SDG 14. Life below water

Presentation - State of affairs

The pollution of oceans, in all of its forms (plastic, hydrocarbons, underwater noise, persistent organic pollutants) seriously damages marine ecosystems. This biodiversity loss will have terrible consequences for ecosystems, the climate and humankind.

The fish and seafood consumed by humans may be contaminated. The 540 million people who are dependent on fishing may see their income fall and their boats and equipment damaged.

The new SDG on seas and oceans therefore calls for the conservation of the oceans, elimination of pollution and restoration of fish stocks for sustainable fishing, in the framework set out by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, known as the Montego Bay Convention.

United Nations Targets for 2030

Ministry Projects

Key figures

• Some ten countries have already committed to reduce plastic pollution by joining the International Coalition instigated by France.
• The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) co-chaired by France for two years with Madagascar, adopted a 2016-2018 Action Plan in November 2016 to better protect and conserve coral reefs and their ecosystems.

Examples of projects (in French)

AFD - Protecting the biodiversity and resources of Moheli Marine Park 2014
AFD - Preserving the biodiversity of Mayotte and the Scattered Islands 2015

Publications by implementing agencies

• AFD - Concerted water management : The example of the River Senegal (August 2016)

Useful links

• SDG 14 on the UN website
• Site of the Ocean Conference
• SDG 14 on the website UN Women
• Actions in favor of the protection of the sea and ocean, Site of the Ministry of Ecology (in French)

^{Updated: May 2017}