New tools to support the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity
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Partnership
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#OceanAction41690
Description
The Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative (GOBI) is an international partnership of organisations committed to advancing the scientific basis for conserving biological diversity in the marine environment. In particular, GOBI contributes expertise, knowledge and data to support the Convention on Biological Diversitys efforts to identify ecologically and biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs) by assisting a range of intergovernmental, regional and national organisations to use and develop data, tools and methodologies. GOBI also undertakes research to generate new science that will enhance the value of EBSAs and their utility for promoting environmental protection and management for specific areas of the worlds oceans. The intention is ultimately to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss through the application of ecosystem approaches to the management of human activities, and to support the establishment of networks of representative marine protected areas in national and international waters.
The Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative, supported by funding from Germany's International Climate Initiative (IKI) and GOBI partners, is implementing a 5-year programme of work that focuses on developing a suite of tools for the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity in the open ocean, including the seabed.
Building on current and emerging techniques and by developing new methodologies, this work will produce ocean biogeographies, enhance our understanding of migratory species movements and connectivity in the world's oceans, and enable better protection of ecosystems facing specific threats, such as those at hydrothermal vents and at key offshore upwelling systems (e.g. Costa Rica Thermal Dome).
Results will provide a solid framework for development of management options for specific regions, ecosystems or individual species across the world's oceans. These outputs will enable better recognition of the value of marine biodiversity, assist biodiversity conservation efforts and support countries in achieving their national commitments. Ultimately the objective is to enhance the utility of biological and ecological information associated with the Convention on Biological Diversity's Ecologically or Biologically Significant Area (EBSA) process, and other conservation activities in the oceans.
Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative (Partnership)
International Climate Initiative (Government)
Seascape Consultants Ltd (Private sector)
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (Government)
Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment (Academic Institution)
MarViva Foundation (Philanthropic organisation)
BirdLife International (Non-governmental organisation)
Tethys Institute (Academic institution)
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
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
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
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
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
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
SDG 14 targets covered
| 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 |
Deliverables & Timeline
Sub-regional biogeographies developed for the Western South Pacific and the Indian Ocean, promoting connectivity and ecological coherence in spatial management.
Enhanced understanding of migratory species movement and ecosystem connectivity in the world's oceans, supported by publicly-accessible databases and visualisation tools, and contributing to the identification of areas of critical importance for marine mammals, sea turtles, fish and seabirds.
Model governance scheme for the High Seas area of the Costa Rica Thermal Dome, east Pacific Ocean.
Scientifically-justified spatial management network designs for the preservation of biological diversity, ecosystem structure and function at hydrothermal vents on the mid-Atlantic Ridge in the light of potential risks from deep-sea mining activities
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
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Timeline
Entity
SDGs
Geographical coverage
Other beneficiaries
Convention on Biological Diversity
Convention on Migratory Species
Governments of Central America
International Seabed Authority
Government of the Republic of Seychelles
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
Other regional marine
Ocean Basins
Communities of Ocean Action
More information
Countries
Contact Information
Victoria Gunn, GOBI Secretariat