Wetlands Protection and Oceans Conservation Program

Healthy oceans and marine ecosystem services underpin the ocean economy and provide critical support functions upon which human health and well-being depend. They cover 70 per cent of the planet and provide food, energy, and water. The ocean absorbs around one quarter of the world’s annual carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, thereby mitigating climate change and alleviating its impacts.

Ocean and marine resources are under severe pressure from human activities, notably over-exploitation of fish and other marine resources, habitat destruction, invasive alien species, pollution, and climate change, making it essential to conserve and sustainably use them.