is getting ever stronger, with a recent analysis involving over 100 experts finding that the benefits of protecting 30% of Earth outweigh the costs by a factor of at least 5:1. For the Ocean, more and more countries are getting on board. Canada is the latest nation to join the Global Ocean Alliance of governments advocating for 30×30 (go Canada!), bringing the total to 22 states now signed up to the coalition launched by the UK in 2019. Read More
Time to take off our gloves in the icy fight for Antarctic protection
2020 has long been destined to be a big year for Antarctica – as the 200th anniversary of its discovery – and, as things stand today, it could even make history. The annual meeting of CCAMLR, usually held in Hobart, is currently scheduled to take place virtually from 26th October to 6th November, meaning the opportunity to secure the greatest ever act of Ocean protection by the end of the year is still possible. All we need is for the 26 Members to agree to long-standing proposals to create marine protected areas (MPAs) in East Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula, and Weddell Sea – well, really just 2 (China and Russia) as everyone else is on board. Together, these MPAs would protect almost 1% of the global Ocean by covering an incredible – and vital – almost 4 million km2.
So far, 2020 has brought only bad news for the great white continent. January brought Antarctica’s first ever recorded heatwave; February saw the highest ever recorded temperature of over 20 degrees Celsius; and in August a new study found that about 60% of the Antarctic ice shelf area is vulnerable to “hydrofracturing”, where meltwater seeps into crevasses and triggers collapse. Comparison of the latest satellite observations of polar ice melt found that the ice sheets in both Antarctica and Greenland are already melting at Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) “worst-case-scenario” levels. That means we’re looking at 17cm of sea level rise by 2100 from those ice sheets alone, which would double the frequency of storm-surge flooding in many of the world’s largest coastal cities.
But it is not too late to flip the script in 2020. Fortunately, some world leaders are prioritizing Antarctic protection. In her State of the Union 2020 address on 16th September, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, declared that the EU “will use our diplomatic strength and economic clout to broker agreements that make a difference – such as designating maritime protected areas in the Antarctica. This would be one of the biggest acts of environmental protection in history.” Support the global campaign to build momentum in advance of the crucial CCAMLR meeting by signing and sharing the petition that calls on world leaders to protect Antarctica’s precious waters, and get the message out far and wide on you socials using this Call to Action toolkit.
OCEAN SIGNALS– SHORT OCEAN ANNOUNCEMENTS
- The Ocean Race Summits held on 16th September was the latest in a series that brings together leaders and change-makers to focus on Ocean health. In 2020, those change-makers included our CEO Karen Sack, as well as Ocean Unite network members José María Figueres and Philippe Cousteau, while OU Network member Danni Washington was a co-host. Even better, during the Summit, Ocean Race announced that they are joining RISE UP! Watch the full replay of the Summit.
- Only One is a newly launched platform for stories, solutions, and community action to protect the Ocean, tackle the climate crisis, and help build a more just, equitable planet – including an #Antarctica2020 campaign, which has collected more than 150,000 signatures from around the world. Follow @OnlyOne on Instagram to learn more.
- It’s time to RISE UP for our Ocean! A new digital campaign is calling on organizations to sign on to #RiseUp4TheOcean and lend their voices to our growing Blue Call to Action. The campaign is centred around a beautiful film produced by the Oceano Azul Foundation narrated by Sylvia Earle that highlights the intimate connection between humans and the Ocean. Can you hear it?… It’s now or never. Take 2 minutes to watch the video, listen to the Ocean and join the hundreds of organizations that are rising up.
- The Outlaw Ocean Project: A virtual event on innovative storytelling for change, took place on 19th September. For more information on the project and event, click here.
- On 5th October from 8-9.30PM BST, the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) will be hosting a unique online event, celebrating the role of the deep sea and all of the services it provides to humankind whilst asking the question, are we ready to mine? You can register for Deep Sea TV, here.
- Ocean Book Club: Check out these 2 new books. Ocean Unite Network member, Philippe Cousteau, has announced the launch of his new children’s book ‘The Endangereds’ that tells the story of a group of endangered species that are rescued from nature and brought to a secret facility where they are given a serum that gives them hyper-intelligence. They become an A-Team for nature, traveling the world on fantastic adventures to thwart nefarious conspiracies against the planet. You can pre-order the book here. Another new read to add to your bookshelf: ‘ALL WE CAN SAVE: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis’ compiles provocative and illuminating essays from women at the forefront of the climate movement who are harnessing truth, courage, and solutions to lead humanity forward. Available to order here.
- One Blue Ocean – an Ocean advocacy group that inspires change through positive visual images and creative works – is looking to recruit the best and brightest young people to serve on its Youth Advisory Board. YAB ambassadors are creative thinkers and thought leaders ready to dive deep to support the organization from their unique perspectives and be part of the Ocean of Change. To learn more or apply email tuennerman@oneblueocean.org or henthorne@oneblueocean.org.
- Did you know that about 80% of the world’s wastewater is discharged – untreated or partially treated – into our lakes, rivers, streams, and the Ocean? It’s a truly filthy habit. So Our Shared Seas has launched a new Ocean Sewage Pollution Hub to identify and mobilize solutions on the impact of sewage pollution. This isn’t a niche issue. Ocean sewage pollution is a serious threat to Ocean – and human – health that flows largely under the noses of philanthropy, development aid, and regulators.
- Join Ocean Unite to help ensure that 30% of the Ocean is protected by 2030 with our new range of sustainable ocean-inspired clothing. Saving the Ocean never looked so good!
- Are you – or someone you know – a young filmmaker? How will you change the world? Create a film that tells your story (in 50 seconds or less!) and compete for US$12,000 in cash prizes for you and your school or organization by entering the Planet911 Youth Film Challenge. Don’t delay – the deadline is 15th October (topic 1) and 1st December (topic 2).
- Attend a session during the upcoming Geneva Trade Week. Co-hosted by Pew, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Friends of Ocean Action, the session titled “#StopFundingOverfishing” will taking place next Wednesday, 30th September. Register at genevatradeweek.ch.
WAVES ON THE HORIZON –
WHAT'S COMING UP?
Better late than never – 2021 is the new, and hopefully improved, 2020
“Postponed”, “delayed”, “cancelled” – these have become the stock phrases of this year of living virtually. But, while we are all doing our best to debate and exchange ideas online, after 9 months in solitary confinement many people want to know: when will we meet again? So here is a round-up of how schedules currently stand for some of the key events. Read More
Paris Peace Forum – turning the page on the pandemic
The Paris Peace Forum was created in 2018 to respond to the ongoing crisis of multilateralism, which has sharply increased in 2020. From 11th-13th November 2020, the Forum will devote its 3rd edition to projects and initiatives from around the world aimed at providing immediate responses to the COVID-19 crisis, improving our resilience in the medium term and rebuilding a more sustainable world. Taking place a week after the US elections, the 2020 Paris Peace Forum will provide a universal and inclusive platform for all actors involved in the response to the COVID crisis. The event is adopting a unique hybrid format – partly in person, partly online – and will be chiefly devoted to the multi-actor response to coronavirus and the opportunity to rebuild a more sustainable world.
A Call for Projects launched in March 2020 received more than 850 applications – a record since the creation of the Forum – from which 100 have been selected to participate at the Forum. One of these is the Ocean Risk and Resilience Alliance which, with its Ocean Resilience Innovation Challenge, aims to drive the foundation of a new marketplace catalyzing investment into coastal natural capital by identifying and nurturing a number of finance innovations that focus on building coastal resilience in the most exposed and vulnerable regions and communities. The innovation challenge is set to launch in mid-October, so keep an eye out for more info or follow @ORRAAnews on Twitter for more. It is the latest Ocean project to be promoted by the Paris Peace Forum, which includes the Antarctica2020 initiative to build support for Southern Ocean protection, and the High Seas Alliance’s work to protect half the planet through a strong High Seas Treaty, which were both chosen to be among the Forum’s 10 ‘scale-up projects’ in the past 2 years.
OCEAN REFLECTIONS–
A LOOK BACK AT WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING
Mauritius oil tanker disaster – fueling trouble in paradise
On 25th July, a Japanese-owned oil tanker – the MV Wakashio – ran aground at Pointe d’Esny near the coast of Mauritius and 2 weeks later began leaking fuel oil. Satellite images in early August showed the oil spill stretched out between the mainland at Pointe D’Esny and the island of Ile-aux-Aigrettes. It is estimated that about 1200 tonnes of fuel oil have spilled out along the coast. But it is the location rather than the size of the spill which makes it so serious. The oil is leaking near environmentally protected marine ecosystems including the Blue Bay Marine Park reserve, a wetland of international importance. The unique Mauritian marine environment is home to 1700 species, including around 800 types of fish, 17 kinds of marine mammals, and two species of turtles. The pristine turquoise waters of the blue lagoon outside the coastal village of Mahébourg, world famous for tourists and as the backdrop for numerous Bollywood movies, are now stained black and brown.
To support the people of Mauritius, who are calling for more action to address the spill and protect the local community and wildlife, a campaign has been launched inviting people to sign a letter to the Prime Minister asking for a transparent, effective clean-up that enables the long-term recovery of the environment and livelihoods of Mauritian people.
Uniting for Caribbean action
Ocean Unite collaborated with the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), the Caribbean Challenge Initiative, the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund and The Nature Conservancy to co-organize the very first Virtual CCI-CBF Week from 13th-16th July 2020. The week was defined by several high-level panels with special messages delivered by Sir Richard Branson and H.E. Peter Thomson, the UN Special Envoy for Oceans, who both highlighted the importance of enhancing political advocacy and regional action towards the protection of 30% of the Ocean by 2030.
Panelists and speakers all embraced a vision for transformative action, and in particular the evolution of the Caribbean’s tourism industry as it moves beyond the incapacitating economic shocks caused by more frequent natural disasters and, now, pandemics. There is huge opportunity in the Caribbean to embrace new, innovative and practical solutions. But participants agreed that the existing policy must be accompanied by a sustainable financing architecture to build onto the success of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund that has been financing the building of a network of effectively managed MPAs in the region. Hopefully the Caribbean continues to be a beacon of Ocean ambition as they further develop their priorities towards 2030.
Maldives deeper into coral reef research
The Maldives Coral Institute (MCI) was publicly launched in February 2020 with a successful workshop and the inaugural coral festival in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll. Since then, no time has been wasted in getting several research projects underway, 2 of which were showcased at a lively event in September. Professor Callum Roberts of Exeter University gave a presentation on ‘Scientific research on Maldivian coral reefs: Past, present, and future needs’, while Georgia de Jong Cleyndert (MCI, University of York) focused on ‘Managing development to protect coral reefs.’ The event was well attended and those who joined engaged in spirited debates and a panel discussion moderated by journalist Zaheena Rasheed, where the presenters were joined by guest speakers Dr. Kathryn Mengerink (Waitt Institute), Dr. David Obura (CORDIO/ IUCN/ University of Queensland) and Shaha Hashim (Blue Marine Foundation). These initial studies, collating information from a wide range of sources, will prove invaluable as the MCI advances its mission to protect the future of Maldivian coral reefs – which will be valuable for reefs globally. The entire webinar can be viewed online.
Thank you for subscribing, Please scroll down to check out this month’s Navigator.
THE NAVIGATOR
WELCOME TO THE NAVIGATOR!
September 2020
Welcome back! While The Navigator has been anchored over the Northern summer we hope you have also had a chance for some R&R – and we don’t mean just because you are locked-in! Sadly, the world is not as we hoped it would be for our “back to school” September special. For a start, lots of kids are not back at school. COVID-19 cases are still tragically rising in some regions, and returning with a miserable vengeance in others. Meanwhile, humanity received its 2020 Biodiversity Report Card. Turns out we’re failing biodiversity big time and when it comes to meeting our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) we really could good do much, much better. So, we’ll be looking out for bold solutions at the UN Biodiversity Summit at the end of the month. With the UN celebrating its 75th year, it is time to remind world leaders about the power of multilateralism. Solving these planetary problems and Building Back Bluer and Better is an opportunity we have to share with the whole class!
SEEN FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE
– WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?
OCEAN SIGNALS
– SHORT OCEAN ANNOUNCEMENTS
WAVES ON THE HORIZON
– WHAT'S COMING UP?
OCEAN REFLECTIONS– A LOOK BACK AT WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING
SEEN FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE –
WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?
Happy 75th Birthday United Nations!
On 24th October it will be exactly 75 years since the UN Charter entered into force in 1945. A moment to celebrate, reflect on the past, and imagine the future. The UN has a lot to be proud of with an impressive list of achievements from the past 75 years under its belt – from 170 peace settlements; 560 multilateral treaties; deploying 70 peacekeeping operations; providing food to 90 million people every year, to name just a few. Sadly, this year there will be no colourful in-person events to mark this anniversary. Instead, a UN General Assembly like no other is currently underway in New York. “Quiet corridors, full programme” is the order of the day at the first ever mostly virtual UNGA. Instead of motorcades and handshakes we will see world leaders beaming in from around the globe to a sparsely filled, socially distanced halls. The theme of #UN75 is “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism – confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action.” As titles go, it doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but it is what we need. The big question: will we get it? And that, fellow navigators, is up to us.
We must use this anniversary, against the unprecedented global backdrop of COVID-19, to reassert the importance of multilateralism and meeting the SDGs. Which is precisely what United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres stressed at the inaugural high-level SDG Moment on 18th September. Read More
UN Biodiversity Summit – humanity at a crossroads
A very timely Summit on Biodiversity is also being held at the UN during the General Assembly, on 30th September, aimed at spurring on “Urgent Action on Biodiversity for Sustainable Development.” The recent report that the world has shamefully failed to meet a single target to stem the destruction of wildlife and life-sustaining ecosystems in the last decade will undoubtedly cast a shadow on the event – but will it serve to catalyse urgent action?
Global Biodiversity Outlook 5, launched on 15th September, confirmed that the international community has not fully achieved any of the 20 Aichi biodiversity targets: natural habitats continue to disappear, vast numbers of species are threatened by extinction due to human activities, and US$500bn of environmentally damaging government subsidies have not been eliminated. What’s more, this damning assessment comes hot on the heels of the WWF Living Planet Report 2020 revelation that animal populations have plummeted by 68% since 1970, driven by human overconsumption, population growth and intensive agriculture. And it is not just other species being put at risk – a new study is adding to the growing evidence that rampant destruction of nature will unleash future pandemics. Humanity stands at a crossroads: will it choose pathways to a healthy and sustainable future – along the lines of the 8 major transitions that Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 identifies as necessary to halt nature’s accelerating decline. Will we continue along the road to destruction? Will the next 10 years accelerate the transformative change we need, or be a disappointing “Aichi 2.0”?
There are a number of key steps towards this route to transformation. This includes the protection of 30% of the planet by 2030. The argument for doing this is getting ever stronger, with a recent analysis involving over 100 experts finding that the benefits of protecting 30% of Earth outweigh the costs by a factor of at least 5:1. For the Ocean, more and more countries are getting on board. Canada is the latest nation to join the Global Ocean Alliance of governments advocating for 30×30 (go Canada!), bringing the total to 22 states now signed up to the coalition launched by the UK in 2019. Read More
Time to take off our gloves in the icy fight for Antarctic protection
2020 has long been destined to be a big year for Antarctica – as the 200th anniversary of its discovery – and, as things stand today, it could even make history. The annual meeting of CCAMLR, usually held in Hobart, is currently scheduled to take place virtually from 26th October to 6th November, meaning the opportunity to secure the greatest ever act of Ocean protection by the end of the year is still possible. All we need is for the 26 Members to agree to long-standing proposals to create marine protected areas (MPAs) in East Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula, and Weddell Sea – well, really just 2 (China and Russia) as everyone else is on board. Together, these MPAs would protect almost 1% of the global Ocean by covering an incredible – and vital – almost 4 million km2.
So far, 2020 has brought only bad news for the great white continent. January brought Antarctica’s first ever recorded heatwave; February saw the highest ever recorded temperature of over 20 degrees Celsius; and in August a new study found that about 60% of the Antarctic ice shelf area is vulnerable to “hydrofracturing”, where meltwater seeps into crevasses and triggers collapse. Comparison of the latest satellite observations of polar ice melt found that the ice sheets in both Antarctica and Greenland are already melting at Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) “worst-case-scenario” levels. That means we’re looking at 17cm of sea level rise by 2100 from those ice sheets alone, which would double the frequency of storm-surge flooding in many of the world’s largest coastal cities.
But it is not too late to flip the script in 2020. Fortunately, some world leaders are prioritizing Antarctic protection. In her State of the Union 2020 address on 16th September, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, declared that the EU “will use our diplomatic strength and economic clout to broker agreements that make a difference – such as designating maritime protected areas in the Antarctica. This would be one of the biggest acts of environmental protection in history.” Support the global campaign to build momentum in advance of the crucial CCAMLR meeting by signing and sharing the petition that calls on world leaders to protect Antarctica’s precious waters, and get the message out far and wide on you socials using this Call to Action toolkit.
OCEAN SIGNALS– SHORT OCEAN ANNOUNCEMENTS
- The Ocean Race Summits held on 16th September was the latest in a series that brings together leaders and change-makers to focus on Ocean health. In 2020, those change-makers included our CEO Karen Sack, as well as Ocean Unite network members José María Figueres and Philippe Cousteau, while OU Network member Danni Washington was a co-host. Even better, during the Summit, Ocean Race announced that they are joining RISE UP! Watch the full replay of the Summit.
- Only One is a newly launched platform for stories, solutions, and community action to protect the Ocean, tackle the climate crisis, and help build a more just, equitable planet – including an #Antarctica2020 campaign, which has collected more than 150,000 signatures from around the world. Follow @OnlyOne on Instagram to learn more.
- It’s time to RISE UP for our Ocean! A new digital campaign is calling on organizations to sign on to #RiseUp4TheOcean and lend their voices to our growing Blue Call to Action. The campaign is centred around a beautiful film produced by the Oceano Azul Foundation narrated by Sylvia Earle that highlights the intimate connection between humans and the Ocean. Can you hear it?… It’s now or never. Take 2 minutes to watch the video, listen to the Ocean and join the hundreds of organizations that are rising up.
- The Outlaw Ocean Project: A virtual event on innovative storytelling for change, took place on 19th September. For more information on the project and event, click here.
- On 5th October from 8-9.30PM BST, the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) will be hosting a unique online event, celebrating the role of the deep sea and all of the services it provides to humankind whilst asking the question, are we ready to mine? You can register for Deep Sea TV, here.
- Ocean Book Club: Check out these 2 new books. Ocean Unite Network member, Philippe Cousteau, has announced the launch of his new children’s book ‘The Endangereds’ that tells the story of a group of endangered species that are rescued from nature and brought to a secret facility where they are given a serum that gives them hyper-intelligence. They become an A-Team for nature, traveling the world on fantastic adventures to thwart nefarious conspiracies against the planet. You can pre-order the book here. Another new read to add to your bookshelf: ‘ALL WE CAN SAVE: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis’ compiles provocative and illuminating essays from women at the forefront of the climate movement who are harnessing truth, courage, and solutions to lead humanity forward. Available to order here.
- One Blue Ocean – an Ocean advocacy group that inspires change through positive visual images and creative works – is looking to recruit the best and brightest young people to serve on its Youth Advisory Board. YAB ambassadors are creative thinkers and thought leaders ready to dive deep to support the organization from their unique perspectives and be part of the Ocean of Change. To learn more or apply email tuennerman@oneblueocean.org or henthorne@oneblueocean.org.
- Did you know that about 80% of the world’s wastewater is discharged – untreated or partially treated – into our lakes, rivers, streams, and the Ocean? It’s a truly filthy habit. So Our Shared Seas has launched a new Ocean Sewage Pollution Hub to identify and mobilize solutions on the impact of sewage pollution. This isn’t a niche issue. Ocean sewage pollution is a serious threat to Ocean – and human – health that flows largely under the noses of philanthropy, development aid, and regulators.
- Join Ocean Unite to help ensure that 30% of the Ocean is protected by 2030 with our new range of sustainable ocean-inspired clothing. Saving the Ocean never looked so good!
- Are you – or someone you know – a young filmmaker? How will you change the world? Create a film that tells your story (in 50 seconds or less!) and compete for US$12,000 in cash prizes for you and your school or organization by entering the Planet911 Youth Film Challenge. Don’t delay – the deadline is 15th October (topic 1) and 1st December (topic 2).
- Attend a session during the upcoming Geneva Trade Week. Co-hosted by Pew, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Friends of Ocean Action, the session titled “#StopFundingOverfishing” will taking place next Wednesday, 30th September. Register at genevatradeweek.ch.
WAVES ON THE HORIZON –
WHAT'S COMING UP?
Better late than never – 2021 is the new, and hopefully improved, 2020
“Postponed”, “delayed”, “cancelled” – these have become the stock phrases of this year of living virtually. But, while we are all doing our best to debate and exchange ideas online, after 9 months in solitary confinement many people want to know: when will we meet again? So here is a round-up of how schedules currently stand for some of the key events. Read More
Paris Peace Forum – turning the page on the pandemic
The Paris Peace Forum was created in 2018 to respond to the ongoing crisis of multilateralism, which has sharply increased in 2020. From 11th-13th November 2020, the Forum will devote its 3rd edition to projects and initiatives from around the world aimed at providing immediate responses to the COVID-19 crisis, improving our resilience in the medium term and rebuilding a more sustainable world. Taking place a week after the US elections, the 2020 Paris Peace Forum will provide a universal and inclusive platform for all actors involved in the response to the COVID crisis. The event is adopting a unique hybrid format – partly in person, partly online – and will be chiefly devoted to the multi-actor response to coronavirus and the opportunity to rebuild a more sustainable world.
A Call for Projects launched in March 2020 received more than 850 applications – a record since the creation of the Forum – from which 100 have been selected to participate at the Forum. One of these is the Ocean Risk and Resilience Alliance which, with its Ocean Resilience Innovation Challenge, aims to drive the foundation of a new marketplace catalyzing investment into coastal natural capital by identifying and nurturing a number of finance innovations that focus on building coastal resilience in the most exposed and vulnerable regions and communities. The innovation challenge is set to launch in mid-October, so keep an eye out for more info or follow @ORRAAnews on Twitter for more. It is the latest Ocean project to be promoted by the Paris Peace Forum, which includes the Antarctica2020 initiative to build support for Southern Ocean protection, and the High Seas Alliance’s work to protect half the planet through a strong High Seas Treaty, which were both chosen to be among the Forum’s 10 ‘scale-up projects’ in the past 2 years.
OCEAN REFLECTIONS–
A LOOK BACK AT WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING
Mauritius oil tanker disaster – fueling trouble in paradise
On 25th July, a Japanese-owned oil tanker – the MV Wakashio – ran aground at Pointe d’Esny near the coast of Mauritius and 2 weeks later began leaking fuel oil. Satellite images in early August showed the oil spill stretched out between the mainland at Pointe D’Esny and the island of Ile-aux-Aigrettes. It is estimated that about 1200 tonnes of fuel oil have spilled out along the coast. But it is the location rather than the size of the spill which makes it so serious. The oil is leaking near environmentally protected marine ecosystems including the Blue Bay Marine Park reserve, a wetland of international importance. The unique Mauritian marine environment is home to 1700 species, including around 800 types of fish, 17 kinds of marine mammals, and two species of turtles. The pristine turquoise waters of the blue lagoon outside the coastal village of Mahébourg, world famous for tourists and as the backdrop for numerous Bollywood movies, are now stained black and brown.
To support the people of Mauritius, who are calling for more action to address the spill and protect the local community and wildlife, a campaign has been launched inviting people to sign a letter to the Prime Minister asking for a transparent, effective clean-up that enables the long-term recovery of the environment and livelihoods of Mauritian people.
Uniting for Caribbean action
Ocean Unite collaborated with the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), the Caribbean Challenge Initiative, the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund and The Nature Conservancy to co-organize the very first Virtual CCI-CBF Week from 13th-16th July 2020. The week was defined by several high-level panels with special messages delivered by Sir Richard Branson and H.E. Peter Thomson, the UN Special Envoy for Oceans, who both highlighted the importance of enhancing political advocacy and regional action towards the protection of 30% of the Ocean by 2030.
Panelists and speakers all embraced a vision for transformative action, and in particular the evolution of the Caribbean’s tourism industry as it moves beyond the incapacitating economic shocks caused by more frequent natural disasters and, now, pandemics. There is huge opportunity in the Caribbean to embrace new, innovative and practical solutions. But participants agreed that the existing policy must be accompanied by a sustainable financing architecture to build onto the success of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund that has been financing the building of a network of effectively managed MPAs in the region. Hopefully the Caribbean continues to be a beacon of Ocean ambition as they further develop their priorities towards 2030.
Maldives deeper into coral reef research
The Maldives Coral Institute (MCI) was publicly launched in February 2020 with a successful workshop and the inaugural coral festival in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll. Since then, no time has been wasted in getting several research projects underway, 2 of which were showcased at a lively event in September. Professor Callum Roberts of Exeter University gave a presentation on ‘Scientific research on Maldivian coral reefs: Past, present, and future needs’, while Georgia de Jong Cleyndert (MCI, University of York) focused on ‘Managing development to protect coral reefs.’ The event was well attended and those who joined engaged in spirited debates and a panel discussion moderated by journalist Zaheena Rasheed, where the presenters were joined by guest speakers Dr. Kathryn Mengerink (Waitt Institute), Dr. David Obura (CORDIO/ IUCN/ University of Queensland) and Shaha Hashim (Blue Marine Foundation). These initial studies, collating information from a wide range of sources, will prove invaluable as the MCI advances its mission to protect the future of Maldivian coral reefs – which will be valuable for reefs globally. The entire webinar can be viewed online.
