UNCTAD – Sustainable Ocean Economy: A Key and Fast-Growing Sector at Risk

The main topic of the document concerns the sustainable ocean economy and its significance in global trade.

Key findings include that the ocean economy provides important opportunities for enhancing food security, value addition, connectivity, and economic diversification. In 2023, global ocean trade reached $2.2 trillion, accounting for about 7% of global trade. Ocean trade is at risk due to climate events, rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, overexploitation of marine life, and pollution. UNCTAD calls for improved ocean economy governance, data collection, climate adaptation, sustainable marine infrastructure, promotion of sustainable South-South trade, and increased funding and innovation based on marine resources.