Representatives of regional seas organizations (RSOs), regional fishery bodies (RFBs), and international organizations and initiatives came together with experts from governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to consider updates on activities to advance cooperation at the regional scale within the framework of the Sustainable Oceans Initiative (SOI).
The third SOI Global Dialogue with Regional Seas Organizations and Regional Fishery Bodies convened from 25-28 October 2022 in Busan, Republic of Korea. Meeting in person for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, delegates focused on the theme, ‘Forging a New Era of Regional Leadership in the Post-2020 World.’
The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) summary report of the meeting explains that “the Ocean regulates the climate, absorbs much of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activity, and provides fish and shellfish – the main source of protein to over three billion people.” It further notes that the ecosystem goods and services provided by the Ocean and coastal regions, including food security, livestock feed, raw materials for medicines, building materials from coral rock and sand, and natural defenses against coastal erosion and flooding, amount to an estimated USD 12 trillion.
However, the ENB writes, human activities put pressure on coastal and marine ecosystems, including through climate change, overfishing, and pollution.
In this context, meeting participants…
