SDG 14: Life Below Water

About SDG 14

Sustainable Development Goal 14 aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Oceans cover over 70% of our planet and are critical for sustaining life on Earth. They provide us with food, energy, and water, and they are home to a diverse range of species. However, human activities have put immense pressure on these vital ecosystems, leading to overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction.

Initiatives for Marine Conservation

Marine Protected Areas

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

SDG 14 drives global efforts to conserve marine biodiversity by establishing and expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). It promotes international cooperation, scientific research, and community involvement, enhancing MPA management and effectiveness. Through clear targets and increased funding, SDG 14 ensures sustainable use and protection of our oceans.

Sustainable Fishing

Sustainable Fishing Practices

SDG 14 encourages the implementation of sustainable fishing practices to prevent overfishing, restore fish stocks, and reduce bycatch. It supports policies and management plans that balance ecological health with economic benefits.

Marine Pollution

Reducing Marine Pollution

SDG 14 targets the reduction of marine pollution, including plastics and chemicals. It promotes initiatives to clean up oceans, enhance waste management, and raise awareness about the impact of pollution on marine life.

Ocean Acidification

Addressing Ocean Acidification

SDG 14 aims to minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification by improving scientific cooperation at all levels. It focuses on understanding the effects of acidification and developing adaptive strategies.

Coral Reefs

Protecting Coral Reefs

SDG 14 emphasizes the protection of coral reefs and their ecosystems. It supports efforts to reduce reef destruction, promote sustainable tourism, and engage local communities in conservation activities.

Marine Biodiversity

Enhancing Marine Biodiversity

SDG 14 fosters the conservation of marine biodiversity by establishing marine protected areas and promoting sustainable use of marine resources. It aims to protect endangered species and habitats.

Blue Carbon

Protecting Blue Carbon Ecosystems

SDG 14 recognizes the importance of blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes, which capture and store carbon dioxide. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems is crucial for mitigating climate change and preserving marine biodiversity.

Marine Spatial Planning

Effective Marine Spatial Planning

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a process that helps to manage marine areas and resources efficiently. SDG 14 promotes MSP to ensure sustainable use of marine environments, balancing ecological, economic, and social objectives.

Test Your Knowledge

Ocean Facts

Oceans cover 71% of the Earth's surface.

Over 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.

Oceans produce over half of the world's oxygen and absorb nearly a third of human-caused CO2 emissions.

Over 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans each year, harming marine life and ecosystems.

Coral reefs, which support a quarter of all marine species, are being damaged by ocean acidification, warming temperatures, and pollution. About 50% of the world's coral reefs have been lost in the last 30 years.

Approximately 90% of the world’s fish stocks are fully exploited, overexploited, or depleted, threatening food security and livelihoods.

There are over 400 ocean dead zones, areas with very low oxygen levels, primarily caused by pollution from agriculture and wastewater.

Mangroves, which protect coastlines and support marine biodiversity, are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses.

Over 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. Marine fisheries directly or indirectly employ over 200 million people.

Global sea levels have risen by about 8 inches (20 cm) since 1880, primarily due to melting ice sheets and glaciers and thermal expansion of seawater as it warms.