2017 HLPF Thematic review of SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

SDG 14 is dedicated to humanity’s interactions with the oceans. It covers a range of issues in the area of conservation and sustainable use, with seven targets and three means of implementation to respond to the urgent need for transformative change toward more sustainable practices. Oceans cover around 71% of the Earth's surface and perform a vital regulatory function in the global weather and climate systems. Even the livelihoods and lifestyles of people living far inland often depend directly on rainfall and temperature patterns moderated by distant oceans. SDG 14 recognises the environmental, economic and social benefits that healthy oceans provide, and that resources and services are being eroded by a range of anthropogenic pressures that are potentially manageable and within the SDG14’s scope to improve. As individual activities that damage oceans are often felt far beyond national borders, responsibility for the oceans' health rests with all of us.

Read more below or find the original at: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/14375SDG14format-revOD.pdf