100% Sustainable Ocean Management: an Introduction to Sustainable Ocean Plans.

Abstract

In its Transformations for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Transformations) launched in December 2020, the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) announced a shared vision for the sustainable development of the ocean—where effective protection, sustainable production and equitable prosperity go hand in hand. As part of this shared vision, the Ocean Panel made a headline commitment to sustainably manage 100% of the ocean area under their national jurisdictions, guided by Sustainable Ocean Plans, by 20252. Moreover, the Ocean Panel urged all coastal and ocean states to join them in this commitment so that by 2030 all ocean areas under national jurisdiction are sustainably managed. A Sustainable Ocean Plan aims to guide public and private sector decision-makers on how to sustainably manage a nation’s ocean area under national jurisdiction to advance long-term economic and social development—by protecting the natural marine ecosystems that underpin that development. It lays the foundation for implementing the Ocean Panel’s Transformations, providing a unifying ‘umbrella’ for national ocean-related governance. Developing and implementing Sustainable Ocean Plans can provide governments, citizens, businesses, coastal communities, Indigenous Peoples and other stakeholders with a range of economic, social and environmental benefits over time. For instance, effectively implemented plans can protect critical marine ecosystems, chart a course for economic and social development, provide regulatory and investment certainty and reduce the risk of conflict. There are numerous ways for a country to develop an effective Sustainable Ocean Plan. Because ocean areas are not uniform in the benefits they provide and in the challenges they face, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Nonetheless, an effective plan should reflect nine attributes regarding process of development, content and ability to convert planning into impact.inclusive, integrative and iterative in its engagement of stakeholders and use of knowledge. In terms of content, it is place-based, ecosystem-based and knowledge-based. In terms of impact, it is endorsed, financed and capacitated to ensure implementation. Useful components of an effective Sustainable Ocean Plan include spatial plans, economic development strategies, environmental protection approaches, social considerations, ocean statistical accounts, enabling policies and finance. While the destination—a sustainable ocean economy—may be shared, the ports of departure and courses charted may differ across countries. Getting started right away, with a view to ongoing iteration and improvement, is more important than getting planning perfect the first time. To ensure ownership and commitment, national governments should integrate the development and implementation of Sustainable Ocean Plans into domestic budgetary processes to ensure domestic budget allocation in the long term. Supplementary funding for countries that need it can come from grants, loans, official development assistance, blended finance (e.g. planning grants integrated into economic development loans) and novel financing approaches. Monitoring progress on Sustainable Ocean Plan development and implementation is critical if planning is to lead to positive outcomes. This guide provides a simple checklist to help countries ensure their planning processes are not merely a continuation of ‘business as usual’ but rather an enhanced ambition commensurate with the Transformations. A number of countries around the world are developing components of Sustainable Ocean Plans. However, too few have embarked on the journey, and many existing planning processes miss important attributes or components. Thus, developing robust, effective Sustainable Ocean Plans is urgently needed. With less than a decade to go to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, there is no time to waste.