Less than 1% of the world’s oceans have been given protected status, according to a major survey.
[2009-05-22]
——————————————————————————–
Governments have committed to a target of protecting 10% by 2012, which the report says there is no chance of meeting. The Survey was led by the Nature Conservancy (TNC) and is published in the journal Conservation Letters.
Four years ago, signatories to the UN’s biodiversity convention – which includes almost every country – pledged to protect at least 10% of the oceans in a way that makes sense ecologically. Protecting them does not mean banning activities such as fishing or shipping completely, but making sure they are carried out sustainably.
Only about 4% of coastal waters are protected. Countries diverge widely in how much protection they have mandated.
Whereas New Zealand has almost 70% of its coastline under some form of protection, countries around the Mediterranean have set aside less than 2%.
In the developing world, Guinea-Bissau, in west Africa, is a country that has invested heavily in protection, particularly in the Bijagos Archipelago. Palau, Indonesia, Micronesia and several Caribbean states are also making significant progress.
For more information, please contact: Carrick House Group Media Contact info@carrickhouse.net