The ocean, is a vast source of natural wonder and ecological significance, covering about 71% of the Earth's surface and holding 97% of the planet’s water resources. It is home to over 230,000 known marine species and plays a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing about 30% of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities and distributes heat globally through ocean currents. The economic value of goods and services derived from coastal and marine environments is estimated at about $2.5 trillion annually, supporting key industries such as fishing, tourism, and shipping. This year's World Oceans Day theme, "Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us," emphasizes the need to recognize the ocean's wonders and urges decision-makers to prioritize its health in their policies and choices. 

In Ghana, the ocean holds deep cultural significance. It is often regarded as a realm of ancestral spirits and deities while also instilling a strong sense of communal identity within coastal communities. Ghana’s 550 km coastline supports the artisanal fisheries sector which accounts for more than two-thirds of the country’s food fish production and employs up to 2 million people. However, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing currently poses a threat to these livelihoods. Additionally, plastic waste is polluting beaches, jeopardizing marine life and ecosystems. In response, the Government of Ghana has implemented commendable measures to address these ocean-related challenges.

As part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation's marine and coastal resources, a Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP) has been developed. This plan is designed to protect marine and coastal environments while building capacity, promoting research, awareness, and knowledge sharing within the maritime sector.  Additionally, it will focus on reducing emissions and pollution and ensuring maritime safety and security. Ghana is also committed to the 30x30 target outlined in the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which seeks to conserve at least 30% of the world's land, inland water, and coastal and marine areas by 2030. The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) has implemented a closed fishing season as part of a strategy to mitigate over-exploitation of marine stocks, aiming to replenish the country's dwindling marine fish populations.

UNDP Ghana is actively supporting the government's efforts to sustain the ocean through the Global Environment Fund (GEF)-funded project, "Enabling Activities to Support the Ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (EA-BBNJ)." The primary aim of this initiative is to assist signatory countries in ratifying the BBNJ Agreement and establishing the conditions necessary for its effective implementation. UNDP is collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST) and other key stakeholders to achieve these objectives.

Additionally, UNDP Ghana is collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST) on the GEF-funded project "Establishing a Circular Economy Framework for the Plastics Sector in Ghana." This initiative aims to strengthen the national capacity of Ghana to transition to a circular economy framework that addresses plastic leakage into the country’s oceans and waterways. Through the Waste Recovery Platform, UNDP will work to increase awareness of the harmful impacts of plastic pollution on natural environmental systems. While these efforts are instrumental in advancing a sustainable blue economy, additional measures are required for the sustainable management of Ghana's coastal ecosystems.

Education and awareness 

Education and awareness are key to effective ocean management. Individuals and communities need to be empowered with knowledge and information about the importance of oceans and the challenges they face. They can be empowered to sustainably manage their oceans by integrating ocean literacy into educational curricula and through public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives such as beach clean-ups. This will increase their understanding and encourage responsible behaviors while fostering a sense of stewardship for marine resources. 

Research and Innovation

Research and innovation play a key role in ocean management. Efforts must be made to support scientific research to deepen our understanding of marine ecosystems and the impacts of human activities. Innovative approaches offer advanced tools and solutions for monitoring, protecting, and sustainably utilizing ocean resources. Technologies like satellite imaging and remote sensing facilitate precise mapping and tracking of illegal fishing activities.Similarly, technologies like debris-cleanup boats, debris sweepers, and sea-bins can play a vital role in removing plastics from the ocean. However, as they may inadvertently capture marine creatures, it is essential to implement strategies to minimize this risk effectively. Additionally, advancements in data analytics and artificial intelligence enable the processing of oceanographic data, enhancing decision-making. Integrating these innovations into national policies and practices can significantly improve ocean management strategies.

Enhance Ocean Governance

To enhance ocean governance, the government needs to strengthen regulations to tackle pollution, protect marine habitats, and promote responsible resource management. This includes enhancing international cooperation for managing shared marine resources and developing integrated ocean policies that balance conservation with sustainable use. Beyond strengthening regulations, it is equally important to ensure their effective enforcement through robust monitoring, increased accountability, and the allocation of adequate resources to uphold compliance. Effective governance requires the involvement of diverse stakeholders including governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector and green businesses, academia and local communities to ensure policies are fair and inclusive. Additionally, increasing transparency and accountability in decision-making processes can build trust and ensure compliance with regulations.

Safeguarding the ocean’s wonder calls for a unified and forward-looking strategy. By empowering communities with knowledge, strengthening ocean governance, and investing in science and innovation, Ghana and the world can secure a thriving blue economy. These efforts are critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water and ensuring that the ocean continues to sustain us all. On this World Oceans Day, let us not only celebrate the ocean’s beauty, but commit to protecting its future.