The Sustainable Development Goals, officially known as “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, are a set of seventeen aspirational global goals with 169 targets between them. SDG 14 ‘Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development’ (or ‘Life Below Water’) has very specific targets relating to reversing coastal and marine environmental degradation. In celebration of World Oceans Day 2017 and the first UN Oceans Conference, United Nations Environment and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center present these short films highlighting how implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal targets relating to 'Life Below Water'.
The 2nd episode in the series of short films presents the issue of the overexploitation of one of Southeast Asia's iconic short pelagic species. Actions of governments, fishing communities and civil society organisations to safeguard short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) stocks in the South China Sea are highlighted. Threats associated with global demand for seafood from Southeast Asia are discussed briefly in the context of the need to think globally, and act locally.
The 3rd episode presents the issue of land-based pollution in the South China Sea. Actions of governments, coastal communities and civil society organisations to help plan infrastructure investments using scientific tools developed through the UNEP/GEF South China Sea project are highlighted. This is the unique aspect of this initiative, in that it aims to provide tools for better management of land-based pollution in order to bring about transformational change in how counrties manage wastes associated their burgeoning economies. The environmental costs of meeting global demand for seafood, high-end electronics, and ideallic holiday getaway destinations from the global community are presented and discussed briefly in the context of the need to think globally, and act locally.
The last ‘Story from the South China Sea’ aims to contribute to regional efforts to promote gender equality in fisheries. The seafood supply system of Southeast Asia differs from many other parts of the world where whole families are often involved in the activity of fishing, act as market analysts, work on construction of fishing vessels and gear, right through to often running small seafood outlets that are enjoyed by the more than 300+ million people that live in coastal areas of places like the South China Sea. Of particular importance is the role of women in fisheries whom, among other things, often possess incredibly valuable information and knowledge about fish stocks and markets for seafood products, work as communicators of information about rules and regulations to protect family financial interests, and interface with administrations to support strengthened small-scale fisheries management. The need to better harness women’s knowledge and skills in fisheries is highlighted.
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