Our coasts are home to billions of people and to the majority of resources that underpin the world’s ocean and maritime economic sectors. Coasts sustain livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people in activities from artisanal small-scale fisheries and aquaculture to transnational fishing, shipping, energy and tourism industries. But coastal zones, and the livelihoods of those that depend on them, are increasingly threatened by climate change, urbanisation and over-exploitation of resources COVID-19 has exposed the vulnerability of key ocean economic sectors such as fishing and tourism. A unique window of opportunity exists to protect coastal ecosystems and coastal communities from further harm in a rapidly changing world.

This webinar will launch the final in a series of 16 Blue Papers commissioned by the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, ‘Coastal Development: Resilience, Restoration and Infrastructure Requirements.’ This paper highlights the trends in coastal behaviour and identifies a range of positive policy, planning and coastal infrastructure developments that are cause for optimism. The paper illustrates what practical solutions exist that can be implemented that can allow economic and infrastructure development, without compromising the integrity and benefits of coastal ecosystems, or disadvantaging those that rely upon them.

Join the paper’s authors as they discuss the implications of the paper for policy makers and showcase some of the leading examples from countries that are already putting the theory into practice.

Speakers

  • Russell Reichelt, Representative of the Australian Prime Minister (Sherpa), High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy
  • Andy Steven, Research Director of Coasts at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia
  • Kwasi Appeaning Addo, Associate Professor in Coastal Processes and Delta Studies and the Director of the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana
  • Ghislaine Llewellyn, Deputy Practice Leader – Oceans, with WWF International, Australia
  • Vu Thanh Ca, Principal Lecturer at the Ha Noi University of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam
  • Chris Gillies, Program Director, Oceans, The Nature Conservancy, Australia
  • Kristian Teleki, Head of Secretariat, High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, World Resources Institute (Moderator)

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About the Ocean Panel and Blue Papers 

The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) is a unique initiative by 14 world leaders who are building momentum for a sustainable ocean economy in which effective protection, sustainable production and equitable prosperity go hand in hand. By enhancing humanity’s relationship with the ocean, bridging ocean health and wealth, working with diverse stakeholders and harnessing the latest knowledge, the Ocean Panel aims to facilitate a better, more resilient future for people and the planet.

In the spirit of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing value to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and meeting the objectives of the Paris Agreement, the Ocean Panel commissioned a comprehensive assessment of ocean science and knowledge that has significant policy relevance. This includes a series of 16 Blue Papers that offer a synthesis of knowledge, new thinking and perspectives, and opportunities for action that serve as inputs to the Ocean Panel’s deliberations for its forthcoming action agenda.