Biodiversity has been highlighted in the production processes of different business sectors. However, despite the ocean being home to the greatest biodiversity on the planet, we have given much less attention to the marine environment in our discussions. To promote discussion of the goals of the 2030 Agenda, the UN declared the 'Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development', where actions in favor of all 17 SDGs can be carried out considering the seas, ocean and coastal zone. The Ocean Decade, as it is popularly known, is no longer an agenda or demand for groups. It is an opportunity to organize existing processes, innovating in actions that relate to all SDGs in a coastal scenario where the largest cities, tourist flows and business opportunities are concentrated. This is the first text in the series “the business sector and the ocean”, an invitation for the business sector to engage in the Ocean Decade.
The Decade considers the fundamental role of science in decision-making by individuals, governments and companies, an essential feature highlighted during the pandemic and present in the speeches of global leaders, such as the president Joe Biden from the USA. And how does this relate to biodiversity? The ocean is home to the greatest biodiversity and ecosystem services on the planet and, consequently, the greatest potential for new sustainable businesses. In addition to maintaining the functioning of ecosystems, energy flow, climate regulation, food (17 to 50% of global animal protein consumption comes from the ocean), human well-being and cultural aspects, there is enormous potential for the sustainable use of marine biodiversity, especially biotechnological aspects that bring opportunities for innovation and expansion of sustainable businesses.
Brazil has the Blue Amazon, with an estimate of more than 20% of national GDP comes from the ocean and coastal zone. This blue economy requires interdisciplinary actions that integrate different sectors of society and that develop science, technology and innovation, such as artificial intelligence associated with data collection, contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean. However, there is much to be discovered about marine biodiversity, and companies can invest in this knowledge that will be the basis for sustainable development.
Knowing more about biodiversity and its ecosystem services also expands the sources of obtaining resources and the opportunities for product innovation, while minimizing the impacts of overexploitation of the same species. Marine biodiversity is one of the most impacted by the accumulation of coastal environmental impacts, such as overfishing, pollution and habitat loss. Assessing how production processes impact biodiversity and, consequently, the functioning of ecosystems, is an essential step towards achieving the Ocean Decade goal of having a 'clean ocean' by 2030. While plastic pollution is the most discussed in the current discussion, many other pollutants (fertilizers, chemical waste, industrial effluents) impact the coastal zone. One challenge given by the UN is to present innovative solutions that integrate actions business in favor of biodiversity to global agendas and social demands.
For the business sector, aligning its actions on biodiversity and biotechnology with the Ocean Decade is an opportunity to stand out in a global movement. This alignment does not bring another demand, it brings the opportunity to update existing processes in line with the main global agenda. This is the time for companies to evaluate the opportunities and take on a leading role in a global movement that is just beginning. In Brazil, numerous actions have been carried out under the leadership of UNESCO It is Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation which involve everything from policies public to social engagement programs. Considering the ocean, coastal and marine biodiversity, and the blue economy are opportunities that will make a difference in the post-pandemic recovery and throughout the next Decade. The Brazilian business sector has the potential to take the lead and stand out in this process based on the actions it is already taking and that can align with the objectives of the Ocean Decade.
This text is the result of a partnership between CEBDS, UNESCO and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, both bodies that are leading the implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science in Brazil.
Text authored by:
Ronaldo Christofoletti
Institute of the Sea of the Federal University of São Paulo
Coordinator of the Maré de Ciência Program
member of Communication Advisory Group for the UN Ocean Decade – IOC UNESCO
