The UN''s 10-yearly UN Sustainable Development Conference, called Rio+20, is taking place this week (15-22 June) in Rio de Janeiro.
Rio+20 aims to bring governments and industry together to address corporate ocean responsibility on a global scale – it will bring together to bring together over 100 heads of state, government representatives and businesses.
The focus of this year’s summit will include proposals to amend the Law of the Sea to address marine biodiversity, develop marine protected areas, reduce marine pollution and debris, achieve sustainable fisheries and undertake regular assessments of ocean health.
The role of the private sector in sustainable development will also be under discussion.
The key message the World Ocean Council (WOC) wants to express at the conference is the notion that the best efforts by a single company, or even an entire industry sector, are simply not enough to secure the future health and productivity of the ocean – productivity requires responsible use and stewardship by the wide range of ocean industries.
Following Rio+20, the IMO will meet next week to discuss shipping’s contribution to sustainable development. Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu will report on IMO’s activities at the conference and outline the Organization’s future commitment to sustainable maritime development.
