Summary of the Conference “The Ocean that belongs to all"

// 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