DECLARATION OF PEACE FOR THE OCEAN

The global ocean knows no borders or territorial limits and is an essential part of the sustainability of life on Earth. We know of the adverse impact of unsustainable human activities, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU) that threatens fish stocks and deprives communities of a vital natural resource. The For the Oceans foundations considers imperative to declare Peace for the Ocean, understanding the term PEACE as "the intention to cease aggression". We want to move towards the effective protection of the global ocean for at least 30% of its extension by the year 2030, and for this peace to be effective, all the actors must have the will, sufficient political power, and the means to comply with it.

The global ocean provides more than half of the oxygen and absorbs more than a quarter of the carbon dioxide emitted, it is vital in the water cycle and the climate, it is a source of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and it feeds and connects populations and markets. It also is an irreplaceable part of the natural and cultural heritage.

The adverse impact of unsustainable human activities accelerates climate change, water acidification, and deoxygenation, polar ice melting alters currents and rises in sea level, coastal erosion, and extreme weather.

It is necessary to move towards effective protection of the global ocean and for that peace to be effective, all parties must agree through an international agreement of wills that do not remain in palliative or discursive measures, and that can successfully combat the main threats to ecosystems, biodiversity and the productive life of coastal populations.

In the Age of the Anthropocene, for the foundations united in the “ONE OCEAN WORLD COALITION”: For the Oceans, Fins Attached, Rob Stewart and United Conservationists, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, declaring Peace for the Ocean means:

• A Universal Declaration for the Protection of the Ocean, adding global support.

• Change the human society-ocean relationship, finding a balance between conservation and responsible exploitation.

• Curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU).

• Caring for marine biodiversity to sustain the lives of coastal peoples and future generations

• Preserve life insurance against the onslaught of Climate Change.

• Become aware of the role of the ocean on the planet.

• Teach from schools to universities and postgraduate courses, the Environmental Principles that allow the ocean to fulfill its natural biological functions.

• Regulate extractive industry within sustainable limits.

• Agree on conservation criteria that preserve oceanic harmony and balance.

• Summon the participation of the productive sectors in concrete actions that support the recovery of the ocean.

• Teamwork between different sectors that includes coastal communities and respects universal values ​​and cultural differences.

• It is a call to action for the Nations and the citizens of the planet.

We only have one opportunity left to act on the real origin of the problems that alter and destroy the balance of the ocean. We need an international agreement as extensive as possible that attacks the root of the unsustainable human aggression against the environment: excessive profits, illicit activities, ignorance, and indifference.