With the public health crisis once again demonstrating the dangers of an unhealthy relationship between man and nature, it is now unbelievable to “go back to normal”, as emphasized by ONU secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, during the One Planet Summit on January 11th. This annual event was initiated in 2018 by France in order to bring attention to the issue of climate change. This year’s Summit 2021 focused largely on biodiversity protection, especially marine biodiversity and brought together several Head of States, heads of Central Banks, but also private actors, to accelerate actions favoring environmental protection.
Failed assessment and drive to increase marine biodiversity protection
Alliances to protect seas and oceans
The previously mentioned pledges should first enable the reinforcement of the « High ambition Coalition for Nature and People » led by Coast Rica and France since 2019. Signed Monday by approximatively 50 states, it pushes Head of States to commit to concrete measures to protect « at least 30% of lands and oceans » by 2030, by establishing high seas protected marine areas. Although France had committed to accomplish this objective by 2022, the fight against biodiversity needs to be global to be efficient.
Additionally, the funding would also be a great way to reach the target of a newly created alliance – France, Spain & Monaco – for an « exemplary sea in 2030 ». Its goal? Improve the monitoring of Mediterranean waters in order to end over-fishing, marine pollution and single use plastics, Whitley developing a network of protected areas and making marine transport greener in the area.
A controversial summit: superficial measures?
Even if participants of the One Planet Summit 2021 have made a lot of promises, it is justified to ask whether these will be kept or whether they seem more like political green washing. It is interesting to focus on some key points.
Regarding « High ambition for Nature and People »´s objectives, they won’t be reach unless the international juridical framework developed by The United Nations is changed. If current BBNJ negotiations aim at changing the international right to create high seas protected marine areas, juridical procedures are still often long and tedious. While only 7% of the Ocean is today constituted as protected areas, the 30% targeted by the coalition will only be reached in 2030 if international law evolves. Despite being found insufficient by some, they already seem ambitious to reach as they would be directly linked to UNO progress. Lastly, talking about an « exemplary Mediterranean Sea by 2030 », a major issue hasn’t been brought up: beyond maritime transport, underwater gas extraction in the area also generates major environmental issues. However, the situation being so critical when discussing this topic, ecological issues can’t seem to be solved if the current geopolitical situation does not improve.
Many efforts still need to be made, and despite being very hopeful, decisions taken in favor of marine protection during the One Planet Summit 2021 still depend on numerous factors. No matter what, Surfrider will keep fighting to protect the Ocean and strive to see these measures implemented by 2030.
