The 2018 Oceans Conference hosted by the government of Indonesia brought together hundreds of policymakers, young leaders, scientists, private sector groups, activists and civil society groups to develop concrete and actionable commitments to preserve the ocean’s health. The message is clear. The UN Environment team took three messages to this important gathering. One, the health of people and oceans goes hand in hand. But its not a problem we can “recyle” our way out of. We need to think of upstream and downstream linkages and our efforts need to be informed by science, with a focus on increasing maritime literacy. Countries, private sector organizations and civil society groups made close to 300 commitments at the Conference. We need to monitor progress to make sure this remains on the top of our agenda.
Two, we need to put more emphasis on pricing externalities in the costs of products if we are to address the problem of marine litter effectively. This is closely linked to making business case for coral reef conservation. A new report by UN Environment, the Prince of Wales’ sustainability unit, the International Coral Reef Initiative and Trucost makes a strong business case for investing in protecting and preserving coral reef health. A shift in improved coral reef health in Indonesia alone could unlock US$ 37 billion in the country from emphasis on tourism, commercial fisheries and coastal development.
Three, more than ever before we are seeing greater action and commitment from the private sector and the potentials for the circular economy. The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment is led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in collaboration with UN Environment. This Global Commitment has been signed by 250 organisations including many of the world’s largest packaging producers, brands, retailers and recyclers, as well as governments and NGOs. Signatories include companies representing 20% of all plastic packaging produced globally. More than fifteen financial institutions with in excess of $2.5 trillion in assets under management have also endorsed the Global Commitment and over $200 million has been pledged by five venture capital funds to create a circular economy for plastic.
In addition to supporting our work on oceans, I was pleased to sign a joint declaration to establish an International Tropical Peatland Centre in Indonesia. The effort demonstrates strong commitment by the Government of Indonesia to raise awareness about the critical role that peatlands play as the world’s carbon sink. While knowledge of tropical peatlands has hugely increased in recent years, there is an urgent need for greater south south collaboration on peatlands, data and experience sharing to be able to support countries in taking well-infirmed decisions on their management.
