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United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development

Developing networks on the environmental management of enclosed coastal seas (EMECS)

Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Instituto universitario ECOAQUA, Grupo de investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservación (BIOCON) (
Academic institution
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#OceanAction56348
    Description
    Description

    The voluntary commitment focuses on advancing scientific knowledge, enhancing research capacities, and promoting the transfer of marine technology, particularly in the study of marine and coastal ecosystems with an emphasis on zooplankton within marine food webs. The primary objectives are to deepen our understanding of zooplankton dynamics, their role in marine ecosystems, and their response to environmental changes, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing. By developing and implementing cutting-edge methodologies such as DNA analysis, bioacoustics, and high-resolution imaging, the commitment aims to generate high-quality data that can inform ecosystem management and conservation strategies.

    Implementation methodologies include establishing collaborative research networks that bring together international experts, institutions, and stakeholders. These networks will focus on capacity-building initiatives, providing training workshops, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and technology. Additionally, the use of advanced modeling approaches will enable the prediction of ecosystem responses to various stressors, supporting the development of adaptive management strategies.

    Follow-up mechanisms will involve regular monitoring and assessment of research outcomes through the establishment of a governance framework that ensures transparency and accountability. This framework will include periodic reporting, peer review processes, and stakeholder consultations to evaluate progress and address emerging challenges. The governance structure will be inclusive, with representation from various sectors, including academia, government agencies, and local communities, ensuring that the research and its applications are aligned with the needs of both the environment and society.

    This voluntary commitment aims to bolster marine ecosystem management by advancing scientific research on zooplankton and enhancing global research capacities through technology transfer and international collaboration.

    Goal 14

    Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

    Goal 14

    14.1

    By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution

    14.1.1

    (a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density

    14.2

    By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans

    14.2.1

    Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas

    14.3

    Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels

    14.3.1
    Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations

    14.4

    By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics

    14.4.1
    Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels

    14.5

    By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information

    14.5.1
    Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas

    14.6

    By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation

    14.6.1

    Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

    14.7

    By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism

    14.7.1

    Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries

    14.a

    Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries

    14.a.1
    Proportion of total research budget allocated to research in the field of marine technology

    14.b

    Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets

    14.b.1

    Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries

    14.c

    Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"

    14.c.1

    Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources

    Name Description
    14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
    14.5 By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
    14.a Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
    Training Programs and Workshops
    Financing (in USD)
    A dedicated funding pool will be established to support the collection of data, purchase of equipment, and deployment of advanced research methodologies such as DNA sequencing, monitoring.
    In-kind contribution
    A network of leading marine scientists, ecologists, and technologists will be formed to provide expertise and guidance throughout the project.
    Staff / Technical expertise
    Resources will be allocated for the design and implementation of capacity-building initiatives, including training materials, expert-led workshops, and hands-on field training sessions.
    No progress reports have been submitted. Please sign in and click here to submit one.
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    Entity
    Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Instituto universitario ECOAQUA, Grupo de investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservación (BIOCON)
    SDGs
    Other beneficiaries
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    Ocean Basins
    Global, North Atlantic
    Communities of Ocean Action
    Marine and coastal ecosystems management, Scientific knowledge, research capacity development and transfer of marine technology
    Website/More information
    N/A
    Countries
    Spain
    Spain
    Headquarters
    Canary Islands, Spain
    Contact Information

    INMACULADA (Inma Herrera), Dr.