Four sustainable ocean-based investments in SIDS that tackle climate change and grow economies

SIDS as large ocean states have four sustainable, ocean-based investment areas that play significant roles in addressing climate change while growing their economies. These key areas are: The conservation and restoration of mangrove habitats; scaling up of offshore wind production; decarbonizing international shipping; and increasing the production of sustainably sourced ocean-based proteins. The benefits also represent environmental, social and health benefits for local economies, communities, and households. Conserving and restoring mangroves in SIDS can increase biodiversity, fisheries productivity, carbon sequestration, tourism revenue, water regulation, avoid property damages caused by storm surges, and reduce coastal erosion. Scaling up offshore wind production paired with marine spatial planning policies mitigate damages caused by climate change and generate jobs and livelihoods to local communities. Transitioning international shipping to net-zero emissions by 2050 is critical to mitigating ocean acidification, which is important for protecting SIDS’ marine species, ecosystems and industries like fisheries and tourism. Increasing sustainable aquaculture and reforming fishing can achieve ocean-based protein food production which could replace a percentage of emissions-intensive, land-based protein sources, produce higher revenues for fishers and lower water use. All in all, ocean-based climate change mitigation options in SIDS can build long-term resilience against future shocks and meet SIDS’ SDGs.

Read more in our 59th SIDS Bulletin