A Marine Ecosystems Recovery Strategy for Legislators

The oceans provide half of the oxygen we breathe, cycle all major nutrients in the biosphere, regulate global temperature, and are important for food security and livelihoods worldwide. These ecosystem goods and services are critical to the maintenance of life on Earth and humankind is dependent on them. However, the oceans are in crisis as a result of impacts from human activities, including climate change.

The GLOBE Marine Ecosystems Recovery Strategy is an action plan for legislators from all countries, recommending a range of international and national measures that will make an important difference in addressing the drivers of marine ecosystem degradation. These recommendations are supported by background documents developed in national and regional workshops by leading scientists, legal experts, and policymakers.

When finalised, all three parts of the strategy will be discussed and agreed by legislators of the GLOBE International Commission on Land Use Change and Ecosystems. Consensus will be built across party-political lines and national borders on the actions needed to restore marine ecosystem health and productivity to secure the sustainable supply of goods and services to humankind.

Part 1: Marine Fisheries Recovery

The GLOBE Marine Ecosystems Recovery Strategy comprises policy proposals for Marine Fisheries Recovery. These proposals have been developed by the ZSL scientific advisors to GLOBE and are supported by background documents developed in national and regional workshops by leading experts, policymakers and legislators.

On World Oceans Day, GLOBE legislators agreed on a series of measures required to successfully restore fish stocks and the marine ecosystems impacted by fishing. These measures address economic incentives, fully integrated marine policy, high seas management and ensuring compliance.

The Next Steps

The Marine Ecosystems Recovery Strategy will continue to be developed by ZSL and GLOBE legislators, addressing coral reefs and coastal ecosystems.

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