Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are degrading blue ecosystems, harming marine life, undermining the livelihoods of coastal communities, and negatively impacting health and well-being.
Coastal regions, home to 40% of the global population and 12 of the world's 15 largest cities, face unique challenges. These areas, with their access to water, scenic beauty, and economic opportunities, are under pressure from intense human activities and the triple planetary crisis of pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change - leaving only 15% of coastlines in a natural state.
Blue ecosystems spanning the water continuum, are vital for communities, jobs, the global economy, food
security, and climate resilience - they are critical to the achievement of the Global Biodiversity Framework and all Sustainable Development Goals. The ocean, a major carbon and heat sink, absorbs over 90% of excess heat and 30% of human-induced CO2 emissions. The ocean economy contributes over $1.5 trillion annually, supporting diverse cultures and economies.
Healthy blue ecosystems safeguard economic assets, enrich biodiversity, and enhance planet and societal resilience.
Our work on Ocean, Seas and Coasts is carried out through public-private partnerships, often involving partners, collaborating centres and networks.
To learn more about the United Nations Environment Programme's work on marine and freshwater:
