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[Newsletter No.28] Successful Closing of the 10th Our Ocean Conference
CBD-CHM Newsletter Vol. 28
Successful Closing of the 10th Our Ocean Conference
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries successfully hosted the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) in Busan, Korea from April 28th to 30th.
Under the theme 'Our Ocean, Our Action', the 10th OOC brought together approximately 2,600 marine sector leaders from over 100 countries, including ministers and vice-ministers, high-level officials of international organizations, and representatives of global NGOs and companies. The participants explored way forward to address global marine issues and announce 277 commitments worth of USD 9.1 billion.
As the host country, the Ministry announced the 'Korea Blue Action Plan' that specifies 76 commitments for the sound use and conservation of the ocean. Among them, four key commitments were presented as below:
- a) Active participation in discussions on marine protected areas (MPAs) worldwide
- b) Active engagement in discussions on the transition to eco-friendly fuels in shipping and the establishment of a global green fuel supply chain
- c) Recognition of the importance of the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency and its efforts for phased implementation.
- d) Implementation of full life-cycle management of fishing gear─one of key drivers of marine plastic pollution.
The OOC plenary sessions delved into seven key agenda topics (Marine Protected Areas, Blue Economy, Climate Change, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, Maritime Security, and Digital Oceans). Among others, 'Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)' session focused on the goal of protecting at least 30% of the world's terrestrial and marine areas as protected by 2030, known as the '30 by 30' target.
Meanwhile, as a side event of the 10th OOC, an event was held to urge the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement1) organized by High Seas Alliance (HSA)2).
In the event, government representatives from countries including Belgium and Chile, along with NGOs confirmed their commitment to secure ratification and promote cooperation for the agreement's entry into force.
The Republic of Korea, as the 21st ratifying country and the first in East Asia, received a badge and paperweight from HSA as a gesture of gratitude for its ratification of the BBNJ Agreement.
1)
A legally biding international agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) con-
cerning the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in the areas beyond national jurisdiction (i.e.,the
high seas and deep seabed). It enters into force 120 days after ratification by 60 countries.
2)
High Seas Alliance (HSA) is a non-governmental organization established in 2011 to support high seas governance and
conservation and the designation of marine protected areas in the high seas. It is composed of around 70 NGOs and the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and mainly focuses on the supporting activities for adoptation
and ratification of the BBNJ Agreement.
