15.3 International marine conservation policies and agreements

Marine conservation policies shape global efforts to protect our oceans. From UNCLOS to CITES, these agreements set guidelines for nations to manage marine resources sustainably. They promote international cooperation and address issues like overfishing and pollution.

Despite progress, challenges persist in implementing these policies. Lack of political will, insufficient funding, and enforcement difficulties hinder effectiveness. While some species have benefited, broader marine biodiversity continues to decline. Stronger implementation and a more integrated approach are needed.

International Marine Conservation Policies and Agreements

International marine conservation policies

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  Synergizing trade and sustainability: advancing SDG 14 through international trade dynamics ... View original

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Top images from around the web for International marine conservation policies

• 

  Synergizing trade and sustainability: advancing SDG 14 through international trade dynamics ... View original

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• 

  ESSD - Relations - An interactive atlas for marine biodiversity conservation in the Coral Triangle View original

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• 

  Frontiers | Twelve Recommendations for Advancing Marine Conservation in European and Contiguous Seas View original

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• 

  Synergizing trade and sustainability: advancing SDG 14 through international trade dynamics ... View original

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• 

  ESSD - Relations - An interactive atlas for marine biodiversity conservation in the Coral Triangle View original

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• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides a comprehensive legal framework for the use and protection of the world's oceans and their resources, defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the oceans, and establishes guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international legally-binding treaty with three main goals: conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources, covering all ecosystems, species, and genetic resources, including marine biodiversity
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes (oil spills, sewage, garbage)
• International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW), signed in 1946, provides for the proper conservation of whale stocks and the orderly development of the whaling industry
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival, including marine species (corals, sharks, seahorses)

Cooperation in marine resource management

• Provide a framework for international cooperation and coordination in marine conservation efforts
• Encourage nations to work together to address global marine conservation issues (overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction)
• Promote the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources among nations
• Foster the development of regional and sub-regional agreements and initiatives (Regional Fisheries Management Organizations)
• Encourage the harmonization of national policies and legislation with international standards
• Provide a platform for the development of new international instruments and mechanisms to address emerging marine conservation challenges (deep-sea mining, ocean acidification)

Challenges of policy implementation

• Lack of political will and commitment from some nations due to conflicting national interests and priorities and short-term economic gains prioritized over long-term sustainability
• Insufficient funding and resources, with high costs associated with implementing and enforcing policies and agreements and limited financial support from developed nations to assist developing nations
• Inadequate capacity building and technical support, with a lack of expertise and knowledge in marine conservation among some nations and a need for training and capacity building programs to strengthen institutional and human resources
• Difficulty in monitoring and enforcing compliance due to the vast expanse of the oceans and limited resources for monitoring and surveillance, as well as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities
• Fragmented and sectoral approach to marine conservation, with a lack of integration and coordination among different international instruments and mechanisms and a need for a more holistic and ecosystem-based approach

Effectiveness of conservation agreements

• Significant progress made in raising awareness and promoting international cooperation in marine conservation
• Some success in protecting and conserving specific marine species and habitats, such as the International Whaling Commission's moratorium on commercial whaling helping to recover some whale populations
• Limited effectiveness in addressing broader and more complex marine conservation issues, such as the ongoing decline of global marine biodiversity despite the CBD
• Need for stronger implementation and enforcement mechanisms, including improved monitoring and surveillance capabilities and more effective sanctions and penalties for non-compliance
• Need for greater political will and commitment from all nations, with increased funding and resources for marine conservation efforts and mainstreaming of marine conservation into national development plans and policies
• Need for a more integrated and ecosystem-based approach to marine conservation, with better coordination and synergies among different international instruments and mechanisms and incorporation of climate change considerations
• Importance of engaging all stakeholders, including local communities, indigenous peoples, and the private sector, in marine conservation efforts