SDG 14 or sustainable development goals 14 is about conserving and sustainably using the oceans ,seas and marine resources
The goal has target like reducing marine pollution , protecting marine ecosystem and regulating fishing practices
It about ensuring the health of our ocean for future generations
The slogan life under waves highlights the importance of reserving the diversity of marine life and the ecosystem that support it is a case to action to protect our oceans and all the amazing creatures that call it’s home
Types of marine life and ecosystem
Fish + verbrates and inviterbrate
Mammals which includes dolphins seals repitiles- turtles crocodile
Birds – seabirds , seagrass, mangoves
Eco -system
Coral reefs
Estuaries
Mangrove forests
Seagrass beds
Open oceans
Deep sea
Threats to ocean
Pollution – plastics ,oil chemicals
Overfishing
Habitat destruction
Climate change
Invasive species
Stake holders contribution to the achievement of SDG 14 includes
Government
They Government creat policies and regulations for conservatives
Establish and manage protected areas – MPAs
Establish and manage marine establish protected areas
Enforce laws to prevent pollution’s and overfishing
Local community
They participate in costal management and conservative efforts
Adopt sustainable fishing practices
Support eco- system initiatives
NGOs
Advocate for ocean conservative
Support community led conservation projects
Conduct research and raise awarenesses
Private sector
Adopt sustainable practice in fisheries and tourism
Invest in ocean friendly technology
Support conservation effort through corporate social responsibility
Researchers and scientists
Conduct research on ocean health and ecosystem
Provide data and insights to inform policy and conservative efforts
Consumers
Make eco- friendly choices ie choose sustainable seafood
Reduce plastic use and support ocean friendly products
The stakeholders collaborate, share knowledge and pool resources to make a bigger impact on life below the water meaningfully.
Strategies to achieve SDG 14
Sustainable fishing practices
Fishing in a way that doesn’t deplete fish population or harmful to the environment by thinking of catch limits , responsible gear and protecting habitats
Plastic pollution reductions
Reducing plastic waste is crucial for oceans health , this includes reducing single use plastic increasing recycling and cleaning up existing pollution
Ocean conservation funding
Funding is needed to support conservation effort like MPAs , research and community projects , Government NGOs and private donors are to play crucial roles
Coastal community engagement
This will be involving local communities in ocean conservation,they can help manage resources ,monitor ecosystem and benefits from sustainable tourism and fishing
In conclusion All these elements are connected to SDG 14 goals of conserving our oceans and the achievements of the targets goals before 2030.
– Benjamin Ibrahim writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
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