// SUMMARY OF THE CONFERENCE 2021
On the 22nd and 23rd of February of 2021, the online International Conference “The Ocean that Belongs to All” was organised bearing in mind the objective to contribute to Ocean literacy and intended to signal the beginning of the United Nations (UN) Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Themes with global impact were brought to the discussion: “Messing up with the Biosphere: plastics invading food chains”; “Extending continental shelves”; “Melting of the Arctic: between a climate disaster and a brand-new sea lane for containers”; “On (un)safe waters” and “A Blue Economy beyond fish and minerals”. Issues directly related to Portuguese concerns and priorities were also discussed, namely: “The Ocean, Strategic Priority of Portugal at the UN” and “Ocean’s Research Priorities”. Finally, a group of millennials of various oceanic geographies discussed the motto of the UN Ocean Science Decade: “The Ocean we need for the future we want.”
//OPENING SESSION
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE With around 40% of the world population living within hundreds of kilometres off the coasts, and 31 million jobs directly dependent on it, the Ocean is fundamental to human lives. Although it is one of the least environmentally damaging transport most countries use, in 2018, ships calling at European Union (EU) ports emitted around 140 million tons of CO2; in 2018, emissions produced by the entire water-born transport sector - including international, domestic and inland waters navigation - represented nearly a quarter of all nitrous oxide emissions in the EU. New developments in alternative fuels and advances in autonomous shipping led many to start thinking about the possibility of having commercially viable zero-emission ships on the seas by the end of the decade. There is a need for new ship designs, new propulsion systems, new operation standards, and most importantly, an influx of people with different skills in the industry. It is also worth noting that shipping is a part of an interlinked system, a logistical and operational chain. Therefore, changes in shipping should go hand in hand with changes in the shipbuilding industry, port sector, logistical operators, alternative fuel production and supply chain, infrastructure development, and consumer perception.
4 // THE OCEAN THAT BELONGS TO ALL
//MESSING UP WITH THE BIOSPHERE: PLASTICS INVADING FOOD CHAINS What is the real dimension of the ongoing invasion of food chains by plastics in the Ocean? Is this perceived and treated as a global threat? Is the problem due to ineffective, uneconomic ways to deal with the plastic or to a lack of public concern?
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The participants perceived plastics in the Ocean as a
itself). Few people understand that the Ocean starts in
menace that should be dealt with and treated locally and
bathrooms, in kitchens, it starts in people’s houses.
globally. The dimension of the plastics which are already in the seas is not only huge at the surface; its major danger
Hence, the importance of a mentality change, and of
comes from microfibres that are eaten by the fish and
agreements at the global level, that can respond to this
enter into the food chains. Ineffective, uneconomic ways
calamity. These problems need global responses, including
to deal with this problem, lack of public awareness and,
the creation of marine protected areas for the high seas,
fortunately, less today than before, political neglect, are
reduction of plastic pollution in the Oceans, solutions
obstacles for the resolution of this threat.
for biodiversity loss, and the Ocean’s biomass pollution. This is why it is important to count with the participation
There was a general view that what is important is to
of Heads of State at the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon
process plastics on land, engage more strongly with the
in 2022. These questions are related to governance. The
different actors and extend the possibilities offered by
importance of having the ambition of getting to a Global
circular economy to avoid by all means the practice of
Ocean’s Pact in the future is exactly the way it should have
throwing plastics and microfibres into the rivers and the
been in the other framework conventions. The Ocean was
seas. Ocean crises are only now being perceived by peo-
completely absent from the discussions in 2009 on the
ple as financial, migration, security, and economic crises.
first attempt to have a Climate Pact in Copenhagen. The
The dimension of the problem is colossal. The deposition
Ocean was referred to in one word in the preamble of the
of plastics and microplastics at the current rate will sur-
2015 Paris Agreement, but finally got, in 2019, in Madrid,
pass the biomass of the oceans, e.g., fish, in the middle
the attention it deserved. It took 20 years to establish a
of this century. Ten rivers are responsible for 80% of the
nexus between Ocean and Climate.
terrestrial pollution, mainly in Southeast Asia and Africa, because these are deltas of regions where there are no
In 2041, the stock of plastic in the Ocean would be four
advanced waste collection and recycling systems. In the
times as much as it is today. The base cause is human
case of microplastics, industrialised regions, like Europe
dependence on fossil fuels for energy and the increasing
and the United States, contribute enormously to marine
creation of new products with single-use packaging.
pollution through the disposal of textile fibres, car tires,
Recycling is very important, but only 20% of plastics are
and fertilisers, - which are made of mud originating from
economically recyclable. Despite 70% of microparticles
sewage systems (that already contains microplastics in
actually coming from car tires, most plastic items found on
SUMMARY OF THE CONFERENCE // 5
European beaches are plastic cotton buds, straws, plastic
There are encouraging initiatives coming from novel en-
plates, plastic cutlery, beverage stirrers, balloon sticks,
terprises. PlanetCare is working to push industries to install
food containers, beverage containers, and so on. These
microfibre filters in washing machines to prevent 90% of
are all products that can either be made from alternative
these from ending up in rivers and the Ocean. Cruz Foam
materials, or that can perhaps be avoided altogether.
produces a compostable foam made from chitin of dis-
Avoiding or innovating to find alternatives for these products
carded shrimp shells, thus solving two problems at once.
can eliminate 70% of the plastic garbage in Europe that is
Shrimp shells, which are considered a waste in the seafood
polluting the seas. There is a large amount of fishing gear
industry, may acquire value for the circular economy, and
made from plastic in the seas, that not only pollutes, but
at the same time using them as a compostable material
that also has very harmful effects to the sea animals and
can replace some packages, reducing the use of plastics.
fish, for example, when the nets are floating around the
Novoloop is trying to recycle plastics to insert them in cars,
water. Avoiding sending more plastic into the seas until
construction materials and 3D impressions. Mymizu is one
2030 should be a priority by replacing plastic with materials
of the first water refill apps that helps citizens to access free
that are made from biological renewable resources. This
refilling points. However, this is still not enough. A Blue New
is a global problem, and is the way forward in which the
Deal focused on the Ocean as the central key to balance
economy should be modelled.
climate and to recover the planet’s health is needed.
//EXTENDING CONTINENTAL SHELVES How do strategic, security issues affect the extension of continental shelves? What are the major obstacles involved in its implementation? Is diplomacy and the Law of the Seas being effective to help solve maritime border disputes?
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Participants highlighted that some of the major obstacles
is a lack of agreed rules that could define the continuity
involved in the extension of continental shelves relate to
of the territory. Major states and powers are driving the
diverse and contradictory interests of countries that dis-
disputes and trying to push the interpretations of those
pute the same spaces. However, it was also noted that the
types of conflicts for their own profit, and ultimately, there
most important and effective tool to settle disagreements
have been fights between the power of law and the law of
has been diplomacy and that the Law of the Seas was a
power. In Eastern Mediterranean, maritime demarcation
major achievement to help solve maritime border disputes.
has been debated for many years with two obstacles - the big islands on the Aegean, and the division of Cyprus.
The main types of conflicts, or frictions, between states
Militarisation is also ongoing in the Arctic and mainly in the
with extending continental shelves are the disputes of
seas surrounding China, where disputes between China,
areas that go beyond 500 miles maritime borders, or about
Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan,
what is an island, and what is a rock. This happens as there
and others are looming.
6 // THE OCEAN THAT BELONGS TO ALL
Better use of the seas is completely possible in terms of
China Sea. China made a claim based on the nine-dash
biotechnology for the industries around cosmetics and
line - which refers to the ill-defined demarcation line
medical drugs. In fact, only a small part of the Ocean is
used by the People’s Republic of China (China) and the
mapped, and a lot of possibilities are waiting for research,
Republic of China (Taiwan), for their claims of the major
investment and cooperation.
part of the South China Sea. This nine-dash line and historical rights cannot be justified under the United
The Arctic is made up of 52% geologic continental shelf,
Nations Conference on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).
being a very resource-rich area. 13% of the world’s un-
China is doing scientific research in the Japanese exclu-
discovered oil, and 20% of undiscovered natural gas are
sive economic zone (EEZ), ignoring the median line. To
estimated to be in the Arctic. Despite this kind of reality
operate a submarine, the seabed needs to be mapped,
set pushing for potential conflict, countries have been
and data collected, so China is doing the scientific re-
following the existing law very closely, as exemplified
search in the Japanese sea - a warship operation in the
by the Arctic Five Meetings, that have been taking place
upper North is becoming a concern for Japan. There is
for the last 15 years, where geologists and geophysicists
also growing military tension between China and the US,
are mapping and working on the communal shelf and
particularly over Taiwan. Clearly, China is at the centre of
diplomats gather to discuss these topics each year.
disputes regarding maritime borders and the extension of continental shelves in Asia. As for the Arctic, Japan,
Regarding the extension of maritime shelves, China has
China, and South Korea are very interested in the Arctic
excessive claims in the East China Sea and the South
shipping lane.
//MELTING OF THE ARCTIC: BETWEEN A CLIMATE DISASTER AND A BRAND-NEW SEA LANE FOR CONTAINERS What are the geopolitical implications of the foreseen melting of the Arctic? How can high seas be affected by this climate disaster? Can a similar event occur in the Antarctic? What kind of geoeconomic implications arise from the progressive expansion of a major new sea lane for containers throughout the Russian coast to Europe and North America?
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The debate was a tour through the cryosphere, in the
Arctic were debated, namely those related to the dispute
sense that the problems which arise at deep seas and in
over natural riches amongst some of the countries that
the Antarctic were also brought to the discussion. Some of
claim a share on the exploitation of resources, but also
the geopolitical implications of the foreseen melting of the
about the danger that is arising with the melting of the
SUMMARY OF THE CONFERENCE // 7
Arctic and the Siberian frozen plains, under which there is a
lands, but could be for the islands in the Pacific Ocean due
huge quantity of CO2 that could derail the planet’s climate
to huge economic differences and capacities.
balance decisively. High seas are already being affected by the rise of the level of waters (and temperature), and some
Now in the Arctic route, there is a flow of goods of around
islands and flat border continental land will suffer from the
18 million tons, but only 5% is transit - ships that go from
expected melting.
the strait of Bering to the Atlantic -, all the rest is cargo that stays in local ports, Murmansk being the main one. The
As to the Antarctic, the importance of preserving the huge
Chinese shipping company, Cosco, which is the 3rd largest
production of food for living creatures that come from cold
container company in the world, decided to bet very heavily
waters in that region was stressed. On a more positive tone,
on this route. The bigger the ship, the less expensive it is to
panellists referred to the multilateral collaboration happen-
carry a container, but it is still very difficult to transport big
ing amongst three dozen countries and many private and
containers in that route, turning this into a less attractive
civil society organisations, to keep the health and safety of
commercial passage. Maersk, MSC - the second largest
the Antarctic – the major preoccupation expressed being
shipping company in the world - the French company CMA
related to the rise of temperatures. On the geoeconomics’
CGM - which is number four -, and Hapag-Lloyd - which
implications from the progressive expansion of a major
is number five -, stated openly that they will not use the
new sea lane for containers throughout the Russian coast
Arctic as a sea route.
to Europe and North America, it was stressed that some major container companies, like Maersk, have already
Some other good news for climate should also be noted.
declared they are not eager to use that route mostly be-
The Poseidon Principles is an initiative by the largest lending
cause of economic and environmental reasons, but, on the
banks of the shipping industry (22 banks control almost 80%
contrary, other companies, for example, the Chinese Cosco,
of all the loans for shipping), in which they have decided
are already preparing for the possibility of using that route
that the climate performance of the vessels would be used
to spare time and costs.
as a criterion to lend money to buy new or second-handed ships. The Getting to Zero Coalition, an alliance of 120
Shallow Arctic waters (up to 200 metres deep) are on the
worldwide companies - mostly shipping companies, leaders
Russian coast. If the ice melts, the technical accessibility
in ports - have committed to zero gas emissions by 2030.
to natural resources in the seabed and sub-seabed of the
Considering that a container ship typically lasts 20 years,
Arctic Ocean needs to be improved. For safety reasons,
that could mean that by 2050 every ship operating in the
navigation is much better when there is less ice; the Arctic
world would be emission-free. An alliance called Clean
can be thought of as a route for trading, namely between
Cargo - having a large number of shippers that control
Asia, Europe and North America.
85% of all the cargo that is transported by containers - is going to start using the performance of ship carriers as a
The Arctic Council is composed of 30 countries and a num-
criterion to determine which ships are going to be used to
ber of NGOs. There have been conflicts because there is an
transport their cargo.
issue that is not solved - boundaries related to continental shelf extension. Canada and Russia are the main coastal
The gains in using the Arctic route are very small for the time
states in the Arctic, and may consider those waters to be
being, and this is the major reason why, commercially, all the
their territory.
other big ship companies, apart from Cosco, decided not to look into it – for now. But the problem is not now, the problem
From another perspective, the rising of the mean sea level
is what is going to happen 20 years from now, and if nothing
probably will not be an unsolvable problem for the Nether-
is done, the melting of the Arctic may change these positions.
8 // THE OCEAN THAT BELONGS TO ALL
As ice sheets in the Arctic and Greenland glaciers melt, the
placed in the continent. The Antarctic Treaty is focused on
physical, chemical, and biological nature of the planet is
its protection, environmental protection, and therefore,
fundamentally changing. At the same time, the emissions
extracting minerals and mining in the Antarctic was put on
of carbon dioxide, as well as black carbon in the Arctic, are
hold. From another perspective, the Arctic is ahead of the
creating a threefold crisis: climate disruption, biodiversity
Antarctic in setting up a moratorium on commercial fisheries
loss, and pollution threatening our viability as a species. To
in the high sea areas of the Arctic.
combat this tragedy, a more inclusive and more networked multilateralism, a new global deal among countries to ensure
The very serious impacts that are now taking place in the
that benefits and opportunities are shared more broadly
entire Ocean should not be underestimated, as a result of
and fairly, is needed.
climate change, the climate emergency and the biodiversity crisis. Decisions to protect large areas of the Antarctic
Unlike the international waters of the Arctic, the Antarctic
have been blocked (by the US and Russia), but something
has a robust governance system in place, dating back to the
must be done urgently as Arctic polar change and weather
late 1950s at the height of the Cold War, where the Antarctic
worsening are impacting and putting in danger the currents
Treaty was put together, and declared Antarctica a place of
that feed the fish, for example.
peace and science to ensure that nuclear weapons weren’t
//ON (UN)SAFE WATERS How do piracy, trafficking and military threats affect peace, the wellbeing of people and freedom of navigation? What are the major threatened areas? Are the multilateral approaches to deal with the safety of the Ocean being effective and coherent?
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The debate was around piracy and trafficking of drugs and
responsibility of coastal states, about continental shelves,
people, in some of the major areas of the globe where these
which can trigger frontier disputes, another relates to illegal
phenomena are unravelling, namely the Malacca and other
exploitation of resources belonging to states that cannot
nearby straits, the Gulf of Guinea, and the Mediterranean.
protect their own waters. Piracy is one of the biggest threats
The regional and global collaboration of states and agen-
to the commercial flows, and the Gulf of Guinea has become
cies to combat these threats has been debated, also in the
by far the major worldwide focus of piracy, with 95% of the
framework of the need to secure freedom of navigation.
worldwide attacks in 2020 taking place there - just a few years ago the Gulf of Guinea represented less than half of
What is changing in the Atlantic? Global geopolitical patterns
worldwide attacks. On one hand, drug trafficking - which
with increased competition. The strategic lines of commu-
involves South America as a producer, Africa as a staging
nication, be it commercial ones or underwater lines, are
post, and Europe and North America as consumer markets
being increasingly challenged. There are at least two other
-, and, on the other hand, the finance of terrorism in the
aspects attached to increased competition for resources:
Sahel are also major security preoccupations. Dynamics
one is an intensification of the claims about the areas of
involving drug trafficking are extremely corrosive of state
SUMMARY OF THE CONFERENCE // 9
structures, with the risk of state capture by organised crime.
Other routes are now coming to global awareness, for
Developments in space technology can help us to monitor,
example, the Mozambique Channel. The issues at the Mo-
forecast, and develop appropriate humanitarian responses
zambique Channel affect inland countries such as Malawi,
thinking of the whole of the Atlantic.
Zambia, Zimbabwe and many of the large cities, ports, and towns within the region that are linked to port cities in
Human trafficking is an important security challenge, to-
Mozambique. But the African States, its involvement, and
gether with tobacco smuggling and arms trafficking in the
participation are actually quite minimal. A very small number
Mediterranean Sea. There is a business model behind it,
of islands in the Mozambique Channel also face potential
and there are people that make money out of trying to bring
border disputes (France, Madagascar and Mozambique) over
people across the Mediterranean Sea. Tobacco smuggling
sovereignty and resources, even if this issue lays dormant in
also comes from East mafias. More dangerous than ciga-
this part of the world. A big problem facing this part of the
rettes are narcotics. Europe is a big consumer market of all
Indian Ocean is increasing coordination and cooperation
types of narcotics, there are big profit marchands and a lot
between the Southern African Development Community
of people trying to smuggle it into the EU. Some of those
(SADC) member states but also bringing into the conver-
narcotics are coming from South America and Africa to the
sation, gas companies, for example. The weak and absent
EU through different routes. A typical hotspot, for example,
African countries’ navy is a crucial factor as well, because
is the border area between Morocco and Algeria, which is
even if a lot of suspicious traffic is picked up, it is very hard
well-known for fast speed boats. The ongoing conflict in
to deploy or intercept these kinds of operations.
Libya, and the war in Syria, are types of conflicts that also generate arm trafficking, which is also common in the
On another note, an increase of the population in coastal
Mediterranean Sea route to the Black Sea, mainly to the
areas means that coastal resources are going under signifi-
Crimea region.
cant stress and more pressure is added by coastal migration, which could be caused by conflict over limited resources,
Piracy is active in several straits. Due to the huge vigilance in
further inland pushing people to the seas. The number of
the Malacca and Singapore straits, piracy is now greater in the
people seeking refuge for climate change reasons is in-
Celebes Sea, which is a tri-border area between Indonesia,
creasing, as small islands like Seychelles and Mauritius are
Malaysia and the Philippines. This region has been plagued
becoming very vulnerable. That increases the importance
with insecurity at the hands of terrorist organisations like Abu
of partnerships, of applying lessons learned, of coordination
Sayyaf. The golden triangle, which has historically been an
and experience sharing, particularly between the EU and
area for the production of opium, and cocaine, bordering
the African Union in terms of maritime safety, surveillance,
Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, has now emerged as one of
and in terms of the blue economy.
the global centres for synthetic drugs production.
10 // THE OCEAN THAT BELONGS TO ALL
//A BLUE ECONOMY BEYOND FISH AND MINERALS Is the path of transition from marine resources economy to blue economy enough to spare the seas and the planet? Will the Ocean be a major source of biotech, renewable, clean energy solutions?
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE These issues were put into discussion, most of them in
biotechnology hubs would be interesting added-value
a very positive manner. As a matter of fact, new technol-
industries, as well as those related to technologies and
ogies have been developed, and new discoveries have
engineering, where there is great potential, as there are
been made, which allowed people to start looking at the
excellent researchers. However, there is a lack of relevant
Ocean as a huge source of clean energy solutions that
international links and cooperation, as oceanic sciences
could power the planet in the future. The same has been
require heavy infrastructure and costs. Cooperation be-
discussed about the seas as sources of major biological
tween nations needs to be sped up to promote a paradigm
discoveries and biotech solutions for a lot of industries,
change and support the circular economy, the fight against
including food and pharmacy.
climate change, the protection of the environment, all without demonising what are also the needs of the society.
Industries based on the sea were, ten years ago, fisheries, with more than 1/3 of the total of 31 million employees and
The study of the interaction between the Ocean and
assistants in economics at sea and more than 1/3 of added
the atmosphere is crucial and, in this regard, Azores and
value. This shows that the two most relevant economic
Madeira are two of the best places in the world to do that
activities in the economy of the sea, one in terms of total
- e.g. with the establishment of a big Atlantic University.
added value and the other in terms of employment, are two extractive industries, respectively, of fossil energy and of
Portugal has good conditions to invest in blue bio-econo-
living resources. But projections are changing. Reports from
my, with extraordinary waters with temperatures that are
the OECD point that, by 2030, many ocean-based indus-
very suitable for producing, for example, algae, invest in
tries will continue to maintain the potential of responding
marine agriculture, and in replacing plastics with biological
to the growth of the global economy as a whole, but that
products. Industries have the skills to transform garbage
the fastest employment growth is expected to occur in
into resources, bet on the circular economy, on bioenergy,
offshore energy, in marine aquaculture, in fish processing,
and on bio-industries. The sea is a hidden energy factory:
and in port activities.
the wave energy, the tidal ranges, the salinity differences, the geothermal gradients, the estimated potential of
The perception of the environment and the economy not
this energy varies between 20 to 80 thousand terawatt
as opposites, but as allies, is happening. In this context,
hours. Twenty thousand terawatt hours is the total con-
industry and production must be adapted to the commit-
sumption of electricity on the planet today, that is, the
ments of this ecological pact, focusing on circular economy
sea alone can provide up to 4 times this energy, but this
and the health of the Oceans. As for deep-sea mining, it
energy has to work on the basis of the transformation of
does not exist now because of economic costs. In Portugal,
all production systems.
SUMMARY OF THE CONFERENCE // 11
COVID-19 taught a very important lesson, the only security
from renewable energy sources, green hydrogen could be
for the life of the human species depends on biodiversity,
one of the great solutions of the future. Decarbonisation
which is being destroyed. The amphibian extinction rate is
of the economy may not be just electrification, it may be
exponential, and the extinction of species is fast-growing:
electrification plus hydrogen, fuel cells plus batteries.
1/3 of the world’s reef corals, 1/3 of all freshwater molluscs, 1/3 of sharks and rays, 1/4 of mammals, 1/5 of reptiles,
Mapping the Ocean’s ecosystems is vital, and economic
and 1/6 of birds. And so, the sixth mass extinction is not
or extractive activities cannot, in any way, disturb them.
a mirage, it is occurring, and if biodiversity is allowed to
On-shore cobalt reserves in the world are 15 million tons,
die out at this rate, the human species will be part of the
whilst in the Ocean, there are over 1000 million tons, and
sixth extinction.
therefore, one cannot have the electrification of the car fleet in the world without access to these minerals. The
Between 200 and 1000 meters deep in the Ocean, there
other strategic minerals are rare earth, and are indispens-
is the mesopelagic layer, i.e. the twilight zone, and what is
able for computers, cell phones, and communications,
going on there is extraordinary. The first discovery is that
so there has to exist a way of extracting these materials
the biological resources concentrated there are ten times
without harming nature, and energy companies should
larger than what was estimated. That is fundamental for
be regarded and pushed to be allies and protagonists. In
the decarbonisation of the planet, for the reabsorption of
the circular economy, in the EU, each year, 4 billion tons of
carbon dioxide, and it is critical for stability. The biggest
waste are produced. If that waste is recycled and treated,
migration of species takes place every day when the sun
between 25 to 30% of the strategic metals and minerals
goes down. Billions of organisms that come to the surface
can be recovered. But in any way, a process of energy
eat the so-called sea mist, micro-organism debris, and
transition is always needed.
everything in between, and this plays a key role in the planet’s decarbonisation cycle. 25% of carbon dioxide is
There are a lot of challenges right now with the Oceans: the
absorbed by the oceans, much more is absorbed by for-
acidification problem, seabed mining, waste. Circular economy
ests, about 40%, and this is vital. In the last 20 years, 800
offers an alternative economic system for these challenges.
thousand square kilometres of the Amazon forest were
People can recycle a lot more, recover a lot more scarce
lost, which is crucial for the planet.
products, put them back into the system, so there would be no need to extract so much. What is the relationship with the
The next Glasgow conference on climate will play a major
sea, then? Today, a lot of important economic materials are
role. The tragedy of the commons stems from a problem
scarce on land, and not available in all countries, which leads
that economists know very well, which is that of the stow-
to large seabed mining. So, the researchers are exploring a
aways – free riders. In Glasgow, what is needed is a simple
part of the Ocean where little is known yet. Today, there is
measure: to raise the price of carbon to $100 per ton. The
also a movement for a 10-year moratorium (also pulled by
US is responsible for 16% of the planet’s CO2 emissions
Sustainable Ocean Alliance, which asks countries to stop this
and China for 25%. Renewable energies like hydrogen are
exploration to first understand the impacts of this and try to
not a delusion, they are the solution for the future, but this
investigate how to recover these materials and intensify the
solution has to come from the combination of several
research on bioplastics, to produce materials that are less
factors: oil and gas companies quickly diversifying their
harmful to the environment, that can biodegrade faster, that
portfolios, therefore, not betting on assets that are more
are compostable.
carbon-intensive, betting more on gas, betting more on renewable energies. These companies can also, if driven to it, develop the entire range of hydrogen. If it is produced
12 // THE OCEAN THAT BELONGS TO ALL
//THE OCEAN, STRATEGIC PRIORITY OF PORTUGAL AT THE UN WATCH THE VIDEO HERE This session stressed the importance and the priorities given
of Marine Biodiversity. The United Nations adopted, in 2015,
on the part of the Portuguese government to the Decade
the 2030 Agenda, with 17 Sustainable Development Goals
of Ocean Science, moving from a vision in which Ocean
(SDG), among which the SDG 14 on Oceans, Seas and Marine
exploration is essentially based on resource extraction to
Resources. The Ocean has to be preserved to guarantee
something much more complex, comprising various eco-
the very survival of the planet and humankind. The use of
nomic activities that require more sophisticated types of
the Ocean and marine resources should be regarded as a
governance, which go beyond the mere limitation of borders.
mechanisms of development, to safeguard conservation
From an environmental point of view, one is also witnessing
and sustainable use, by setting precise and measurable
a transformation in the understanding of the importance and
targets, including them within the SDG 14. Portugal is now
fragility of the Ocean and marine resources, and therefore
mobilising, together with Kenya, the Second Edition of the
the need to protect them, for present and future generations,
United Nations Ocean Conference, that will take place, if
supporting the Intergovernmental Conference for the Elab-
sanitary conditions allow it, in 2022, in Lisbon.
oration of a Treaty for the Conservation and Sustainable Use
//OCEAN’S RESEARCH PRIORITIES WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The session was about the Portuguese interest in the
public sector, today, around 53% of research is carried out
Ocean as a major source of research, which is seen by
in the private sector, together with three large associated
the increasing number of experts and projects presented,
laboratories. A package of around 272 million Euros is set for
some of them being already in development. One of the
the training of young people and adults on sea matters, to
interesting statements that have been made was the fact
build a new generation of experts on aquaculture, Oceans,
that the government strategy is very sensitive to suggestions
and climate. The role of governments is to provide the
given by the experts’ community.
incentives in close articulation with scientists and, when necessary, with the economic sectors, as these are the
Portugal invested around 0.4% of the wealth generated in research in the 90s. Today, it is estimated that these values are around 1.6% of GDP. Whereas 30 years ago, roughly 75% of the research was financed and carried out in the
ones that define priorities.
SUMMARY OF THE CONFERENCE // 13
//THE OCEAN WE NEED FOR THE FUTURE WE WANT WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Millennials from different geographies debated on these
people need to change in the short-term. What is being
issues, as well as on public, multilateral, societal policies,
seen is that we have education and awareness, and the
and personal behaviours. All the major Ocean geographies
changes in behaviour have been very slow and with very
were represented by young experts that dealt with the
little impact. Policymaking can have a huge impact on
preservation of the biosphere, the Arctic, safe seas and
up to 30 million people in a short-term span. Awareness
blue economy, having all of them stressed the importance
and education get the right people to contact the right
to put the Ocean at the forefront of public concerns and
authorities. And also, policy needs to come with a cam-
to raise the political priorities that are (not so much) given
paign of awareness that also looks to change common
by national authorities.
sense, common knowledge, even ancestral traditions, one that can touch the hearts of people. Indigenous
In this panel, it was noted the increasing awareness
people’s experiences are crucial but these also need
among younger people of the problems related to the
to be regulated, because even if most of their practices
rise of Ocean temperatures, the invasion of plastics in
are good for the planet, there can be some that are still
food chains and the importance to push for more effective
harmful. For example, some indigenous communities in
national and global policies and projects to protect the
Peru still eat marine sea turtles. Education is vital, but
health of the seas.
policy needs to come with those facts, and there is a need to look into alternatives.
Civil society has a big role in the climate movement, and that has been fantastic to see, but often the Ocean has
Policy has a central role, as well as civil society. Balancing
been lacking in those discussions. Rise Up is a common
the economic interest and the environment is critical and
agenda that outlines 29 priority actions that would con-
the role of the government is to consider the long-term
tribute to a healthy Ocean, bringing civil society’s voice
consequences because business sectors tend to only
to the floor. Over 450 organisations have signed on and
see the short-term profit. There is a good momentum
support this programme to reach out to decision-makers
now towards the “net-zero” by 2050.
to impact change. Decision-makers have to bring youth to the table, not as a token, not as a pat on the head, but as a
Civil society has an important role in dealing with the
real stakeholder, because youth have the most to lose from
people and policy, but also to link with academia and
the environmental crisis, and the most to gain from action.
think tanks. In Malaysia, NGOs and think tanks from Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines have worked together
People being absent from politics has led to a lack of
on discussing what are the common interests and what
understanding of policymaking. Young people cannot
should be the best advice for governments in regard to
wait for long term impacts. There is a point of urgency,
conducting negotiations. The greatest challenge to pol-
14 // THE OCEAN THAT BELONGS TO ALL
itics is to balance the economic and the environmental
When it comes to awareness of the people concerning the
interests, because, for instance, banning plastic or the
Ocean, there is a knowledge gap between coastal commu-
full use of plastic, would confront a very significant part
nities, society, and academics. It cannot be achieved without
of businesses. Interests and profits could deteriorate, and
everyone being aware of their responsibilities. Political
that would certainly influence the government incomes
leaders want to see the real effect happening, they want to
from taxes. Overlapping maritime claims is a very serious
see the impact. It is important to create a platform in which
problem: in the Philippines’ coastal communities, a lot of
every nation could implement what is trying to be enforced
fishermen are losing or feeling threatened by warships that
within the Ocean, to try and create an environment where
go to the region, reminding the importance of cooperation
all can implement what has been decided.
in tackling the Ocean’s issues, with the UN leading the way.
//CLOSING SESSION WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
In the closing session, it was stressed that most coral reefs
carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere which is absorbed
will be lost if the sea temperature rises 2 degrees Celsius.
into the Ocean. This leads to a lowering of the water’s pH
Coral reefs are home to 30% of marine life, they are the
making it more acidic and life conditions increasingly
bunkers of marine biodiversity and it is an understatement
difficult for calcium carbonate-based life forms, such as
to say their loss will have major consequences for the
shellfish corals. Deforestation and the burning of fossil
health of the Ocean. The transformative action to which
fuels such as coal, oil, and gas for the human industry
all are called on is that of moving to a net-zero economy
are other causes of Ocean acidification. Developing a
by 2050. Science established that this is the destination
sustainable blue economy will mitigate climate change,
to reach, one in which there is no more carbon dioxide to
create massive employment in blue-green industries and
be removed from the atmosphere. The Ocean’s health is
provide the medicines and the healthy nutrition needed
currently in decline. The chief cause of that decline is the
for a secure future. The answer is a massive intensification
burgeoning levels of anthropogenic greenhouse gases
of science, planning and finance. The COP26 in Glasgow
pumped into the atmosphere, which are then absorbed
should be where firm evidence of a strong move away
into the Ocean causing acidification, deoxygenation, and
from fossil fuels and major commitments towards new
warming. Just now, Ocean acidification is mainly caused by
patterns of production and consumption is established.
SUMMARY OF THE CONFERENCE // 15
1167 Online viewers in Portugal and other 40 countries around the globe.
The conference had 37 speakers of 16 diverse nationalities.
39% of Zoom viewers were between the ages of 18 and 35.
336 000 registered interactions on social media and about 218 000 people reached (only on Instagram and Youtube).
56% of Zoom viewers were female.
//THE CONFERENCE The Conference had 1167 online viewers in Portugal
The event was organised by the Club of Lisbon
and other 40 countries around the globe. It was
in partnership with the Oceano Azul Foundation,
streamed through Zoom and Youtube. From the
the Portuguese Hydrographic Institute and the
registries in Zoom around 39% of the viewers were
Sustainable Ocean Alliance. It had the collaboration
between the ages of 18 and 35 and 56% of the total
of the European Maritime Safety Agency and
viewers were female. One week after the event, the
the support of the Lisbon Municipality and the
Club of Lisbon social networks (Facebook, Twitter,
Institute Marquês de Valle Flôr. It was held with the
LinkedIn, Instagram and Youtube) registered a
cooperation of the Embassy of Japan in Portugal.
total of 336 000 interactions and a reach (only on Instagram and Youtube) of around 218 000 people.
Other useful links: Access the full Programme here
The conference had 37 speakers of 16 diverse nationalities – researchers, decision-makers, managers, members of multilateral organisations and of the military and security spheres, and activists of civil society.
Content: Fernando Jorge Cardoso Design: A Cor Laranja
Short bios of Participants available here.
ORGANISER
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
WITH THE SUPPORT OF
IN COLLABORATION WITH WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN PORTUGAL