Oceans and seas are essential to the planet’s climate system, biodiversity, food security and livelihoods. They absorb heat and carbon dioxide, sustain marine ecosystems and support millions of people through fisheries, tourism and coastal economies.
However, marine pollution, ocean warming, acidification, rising sea levels and biodiversity loss are increasing pressure on marine and coastal environments. These challenges threaten coastal communities, small-scale fishers and economies that depend on healthy oceans.
Climate action must include ocean protection. Advancing this priority requires stronger marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, reduced plastic pollution, protection of coastal ecosystems and investment in climate-resilient coastal communities.
For Africa, protecting oceans and seas is particularly important for coastal livelihoods, food systems, biodiversity and the resilience of communities facing rising sea levels and increasingly severe coastal hazards.
Through climate justice advocacy, African civil society can help advance policies that connect ocean protection with climate finance, sustainable development and the needs of vulnerable coastal communities.
Our message: Healthy oceans are essential to a healthy planet. Protecting them is a shared responsibility and a critical part of global climate action.