Marine and coastal ecosystems not only sequester and store vast amounts of CO2 but also protect coasts and communities from climate impacts. They provide food, economic, medicinal and recreation opportunities, habitat and a range of ecosystem functions to support human well-being.
An integrated approach that is climate-smart and focuses on nature-based solutions, integrating well-managed marine protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, alongside sustainable infrastructure development will be vital to protect coastal communities and marine habitats.
This can support increased seafood production, enable pharmaceutical innovation, enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation, and protect and restore biodiversity and cultural values.
Marine and coastal ecosystems are healthy, resilient and productive, and nature-based solutions are key elements in developing coastal infrastructure.
What priority actions should be taken?
- Halt the net loss and increase the extent and improve the condition of coastal and marine ecosystems, in particular critical ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, salt marshes, kelp beds, sand dunes, reefs and deep ocean ecosystems.
- Use nature-based solutions in planning and developing coastal infrastructure to reduce grey infrastructure where possible, and incentivise their use to sequester and store carbon and improve coastal resilience.
- Establish and effectively manage marine protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures that conserve biodiversity while also delivering climate, food, socioeconomic and cultural benefits.