An inter-agency report, titled “Green Economy in a Blue World,” concludes that the ecological health and economic productivity of marine and coastal ecosystems can be enhanced from well-managed marine sectors. The synthesis report analyzes how key sectors that are interlinked with the marine and coastal environment can make the transition towards a green economy and identifies recommendations across six marine-based economic sectors.
On fisheries and aquaculture, the report considers green technologies and investments, opportunities for fair and responsible tenure systems, and non-destructive fishing techniques.
On maritime transport, the report highlights progress made towards sustainable maritime transport and opportunities for: promoting entry into force of all of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) environmental treaties; uniform and effective implementation and enforcement of IMO standards; and developing standards for the operation of ships using alternative sources of fuel.
On marine-based renewable energy, the report highlights the potential for low-carbon energy supplies for regions with appropriate coastal features, but that these energy technologies represented 1% of all renewable energy production in 2008. On ocean nutrient pollution, the report considers the importance of nutrient fertilizers for global food security and improved agricultural yields, as well as the need for its efficient use to avoid degradation of marine ecosystems and groundwater. The possible revenue stream from the management of deep-sea mineral resources according to sound science and best environmental practices and the potential for green job creation in the coastal tourism sector is highlighted. The report also examines how small island developing States (SIDS) can take advantage of green economy opportunities to reduce their vulnerability to natural disasters and promote socioeconomic development and inclusion.
The report was produced by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the WorldFish Center and GRID-Arendal.
Source: International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Reporting Services / Sustainable Development Policy & Practice – http://uncsd.iisd.org/news/inter-agency-report-focuses-on-the-green-economy-in-marine-sectors/