Blue ocean, healthy planet - Day 4 Roundup of UN Ocean Conference

The fourth day of the UN Ocean Conference continues to unlock opportunities and pave the way for a new chapter of global ocean action.

The morning interactive dialogue spotlighted the prerequisite role of science and innovation in sustainable ocean management and the transformations of humankind’s relationship with the ocean. In responding to ocean challenges, delegates also called for resource mobilization to ensure ocean science remains modest overall and faces sustainability-related challenges.

Delegates acknowledged the significant progress on a legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction during the afternoon interactive dialogue. They shared tangible examples to enhance conservation and sustainable use of the ocean through the implementation of international law.

See the highlights of day 4 and the resources below to help you explore more about the Conference.

The Conference’s fourth day, focused on the role of the scientific community, to enable the blue transformation of humankind’s relationship with the ocean scientists are calling for more support. Read more in English | Portuguese

"We mustn’t wait 30 more years to protect oceans," said Emanuel Gonçalves, marine ecologist, conservationist and chief scientist of the Oceano Azul Foundation who is at the Conference and is calling for new mechanisms and tools to protect the ocean. Listen to the interview.

"(Media) need to engage audiences in the way they engage with the ocean," said James Fahn, Executive Director of the Internews Earth Journalism Network in the SDG Media Zone today. Joining the discussion, SDG Media Compact members, Sparknews and Euronews discussed journalistic approaches to pressing ocean challenges. Get inspired by the discussion. 

Scientists, local experts, passionate activists, and islanders are sounding the alarm about the deterioration of one of the richest ecosystems in the Caribbean Sea, even as they work together on innovative ways to restore it. The One Million Coral for Colombia project initiated by the Colombian Government in 2021 aims to plant one million coral fragments and restore 200 hectares of coral reef by 2023. Watch here.