SIWI brings a strong source-to-sea message to the UN Ocean Conference

SIWI is presenting the case for source-to-sea management at the United Nations Oceans Conference. Momentum is growing as more and more organizations are throwing their weight behind this novel approach to save the world’s threatened oceans.

Source-to-Sea

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The United Nations Ocean Conference, between 27 June and 1 July, comes at a critical time for the world’s oceans. A growing body of research shows how marine ecosystems are in serious decline. “The threats to ocean health are existential threats also to humans. We need the ocean for the air that we breathe and the food that we eat, for our economies and livelihoods, and for the water cycle itself. Furthermore, marine ecosystems are vital for climate regulation and carbon sequestration,” explains Ruth Mathews, Senior Manager Water Resources at SIWI.

Mathews is also Coordinator of the international Action Platform for Source-to-Sea Management and is attending the United Nations Oceans Conference together with SIWI’s Executive Director Torgny Holmgren and José Murillo, Programme Officer Water Resources at SIWI.

Their aim is to make decision-makers understand that much of the unsustainable pressure being exerted on the ocean comes from human activity on land and that we must strengthen the collaborations between the ocean and freshwater communities. Saving the ocean must start at the source, with businesses, governments, and people changing their activities and investments to prevent downstream impacts from their production, consumption, wastewater, agricultural run-off, and other activities.

SIDE EVENT: Thurs 30 June, 14.30 WEST

Science-based, data-fuelled collaborations are critical to restoring ocean health and ensuring a safe, just blue economy. Barriers, opportunities and innovative approaches will be shared and discussed.

Safety, equity and sustainability from source to sea — collaborative science-based and data-driven approaches.

SIWI’s Programme of Events at the United Nations Ocean Conference:

Monday 27 June | 14.00 – 18.00 WEST | Bridging SDG 6 and SDG 14 – fresh and saltwater communities working together | Torgny Holmgren will make an address during this High-level Water Symposium.

Tuesday 28 June | 15.00 – 18.00 WEST | Interactive Dialogue 2: Managing, protecting, conserving, and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems | Torgny Holmgren will be a lead discussant, talking about the need for a cross-sectoral approach to managing ecosystems, which includes engagement with, and action by, governments, the private sector, indigenous peoples, local communities and others.

Thursday 30 June | 14.30 – 15.45 WEST | Safety, equity, and sustainability from source to sea — collaborative science-based and data-driven approaches | This official side event will draw attention to the role of data, science and governance in building a just blue economy.

Compared to just a couple of years ago, there is now a much greater interest in the linkages between upstream activities and ocean health. A clear testament to that is Torgny Holmgren being invited to take the prestigious role as a Lead Discussant in the conference’s Interactive Dialogue 2: Managing, protecting, conserving, and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems. Tune in at the link to watch the event live on Tuesday 28 June at 15.00 WEST, which will also be available on demand afterwards.

Holmgren has also been invited to make a statement during the High-level Water Symposium on Water, which takes place on Monday 27 June, between 14.00 and 18.00 WEST, which will focus on building bridges between the fresh- and salt-water communities, and the synergies between SDG 6 and SDG 14. Tune in live at the link.

“We hope that many organizations will come forward and join this growing movement. The source-to-sea approach is an essential solution to save the ocean. By working together, from source to sea, we can take quick action to pull us back from the brink, save the ocean and save ourselves. ”

Torgny Holmgren

Together with partner organizations Accenture and Stockholm Resilience Centre, SIWI will hold an official side event: Safety, equity, and sustainability from source to sea — collaborative science-based and data-driven approaches, on Thursday 30 June at 14.30 WEST. The organizers will draw attention to the role of data, science and governance in building a just blue economy.

SIWI and the partners of the Action Platform for Source-to-Sea Management have compiled a strong call to action, Starting at the Source to Save the Ocean, which highlights the key takeaways from their participation at the conference. The Platform welcomes other organizations supportive of source-to-sea management to join in co-sponsoring the Action Brief .

Call to Action

This action brief explains how a holistic source-to-sea approach to governance can help us save the oceans. The Platform welcomes other organizations supportive of source-to-sea management to join in co-sponsoring this Brief.

Starting at the source to save the ocean