These Measures Take Us a Big Leap Forward to Protecting Our Oceans

The United Kingdom’s Blue Planet Fund is injecting some $600 million into projects such as halting illegal fishing and plastic pollution and increasing marine protection as part of a wider goal of protecting at least 30% of all oceans by 2030.

“This week, world leaders have come together to redouble their efforts to protect the marine environment,” says Lord Zach Goldsmith, Minister for the Pacific and International Environment. “But it is important that these commitments are put into action and that our ocean remains on the global agenda.”

At the UN Ocean Conference, it was revealed that, as part of its effort to reach the 30×30 target, the Blue Planet Fund is set to grant a new global program, COAST, $180 million to protect and restore coastal and marine habitats like mangroves, seagrass, and corals, as well as help to improve small fisheries and their productivity and sustainability. Also, $120 million will be dedicated to supporting the implementation, conservation, and management of marine protected areas. Funding will be granted to projects dedicated to the restoration of major habitats and marine species in developing countries and limiting potentially harmful activities at sea. The Sustainable Blue Economy Program received $43 million and expertise from the United Kingdom to support small island governments in their effort to develop a climate-resilient ocean economy, including through “protecting biodiversity, better ocean governance and more extensive use of nature-based solutions.”