Oceans

Our changing oceans

Oceans provide indispensable food reserves and livelihoods and account for two thirds of the value of all natural services essential to our quality of life. But, we are allowing this vital lifeline to be devastated by unsustainable human impact… The health and security of our oceans are our collective responsibility – one that we cannot afford to ignore as safe, healthy and productive seas and oceans are integral to human well-being, economic security and sustainable development.

Keywords: Oceans | marine environment | regional seas |
Thematic Areas:Ecosystem management

Global Environment Outlook (GEO-5)

Global Environment Outlook (GEO-5)

UNEP’s flagship publication Global Environment Outlook (GEO) report series keeps the state,

The fifth edition of the Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-5), launched on the eve of the Rio+20 Summit, assessed 90 of the most-important environmental goals and objectives and found that significant progress had only been made in four.

More on the report findings at http://bit.ly/LzPDdd

Blue Carbon: 2 Ocean Minutes with Jim Toomey

Blue Carbon: 2 Ocean Minutes with Jim Toomey Keywords: OCEANS Thematic Areas: Climate Change

The Big SHFT: Changing the World with Innovation

The Big SHFT: Changing the World with Innovation

THE BIG SHFT

SHFT is a multi-media platform, founded by film producer Peter Glatzer and actor-activist Adrian Grenier, whose mission is to convey a more sustainable approach to the way we live through video, design art and culture. The Big SHFT, launched on WED, will focus on the trailblazers who are cutting a path to a more sustainable future and greener economy. Directed by filmmaker Gilly Barnes, the 10-part documentary series is presented in conjunction with Ford Motor Company, whose manufacturing innovations forever changed the way that things are made.

"Sustainability is the biggest issue facing business in the 21st century, and the problem will not be solved by one person or group," says Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford Motor Company. "How we answer the challenge of the future of mobility will have a lasting impact on generations to come. By partnering with organizations like SHFT, we are able to inspire people to make smart decisions about the products they choose today."

As executive producers of the series, SHFT co-founders Peter Glatzer and Adrian Grenier curate a vast array of topics ranging from food and fashion to urbanization, technology and design.
"Innovation is not dead in America, but it's not just about innovation in industry," says Grenier. It is about innovation of the heart and the spirit. You'll find a lot more social entrepreneurs cropping up in America these days. We're very excited about that. Those are the types of stories we want to highlight."

Keywords:                
UNEP Priority Areas:  climate change |  ecosystem management |  environmental governance |  resource efficiency 

TRAILER:  The Big SHFT: Changing the World With Innovation

If necessity is the mother of invention, then the state of the environment should be driving innovation around the world. And indeed it is.

In our new series "The Big SHFT: 10 Innovators Changing Our World," we team up with Ford Motor Company to profile leading innovators who are shaping new sustainable businesses and influencing positive change around the world.

The GEO-5

Open publication - Free publishing - More geo5
The GEO-5 process began with UNEP convening an Intergovernmental and Multi-stakeholder consultation on GEO-5 which agreed on the scope, objectives and process for GEO-5.

Ask A Question allows stakeholders to interact with GEO-5 experts and the UNEP Secretariat by joining in on The global discussion on the environment.

http://www.unep.org/geo/Equestionnaire.asp

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea at 30

New York, 8 June 2012 - Welcoming Remarks at Roundtable Panel Discussion "the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea at 30" Happy World Oceans Day. I am delighted to join you to mark both World Oceans Day and the thirtieth anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The “Constitution of the Oceans” has given the world real results. The Convention set up the three institutions represented here today. Each is active in its field, dealing with the settlement of disputes … the continental shelf … and the international seabed. In addition, the Convention provided the legal framework to settle disputes through the International Court of Justice or through arbitration. The treaty has proved the truth of its preamble, which states that the Convention has historic significance as “an important contribution to the maintenance of peace, justice and progress for all peoples of the world.” Unfortunately, humankind has not returned the favour. Countries and companies use oceans as dumping grounds for millions of tons of waste, some of it toxic and hazardous. Fisheries are depleted. Climate change worsens this assault. We will have an opportunity to address these urgent problems when the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development opens in less than two weeks. This will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future we want. At Rio+20, I expect all partners to take steps to improve the management and conservation of oceans. We need to curb overfishing … better protect the marine environment … and cut pollution. In this effort, we can learn from three decades of experience with the Convention, which should continue to be our guide in establishing the rule of law on the world’s oceans and seas. That is why I am so eager to hear from the experts in the room. I hope you can help us identify ways to better use this treaty for sustainable development. This would be the best way to mark the Convention’s thirtieth anniversary and World Oceans Day. In that spirit, I wish you great success. Thank you very much.

Secretary-General's message on World Oceans Day 2012

New York, 8 June 2012 - Secretary-General's message on World Oceans Day This year’s World Oceans Day falls as the international community marks an important milestone: the thirtieth anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. When the Convention opened for signature on 10 December 1982, it was rightly characterized as a “constitution for the oceans.” Forged through a process of negotiation among more than 150 States, the treaty is a living monument to international cooperation. When it was adopted, the Convention on the Law of the Sea made treaty history. With 320 articles and 9 Annexes covering every aspect of the oceans and marine environment, the Convention sets out a delicate balance of rights and duties. The protection of the world’s oceans and coasts is among the key goals of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, which will open in Rio de Janeiro in just 12 days. The Convention is contributing to this goal through its provisions, including on the preservation of the marine environment, marine scientific research and the transfer of marine technology. We must do more for our world’s oceans, which are threatened by pollution, depleted fishery resources, the impacts of climate change and the deterioration of the marine environment. Rio+20 must mobilize the United Nations, governments and other partners to improve the management and conservation of oceans through initiatives to curb overfishing, improve protection of the marine environment and reduce ocean pollution and the impact of climate change. There could be no more fitting way to commemorate World Oceans Day than for all countries that have not yet done so to ratify the Convention on the Law of the Sea. Let us make 2012 another milestone year for the world’s oceans, so that we can set sail toward the future we want.