Ocean Action Areas:
Leading by Example Stories

Wind turbines

The Ocean Panel recognises the intricate connections among climate, biodiversity and sustainable use in the marine environment.

The Ocean Panel’s work complements and reinforces the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By addressing these three critical areas in concert, Ocean Panel countries are demonstrating how integrated ocean action can simultaneously mitigate climate change, protect marine biodiversity, and promote equitable prosperity. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of individual initiatives but also leverages synergies among these interconnected global challenges.

The following examples highlight how Ocean Panel members are leading by example across the three interconnected critical areas, harnessing the latest knowledge and engaging diverse stakeholders to create a better, more resilient future for people and the planet.

Ocean Panel Leadership in Climate Action 

For decades, the ocean has absorbed excess greenhouse gas emissions, acting as a buffer against climate change. However, this has taken a significant toll on its health. Though the ocean was once considered too vast to be significantly impacted, it is now evident that human activities are profoundly influencing the ocean’s ability to combat climate change. Increased attention to the ocean’s role in international climate policy has been largely driven by the leadership of countries in the Ocean Panel, which currently account for over 24 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Country: France


Summary:

The ‘Because the Ocean’ initiative was launched in Paris during COP21, now signed by 41 countries, 11 of which are Ocean Panel members.

France

Country: Fiji


Summary:

Fiji hosted the first ‘Blue COP’ at COP23 in 2017, launching the Ocean Pathway Partnership to achieve an ocean-inclusive UNFCCC process. This evolved to become an influential group called Friends of the Ocean and Climate.

Description:

At COP24 in 2018, The Talanoa Dialogue, sparked by the 2017 Fijian presidency, informed the 2020 NDCs and served as the first global assessment taking stock of current collective action on national climate pledges. The Fijian term talanoa means to hold a conversation in an inclusive and receptive space, sending an important political signal. 

Fiji

Country: Chile


Summary:

Chile hosted COP25 in 2019, also known as the Blue COP, which led to the first bespoke Ocean Climate Dialogue under the UNFCCC and boasted over 100 events discussing the ocean and climate change, showcasing great leadership.

Description:

Chile put its mark on COP25, establishing the ocean as a priority of the presidency. Formal and informal spaces were established for a technical discussion that allowed Parties to agree that the ocean should be considered in the COP25 outcomes (1/CP.25). It was the first time that the COP decided to include the ocean in an official event as a single topic.

Chile

Country: United Kingdom


Summary:

At COP26, hosted by the UK, the Glasgow Climate Pact secured annual reoccurring Ocean and Climate Change Dialogues under the UNFCCC, and commitments to integrate and strengthen ocean-based action across the UNFCCC.

Description:

The Ocean Panel issued a ‘Call to Ocean-Based Climate Action’, urging all actors to join in the transition to a sustainable ocean economy and ensure that the ocean plays a vital role in tackling climate change. Additionally the UK launched the Clydebank Declaration, bringing together 24 signatories to agree to establish green corridors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. 

United Kingdom

Countries: Norway and United States


Summary:

At COP27, two members of the Ocean Panel, Norway and the United States, launched a new initiative, the Green Shipping Challenge, to cut greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, and challenged other countries, ports and companies to join them.

Norway United States

Country: Kenya


Summary:

In 2023, Kenya co-hosted the Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week, which brought together governments, businesses, international organisations and civil society to make ambitious climate pledges.

Description:

Kenya played a pivotal role in co-hosting the Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week, which brought together governments, businesses, international organisations, and civil society to make ambitious climate pledges. As their countries face disproportionate burdens and risks from climate change, African leaders proposed a new financing mechanism to restructure the continent’s debt and unlock climate funding.

Kenya

Country: United States


Summary:

The United States launched its ocean climate action plan in 2023, which is a core tenet of its Sustainable Ocean Plan, featuring ongoing and planned federal ocean-based climate mitigation and adaptation activities.

Description:

At COP28, the Ocean Panel and the Secretariat of the Organization of American States signed onto a joint declaration that recognises the dual needs of sustainably managing 100 percent of the ocean area under national jurisdiction and urging other countries around the world to join in committing to safeguard the long-term health and resilience of the ocean.

United States

Countries: Chile and Canada


Summary:

Chile and Canada are co-facilitating the United Nations Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue for the 2023–24 biennium and will present the highlights from this year’s dialogue at COP29.

Chile Canada

Advancing Comprehensive Action on Marine Biodiversity

Marine biodiversity supports essential ocean ecosystems that provide food, jobs, and medicines. Nearly half the world’s population relies on a healthy ocean for their livelihoods.These ecosystems also mitigate climate change impacts by storing carbon and protecting coasts. However, marine biodiversity is declining due to warming temperatures, pollution and overexploitation. Urgent action is needed to address these stressors. The Ocean Panel’s Transformations agenda promotes sustainable ocean management, aiming to sustainably manage 100% of ocean areas within national jurisdictions to protect nature and people effectively.

Country: Chile


Summary:

Chile has established a network of marine protected areas in its waters, protecting crucial biodiversity and marine ecosystems.

Description:

Chile has established a network of marine protected areas, covering 43 percent of its jurisdictional waters. Furthermore, Chile’s NDC includes plans for the effective implementation of these marine protected areas and recognises their role in addressing climate change.

Chile

Country: Jamaica


Summary:

Jamaica has secured approximately 57 hectares for coastal restoration activities in Winns Morass where biodiversity and hydrology of the previously bare areas have improved.

Jamaica

Country: Fiji


Summary:

Fiji is implementing a groundbreaking ‘National Ocean Policy’ which includes designating effective protection for 30 percent of their marine area as well as committing to 100% sustainable management of the ocean area under national jurisdiction. These commitments as well as strong policies on single-use plastics and packaging to tackle marine litter are helping to improve the health and resilience of marine ecosystems upon which marine life and humans depend.

Fiji

Country: Indonesia


Summary:

Indonesia is currently implementing the Blue Economy Vision 2045 to ensure a healthy and sustainable ocean for nations and people which includes the expansion of marine protected areas to 30% by 2045, the Quota-based Capture Fisheries Policy, and a seaweed-focused blue food program consisting of 1 million hectares of seaweed from 2024 to 2029.

Indonesia

Country: Kenya


Summary:

Kenya’s Mikoko Pamoja is the world’s first community-led mangrove forest restoration and protection project supported through the sale of carbon credits. Mangroves provide exceptional habitat and nursery grounds for marine life as well as climate change mitigation benefits on a global scale. The generated income supports local development projects in water and sanitation, education and environmental conservation.

Kenya

Country: Norway


Summary:

Norway is devoting substantial resources to seabed mapping including through the MAREANO programme to expand knowledge around the habitats and species in their marine areas and about the pressures exerted by human activity – such as trawl marks and plastic litter on the seabed, providing a basis for improved marine management. The programme has recorded many new cold-water coral habitats and resulted in special protection for new areas of Norwegian waters containing cold-water coral reefs.

Norway

Countries: Australia, Canada, Mexico, and Norway


Summary:

Australia, Canada, Mexico and Norway are tackling the challenge of recovering and recycling discarded fishing nets and marine debris (called ‘ghost gear’) largely made from plastic that can have a devastating impact on marine life.

Australia Canada Mexico Norway

Country: Ghana


Summary:

Ghana has introduced a closed season for artisanal and industrial fishers, which provides a window of rest for fish populations to rise bolstering ecosystem productivity and recovering overexploited and depleted fish stocks.

Ghana

Country: United Kingdom


Summary:

England has designated three Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), the highest level of protection in English waters. HPMAs aim to protect the whole ecosystem—from the seabed to the sea surface—to allow nature to fully recover to a more natural state and prevent further degradation and damage.

United Kingdom

Country: United States


Summary:

The United States has established a critical protection and management model for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, which is the home to the highest level of marine endemism known on Earth. This project is supported by a historic guidance document that provides a framework for government agencies to integrate traditional Hawaiian knowledge systems, values and practices into all areas of management.

United States

Sustainable Use: Transforming Coastal and Marine Tourism

Coastal and marine tourism accounts for a significant portion of the global tourism industry, representing at least 50 percent of total tourism activities worldwide. This sector is of paramount economic importance, particularly for small island developing states and some coastal nations, where it serves as the largest economic driver. However, the success of this industry heavily relies on the quality and health of coastal and marine ecosystems, that attract visitors. Consequently, the sector is highly vulnerable to threats such as climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

Country: Australia


Summary:

Australia is focusing on the restoration and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef, involving tourism operators in educational and conservation efforts, thereby reducing the risk of ship collisions and protecting whale migration routes.

Australia

Country: Canada


Summary:

Canada committed $20 million CAD (US$15 million) for an Indigenous Tourism Fund and $4.8 million CAD (US$3.5 million) to support the Indigenous Tourism Association, aiding post-pandemic recovery and long-term growth.

Canada

Country: France


Summary:

France’s Reinventing Heritage programme aims to support tourism and cultural activities that safeguard heritage while attracting both local populations and visitors.

France

Country: Indonesia


Summary:

In Indonesia, Bunaken National Park’s collaborative management ensures that tourism benefits the local community, supported by the North Sulawesi Watersports Association and the Bunaken Local Community Forum which employ locals as dive guides, captains, and staff.

Indonesia

Country: Jamaica


Summary:

Jamaica’s Blue Ocean Strategy supports sustainable tourism recovery post-COVID-19, enhancing tourism zones to preserve and enhance each destination’s unique elements and characteristics.

Jamaica

Country: Japan


Summary:

The Japan Sustainable Tourism Standard for Destinations (JSTS-D), launched in June 2020, supports sustainability in socioeconomics, culture, and environment. Recognized globally, JSTS-D aided five destinations in 2020 and 15 in 2021.

Japan

Country: Namibia


Summary:

Namibia, the first African country to enshrine environmental management in its constitution, is shifting its tourism industry towards comprehensive sustainability.

Namibia

Country: Portugal


Summary:

Portugal’s Tourism Strategy 2027 promotes environmental, social, and economic development by valuing cultural resources, boosting the economy, fostering innovation, enhancing knowledge, and improving connectivity.

Portugal

Country: Palau


Summary:

Palau is the first country in the world to change its immigration law to ensure environmental protection whereby upon entry, visitors must sign a passport pledge that they will act in a culturally and environmentally responsible way for the duration of their trip

Palau

Country: Seychelles


Summary:

In 2023, Seychelles introduced an environmental sustainability levy for travellers to promote responsible travel and safeguard natural beauty, contributing to global conservation efforts.

Seychelles

The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) is a global initiative led by 14 world leaders committed to creating a sustainable ocean economy that balances effective protection, sustainable production, and equitable prosperity. Since its establishment in 2018, the Ocean Panel has collaborated with governments, businesses, scientists, and civil society to develop bold, practical solutions for ocean sustainability. Co-chaired by Norway and Palau, the Ocean Panel’s work includes comprehensive research and partnerships aimed at achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and shaping a resilient future for both people and the planet.

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Ocean Panel Progress Report 2024

Ocean Panel Progress Report 2024

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