T he ocean’s state of emergency is echoed in the limited delivery of relevant global commitments, notably the Aichi Targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14 - Life Below Water). The decline of the ocean is accelerating as unsustainable human activities and their harmful impact continue to degrade the ocean leading to profound changes with the risk of reaching tipping points.The ocean is embedded in the European Green Deal and in the vision for a stronger Europe in the world and is a global issue requiring a multilateral response. Fighting climate change and environmental degradation are among the top EU political priorities.The updated agenda addresses the points below, among others: In 2016, the European Union was the first major economy to launch an International Ocean Governance Agenda and commit to a safe, secure, clean, healthy and sustainably managed ocean. International ocean governance strives to address the many challenges stemming from the ocean’s multidimensional and interconnected role. Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment, Ocean and Fisheries The EU will commit EUR 1 billion for ocean and coastal biodiversity globally.” Amongst its priorities, the EU will act to halt and reverse the loss of marine biodiversity, fight climate change and marine pollution for a healthy ocean, protect the seabed from harmful practices, ensure a sustainable blue economy and a level playing field, and build up ocean knowledge. The EU has a leading role to play in strengthening international ocean governance. "The decline of the ocean is accelerating as unsustainable human activities and their harmful impact continue to degrade the ocean. Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy With our updated International Ocean Governance Agenda, we aim to further strengthen our role as a driving force and credible partner on ocean governance at multilateral, regional and bilateral level. However, with nearly two-thirds of the world's ocean being beyond national jurisdiction, it is obvious that our ambitious domestic action must be matched by effective and collaborative international efforts. " The EU and its Member States combined have the largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world and therefore an important responsibility and political role to play when it comes to ocean governance.
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