Celebrating ocean biodiversity

The International Day for Biodiversity and World Tuna Day—both observed in May—highlight the critical importance of safeguarding marine biodiversity and the livelihoods that depend on a healthy, abundant ocean.

The most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report reveals a “rapidly closing window of opportunity to make the changes for a sustainable and liveable future for all” as was expressed to the World Ocean Initiative by lead author Dr Lisa Schipper.

This month we highlight lessons from the IPCC as well as solutions for protecting marine biodiversity and the fish we depend on for food. World Oceans Day and the UN Ocean Conference taking place in June offer fresh opportunities to accelerate action on ocean health and climate change.  No matter what, the path ahead requires new ways of collaboration to regenerate marine biodiversity in order to deliver the future we need. 

Recent coverage on ocean biodiversity from the World Ocean Initiative:

Centring Indigenous-led governance of coral reefs
Indigenous peoples must be at the forefront of marine conservation. Explore examples of collaborative ocean governance being led by Indigenous voices. 
Read more >

Fish stocks can bounce back—here’s how
Experts from both the 8th and 9th annual World Ocean summits offer clear pathways for future-proofing fish populations.
Read more >

How investors can help Marine Protected Areas (and make money)
70% of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are falling short of their conservation goals. François Mosnier lays out how to turn around major inefficiencies in MPAs by speaking directly to the interests of investors. 
Read more >

Insights from the IPCC: science, small islands and climate solutions
Closing a gap between science and traditional and local knowledge is opening the door for climate justice. Islands are leading the way. 
Read more >


From the Initiative’s partners:

How much do you know about marine chemical pollution?
Take the Invisible Wave Challenge to test your knowledge and find out if you are smart like a dolphin or an octopus, or if you still have much to learn like the sea turtle. 
Learn more >

Ocean Changemakers Challenge: the next wave of innovators
Applications are now open! We need  innovative, passionate leaders to foster a sustainable blue economy and ensure a healthy future for our seas. The World Ocean Initiative—with support from Destination Canada—is excited to host the third annual Ocean Changemakers Challenge, a competition showcasing leading changemakers working to develop business solutions to ocean-related sustainability challenges. It is aimed at early-career researchers or professionals.
Apply now >>


Upcoming events

New frontiers in ocean innovation
Virtual event
June 8th 10am EST / 3pm BST / 4pm CEST
Register free >

World Ocean Tech and Innovation Summit: Powering the next phase in blue growth
October 4th-5th 2022, Halifax, Canada
Apply to attend >

2nd annual World Ocean Summit Asia-Pacific
November 29th-30th, Singapore
Save the date >

More on the ocean economy: