Progress report for
Supporting a Blue Commonwealth
Achievement at a glance
In April 2018, Heads of Commonwealth Governments (Heads) adopted the Commonwealth Blue Charter. Their landmark decision will affect one third of the worlds national coastal waters, helping to sustain livelihoods and ecosystems globally. The Heads also mandated the Commonwealth Secretariat to develop an implementation plan.<br>
<br>As of 1 June 2018, 11 Commonwealth countries have stepped forward to lead on eight priority areas of action under the Blue Charter:
<br>
<br> Australia, Belize and Mauritius will spearhead the protection and restoration of coral reefs;
<br> Fiji will champion climate change action for the oceans, including blue carbon sequestration by coastal vegetation and the development of resilient, low-carbon coastal cities;
<br> UK and Vanuatu will lead on tackling ocean plastics, supported by the UKs 61m commitment to a Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance;
<br> Sri Lanka will initiate collaboration on mangrove restoration;
<br> Cyprus will offer its experience and expertise on the sustainable development of aquaculture;
<br> Kenya will pioneer the development of blue economic growth; and
<br> New Zealand will champion action on ocean acidification caused by man-made C02 emissions.
<br>
<br>The goals of the action groups are to cross-promote shared technical, scientific and policy solutions to effect broader implementation and change.
<br>
<br>The Commonwealth Blue Charter applies the principles of the Charter of the Commonwealth to the sustainable development and protection of the ocean.
<br>