A zero-pollution ocean will only be possible if policymakers, business leaders and investors have access to sufficient evidence to evaluate the scope, scale and impact of marine pollution and use this to take action. A coordinated global response will first require building a comprehensive picture of the existing data and understanding the science that is needed to fill the evidence gaps.
Knowledge about the impact of pollution on ocean health is fragmented and scattered. Yet, the evidence that does exist suggests action to tackle marine pollution is urgently needed. Better data is a critical step to catalyse action.
1. That marine pollution – beyond plastic – be central to the agenda at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and other key meetings such as the United Nations Environment Assembly in 2024, with a view to raising awareness and mobilising action among policymakers.
2. That the UN Ocean Decade framework be used to foster effective collaboration between the various agencies that collect and hold data and other resources relevant to understanding marine pollution, including (but not limited to), UN agencies, national government agencies, universities and scientific organisations, and the private sector.
3. Develop a roadmap by 2025 which sets out the pathway to building a comprehensive global understanding of marine pollution. This process must incorporate stakeholders from the UN system, national governments, scientific agencies, universities, NGOs, technology companies, and the private sector.
4. For a diverse group of projects and initiatives – including Back to Blue – to work collaboratively with scientists to raise awareness and use existing marine pollution data to inform policymakers, business leaders and the broader public.
DEFINE: A short discussion paper defining the marine pollution data gap
A zero-pollution ocean will only be possible if policymakers, business leaders and investors have access to sufficient evidence to evaluate the scope, scale and impact of marine pollution and to take action. Download this short discussion paper to read our recommendations.
DISCUSS: Read our summary of what steps the experts recommend to close the gap
Developed following an extensive expert stakeholder consultation process, this issues paper examines the key questions that must be addressed to develop an effective and workable roadmap to close the marine pollution data gap.
CONSULT AND BUILD: An inclusive co-design process
We can’t do this alone. Back to Blue’s mandate is to catalyse action; a wide group of stakeholders must collaborate to implement the roadmap.
Back to Blue is now embarking on a targeted consultation and co-design process, calling on scientists, policymakers, business leaders, and investors to co-design a roadmap by 2025 to close the marine pollution data gap.
PUBLISH: The Zero-Pollution Ocean Roadmap
Using the findings of these events, Back to Blue will produce a draft Zero-Pollution Ocean Roadmap that will identify how key stakeholders can spearhead a coordinated global response to marine pollution and close the marine pollution data gap.
The draft roadmap, to be released in early 2024, will include an overview infographic, report and set of practical recommendations. The purpose of the roadmap will be to galvanise UN bodies, policymakers, NGOs and businesses to close the marine pollution data gap.
To follow the Roadmap’s progress or contribute, please sign up to the Back to Blue newsletter.
Reading time: 8mins
Reading time: 10mins
Reading time: 8mins
Reading time: 10mins
Reading time: 1.5mins
Reading time: 1.5mins
Reading time: 3.5mins
Reading time: 10mins
Thank you for your interest in Back to Blue, please feel free to explore our content.
Back to Blue is an initiative of Economist Impact and The Nippon Foundation, two organisations that share a common understanding of the need to improve evidence-based approaches and solutions to the pressing issues faced by the ocean, and to restoring ocean health and promoting sustainability