Private Sector Leadership in Conserving Marine and Freshwater Biodiversity

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1 Private Sector Leadership in Conserving Marine and Freshwater Biodiversity A CBD COP 9 Side Event organized by: The World Ocean Council and the Global Nature Fund

2 Private Sector Leadership in Conserving Marine Biodiversity Paul Holthus Executive Director, World Ocean Council

3 Oceans and the Private Sector Marine ecosystem services 6 % of the world s surface is nearshore marine ecosystems (wetlands, estuaries, continental shelf) = 43 % of global ecosystem services (productive fisheries, recreation, dilution of wastes, etc.) Much business and industry is highly dependent upon ocean resources, services and space Shipping, ports, fisheries, offshore oil, coastal mining, marine tourism, ocean recreation, aquaculture, etc. Oceans create significant economic value Global economic value estimated at USD 6-21 trillion 90% of global trade is seaborne 33% of the GDP and 20% of jobs in US coastal states is marine-related

4 Multiple Use of the Marine Environment

5 International Regime for the Ocean Marine environment "playing field" and "rules" for sustainable development Developed through numerous international organizations, programs, and agreements, e.g. UNCED/Agenda 2; CSD; WSSD; MDGs UNCLOS; ISA CBD; IMO; UNEP GPA; FAO Code of Conduct Regional Seas Conventions Developed by stakeholders engaged on ocean issues Business and industry not systematically engaged Largely not included (some exceptions) Only able to operate on the margins of these processes

6 Ocean Maps of Stakeholders

7 Ocean Industry Operating Conditions What is needed to operate in the ocean? Access (physical, legal); Social license Stability and predictability; Profitability For the private sector to operate in the marine environment, it must understand: How its activities affects marine ecosystems How marine ecosystems affects its ability to operate How private sector activities affect other stakeholders How one sector affects and the other sector users of marine resources, services and spaces Need and opportunity for business and industry leadership on ocean sustainability and stewardship

8 Ocean Maps of Industry

9 What is the Ocean Map of the Future?

10 Private Sector and Ocean Sustainability Private sector is the primary ocean user. Well placed to develop and implement the practices needed to ensure marine ecosystem use is sustainable. Ocean is a dynamic, interconnected commons for which everyone, and no one, is completely responsible. Few incentives to take on shared environmental problems. Some companies try to do business in a more environmentally sustainable way. Efforts of one company or even a whole industry sector are not enough to address global, cumulative impacts.

11 World Ocean Council Mission Bring together a wide range of ocean industries, e.g. oil, shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. Catalyze leadership and collaboration in addressing marine environmental issues at global scale. Develop ocean sustainability and stewardship as a way of doing business, i.e. Corporate Ocean Responsibility. Goal A healthy and productive global ocean and its sustainable use, development and stewardship by a responsible ocean business community.

12 1. Inter-industry alliance to address shared marine environmental issues Coordinate collaborative efforts to develop sciencebased solutions to shared marine environmental issues. Bring together companies to identify shared ocean environment issues, e.g. ship/whale strikes, marine debris, ship dismantling. Develop cost-effective industry support for high-quality independent science to develop operational solutions. Disseminate results and implement solutions. E.g. oil and gas joint program on marine life and sound.

13 2. Industry engaging priority marine issues and stakeholders Organize industry working groups to constructively engage with other ocean stakeholders. Organize inter-industry working groups on priority issues, e.g. MPAs, ports, the Arctic, to create understanding of the issues and stakeholders. Facilitate industry input to UN and multi-stakeholder fora on the issues, e.g. Global Forum, NGO workshops on MPAs, UNCLOS related meetings. Create industry trust and relationships with stakeholders and mutual interest in collaborative solutions. E.g. inter-industry workshop on clean ports.

14 3. Improved industry performance in the marine environment Assist ocean industries to improve environmental performance through best practices and standards. Work with industry sustainability leaders and stakeholders to define best practices and develop standards. Develop ocean sustainability strategies to conserve biodiversity and reduce marine environmental impacts. Develop methods for companies to measure, document and report their ocean footprint and Corporate Ocean Responsibility performance and results. E.g. Ocean Stewards and offshore aquaculture.

15 4. Reduced conflict in industry use of the marine environment Facilitate interaction among sectors to reduce ocean use conflicts. Foster interaction, dialogue and understanding among competing ocean industries. Develop and share best practices in resolving interindustry conflict in marine areas. E.g. One Ocean program on oil industry and fisheries.

16 Ocean Outlook We will not succeed in securing a sustainable future for the oceans and marine biodiversity without: Industry leadership and collaboration on a global scale. Corporate Ocean Responsibility as the basis for business activities in the marine environment. The World Ocean Council is working to bring this to reality We look forward to your interest and support

17 Thank You World Ocean Council