Clean seas ‘key to strong economy’ says UN

Seas and coast lines, when cleaner and better managed, will give a positive impetus to economy while also reducing poverty and pollution in the world, says a UN report.

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report points out that around 40% of the global population lives within 62 miles of a coast so the world’s marine ecosystems provide essential food, shelter and jobs to millions of people.

By using oceans to generate renewable energy and eco-tourism and shifting to more sustainable fisheries and transport, that trend could be reversed and islands in Asia and the Caribbean could reduce their vulnerability to climate change, the UNEP report said.

“Stepping up green investments in marine and coastal resources and enhancing international co-operation in managing these trans-boundary ecosystems are essential if a transition to low-carbon, resource efficient green economy is to be realized,” said UNEP executive director Achim Steiner.

The report recommended key steps for “greening” the seas across areas such as tourism, fishing, transport, pollution, renewable energy and deep-sea mining.