UNDA Project 1819K: Oceans Economy and Trade Strategies

Nature abounds in sustainable alternatives to plastics, but companies and countries must work across borders to boost their production and tackle barriers.

UNCTAD and its partners promote trade in line with environmental, social and economic sustainability criteria as a nature-based solution to the biodiversity crisis.

Plastic waste has become a key driver of pollution across the world, overwhelming marine, terrestrial and aerial ecosystems.

The two organizations will broaden their existing cooperation to promote the ocean economy, curb plastic pollution, support least developed countries, bolster the digital economy and boost gender equality.

A new UNCTAD database provides insight into the ocean economy’s sectors, main players and export opportunities for developing countries as they try to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Paul Akiwumi, Director for Africa and Least Developed Countries, UNCTAD

Countries aim to protect the iconic queen conch, build a sustainable ocean economy and provide tangible benefits to people working in the region’s seafood value chains.

UN Oceans Forum identifies ways to sustainably change course for the benefit of marine resources and the people who depend on them.

The ocean is a source of opportunities to sustain livelihoods, trade and mitigate climate change. But the health of the ocean is deteriotrating and the economies it supports are under threat.

By David Vivas-Eugui, UNCTAD, Victoria Chomo and Marcio Castro de Souza, FAO