Global Ocean Governance and Ecological Civilization: Building a Sustainable Ocean Economy for China

The ocean is fundamental to the health of the global ecosystem supporting life on earth, including the survival of human beings. In addition, the marine ecosystem provides numerous benefits for people and society, including food, recreation, transportation routes, aesthetic environment, a steady supply of clean water, protection from natural hazards such as floods and storm surges, as well as many other present and potential benefits.

The recent rapid development of China’s economy and social well-being was initiated in the coastal cities during their opening to the international community. However, both the rapid expansion of the coastal economy and the heavy pollution discharged from inland sources have exerted a heavy toll on China’s coastal seas. In the future, expanding ocean-based sectors such as offshore renewable energies and marine biotechnologies will, while boosting job creation, energy supply, food security, and infrastructure, exert further stress on China’s coastal seas. Therefore, a healthy ocean environment in China is a prerequisite for drawing on these direct and indirect economic opportunities that the ocean provides. In exploring and developing ongoing and potential future ocean-based industries, issues such as the environment and sustainability, use and development of new technologies, and social sustainability and gender aspects are key factors to be considered.

Related content

• Task Team 1 | Integrated and Ecosystem-based Ocean Management
• Task Team 2 | Living Marine Resources and Biodiversity
• Task Team 3 | Marine Pollution
• Task Team 4 | Green Maritime Operations
  
• Task Team 5 | Offshore Renewables
• Task Team 6 | Mineral Resources Extraction

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Task Force: Global Governance and Ecological Civilization Topic: Water and Oceans Year: 2020 Phase: Phase VI (2017-2022) Concluded