Revitalizing Our Oceans:
The Critical Role of Businesses and SDG 14

This article shortly introduces you to why businesses should become stewards of the ocean, embracing sustainable practices and restoration initiatives to ensure a thriving marine environment for future generations.

What is happening?

A healthy ocean is essential for sustaining human life on Earth, playing a crucial role in regulating global climate, water systems, and providing natural resources that contribute to 17% of the world’s animal protein intake. Many communities rely on the ocean for their livelihoods, emphasizing their vital importance. On top of that, the ocean is the backbone of the global economy, facilitating over 90% of the world’s trade and supporting an enormous amount of commercial activity annually.

However, Earth’s ocean faces escalating threats, including direct pollution and climate change. The greenhouse gases in our atmosphere cause the ocean’s water to acidify, which poses a threat to marine species by weakening their shells and skeletons. Additionally, overfishing negatively affects food production, ecosystem functioning, and biodiversity. The proliferation of ocean plastic and debris is alarming, with projections suggesting that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in our ocean, posing significant risks to both marine and human life.

Since almost every business pollutes, transports goods, uses water or other natural resources, sells packaging, or stores its data in the cloud, it is not surprising that almost every business negatively impacts our ocean’s health.

Now is the time - SDG 14 as a priority

Surprisingly, despite the undeniable reliance of numerous businesses on maritime resources for inputs and transportation, SDG 14 is often overlooked as a priority for business action. 

“SDG 14” refers to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14, which is one of the 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. SDG 14 focuses on “Life Below Water” and aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. To safeguard our ocean, all businesses bear a responsibility to comply with environmental laws and international treaties dedicated to the protection of marine ecosystems. 

We need the ocean and — as a lot of damage has been done — the ocean needs us. Businesses (especially sustainable and future-proof ones) should go beyond compliance and be held as responsible stewards of oceans, seas, and marine resources. They must prioritize sustainable practices, fostering a harmonious coexistence between economic activities and the preservation of our ocean for future generations. Additionally, the damage already inflicted on our ocean necessitates proactive efforts to rehabilitate and rejuvenate these vital environments. 

Unlock the potential for business leadership

Unlock the potential for business leadership through SDG 14 and act now. Via Go Ocean, it is very easy to contribute to the restoration of critical marine ecosystems through accessible and flexible collaboration opportunities. Via the publicly available impact platform, Go Ocean members are provided with the highest level of transparency, tools for tangible and credible communication, and reporting of impact data. 

By embracing restoration initiatives, businesses can play a transformative role in healing our ocean, fostering resilience, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. So today, let’s redefine priorities and embark on a journey where your company can be a driving force in revitalizing our oceans and ensuring a sustainable future for all. Let’s conserve what is left and restore the ecosystems that need it. 

Support the ocean as a company

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