Sustainable Development in Bangladesh: Goal 14 – Life Below Water
Fabliha Afia:
INTRODUCTION
A way to take care of nature is to protect life below water.
SDG 14: LIFE BELOW WATER
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 is life below water. The United Nations (UN) has defined 10 Targets and 10 Indicators for SDG 14. The original texts of the Targets and Indicators are as follows:[1]
14.1 By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1 Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density
14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1 Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches
14.3 Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1 Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations
14.4 By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1 Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels
14.5 By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1 Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas
14.6 By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1 Progress by countries in the degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7 By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1 Sustainable fisheries as a percentage of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.A Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.A.1 Proportion of total research budget allocated to research in the field of marine technology
14.B Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.B.1 Progress by countries in the degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small-scale fisheries
14.C Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want
14.C.1 Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
DEFINITIONS, GOALS AND DATA OF THE INDICATORS ACCORDING TO SDG TRACKER
Targets specify the goals and Indicators represent the metrics by which the world aims to track whether these Targets are achieved. The Indicators can be further explained as follows:[2]
14.1.1 Definition: Indicator 14.1.1 is the index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.
Goal: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds by 2025.
Unlike most SDGs, which are set for the year 2030, this indicator is targeted for 2025.
Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.
14.2.1 Definition: Indicator 14.2.1 is the proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches.
Goal: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts by 2020.
Unlike most SDGs, which are set for the year 2030, this indicator is targeted for 2020.
Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.
14.3.1 Definition: Indicator 14.3.1 is the average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations.
Goal: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification by 2030.
Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.
14.4.1 Definition: Indicator 14.4.1 is the proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels.
This indicator measures the proportion of global fish stocks which are over exploited, fully exploited and not fully exploited. Sustainable levels of fish stocks are those which are under exploited or fully exploited. Over exploited fish stocks are unsustainable.
A fish stock with abundance equal or above the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) is classified as biologically sustainable. When abundance falls below the MSY level, the stock is considered biologically unsustainable.
Goal: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end over fishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield.
Unlike most SDG targets, which have a target year of 2030, this indicator is set to be achieved by 2020.
Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.
14.5.1 Definition: Indicator 14.5.1 is the coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas.
Particular marine areas – specifically those of special scientific interest and high biodiversity – are often reserved and protected within national and international law. This indicator measures the share of territorial waters which are reserved for this protection.
Goal: By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law.
Unlike most SDG targets, which have a target year of 2030, this indicator is set to be achieved by 2020.
Bangladesh: Marine protected areas are areas of intertidal or subtidal terrain – and overlying water and associated flora and fauna and historical and cultural features – that have been reserved by law or other effective means to protect part or all of the enclosed environment. In Bangladesh the share of marine territorial waters that are protected is constant. In 2016 the ratio was 5.36%, and in 2017 it was 5.36%.
14.6.1 Definition: Indicator 14.6.1 is progress by countries in the degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Goal: Prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies by 2020.
Unlike most SDGs, which are set for the year 2030, this indicator is targeted for 2020.
Bangladesh: Progress by countries in the degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (where 1 is lowest; 5 is highest). In Bangladesh the degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in 2018 was 3.
14.7.1 Definition: Indicator 14.7.1 is sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP.
Goal: By 2030, increase the economic benefits to small island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.
14.A.1 Definition: Indicator 14.A.1 is the proportion of total research budget allocated to research in the field of marine technology.
Goal: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology by 2030.
Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.
14.B.1 Definition: Indicator 14.B.1 is progress by countries in the degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small-scale fisheries.
Goal: Provide access for small-scale artisanal fisheries to marine resources and markets by 2030.
Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.
14.C.1 Definition: Indicator 14.C.1 is the number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Data for this indicator is shown here as the number of countries signed on to the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Progress on the implementation of such frameworks are, to our understanding, not currently available.
Goal: Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea by 2030.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh is a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).[3]
LIFE BELOW WATER: WHY IT MATTERS
The aim of SDG 14 is to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.[4]
The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. How we manage this vital resource is essential for humanity as a whole, and to counterbalance the effects of climate change.[5]
Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. Throughout history, oceans and seas have been vital conduits for trade and transportation. Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.[6]
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT
Oceans face the threats of marine and nutrient pollution, resource depletion and climate change, all of which are caused primarily by human actions. These threats place further pressure on environmental systems, like biodiversity and natural infrastructure, while creating global socio-economic problems, including health, safety and financial risks. In order to combat these issues and promote ocean sustainability, innovative solutions that prevent and mitigate detrimental impacts to marine environments are essential.[7]
Businesses can for example:[8]
- Track the life cycle of products and materials in order to understand how they are disposed and which products could likely find their way into marine environments.
- Record and disclose information on the chemical and material usage within products, packaging, and processing systems to facilitate closing the loop.
- Improve resource efficiency by altering the design, manufacture, or use of products and packaging to reduce the amount of waste that could potentially enter the environment.
- Improve resource efficiency by generating value from waste.
- Replace, limit or prohibit the use of certain chemicals, additives, or materials that could prevent closing the loop or lead to nutrient pollution or chemical and physical hazards if they happen to reach marine ecosystems.
- Prevent waste mismanagement or littering that could pollute the marine environment.
- Raise consumer awareness on effective ways to properly dispose of their waste to discourage littering and promote responsible behavior.
- Prohibit practices that put marine species and resources at further risk of harm, exploitation or depletion.
- Contribute to the development of waste management technologies that minimize the use of clean water.
- Utilize a value-chain approach to create connections between the design, packaging, marketing and recycling of materials with the goals of reducing their environmental impact at the end of their lifecycle.
HOW ACCESS TO INFORMATION WILL HELP
Sustainable development has 17 goals (SDGs). Each of these goals have targets and indicators. If data is collected for all the targets and indicators and regularly updated, then the system will be more organised. This will also ensure better coordination and efficiency.
Availability of information will also give a better view and make it easier to monitor the progress of the SDGs. Updated information will help to form effective strategies. This will enable better understanding of what further needs to be done to meet the SDGs, and allocate resources accordingly.[9]
For example, SDG 14 is life below water. The United Nations (UN) has defined 10 Targets and 10 Indicators for SDG 14. Each of the indicators will be analysed to explain how data can help form the perfect strategy; and thus further help to achieve SDG 14 by 2030.
The analysis is however based on outdated information. Many developments have occurred over the years. Improvements are continuously being made to achieve SDG 14. Thus updated information is required for accurate analysis.
The following analysis of SDG 14 is therefore only to exemplify how data can be used to form the perfect strategy.
The indicators of SDG 14 are as follows:
14.1.1 Indicator 14.1.1 is the index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density. Data for this indicator is not available.
Thus availability of such information, for each water body will give clarity. It will help to understand the density (as mentioned below); and accordingly initiatives can be taken to reduce it, if high.
14.2.1 Indicator 14.2.1 is the proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches. Data for this indicator is not available.
Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the proportion (as mentioned below); and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it, if low.
14.3.1 Indicator 14.3.1 is the average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations. Data for this indicator is not available.
Thus availability of such information, for each water body will give clarity. It will help to understand the pH level (as mentioned below); and accordingly initiatives can be taken to reduce it, if high.
14.4.1 Indicator 14.4.1 is the proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels. Data for this indicator is not available.
Thus availability of such information, for each water body will give clarity. It will help to understand the biological sustainable levels of each fish stock (as mentioned below); and accordingly initiatives can be taken to prevent overexploitation, if it is.
14.5.1 In Bangladesh the share of marine territorial waters that was protected in 2017 was 5.36%. The target level for the indicator is minimum 10%. Thus aiming for the best, 80% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 10 (10 being the best), the global target reached is 3. Thus from this information it can be understood that monthly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 80% by 2020.
This data can be further analysed to set monthly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(80 – 5.36 = 74.64) in (July – December = 06 months)] 74.64% in 06 months. Thus on an average each month the level of increase required will be (74.64 ÷ 06 = 12.44) 12.44% to reach the target of 80% by 2020.
Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the share; and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it, if low.
14.6.1 In Bangladesh the degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in 2018 was 3. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 5 is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being the best), the global target reached is 3. Thus from this information it can be understood that monthly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 5 by 2020.
This data can be further analysed to set monthly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(5 – 3 = 2) in (July – December = 06 months)] 02 in 06 months. Thus on an average each month the level of increase required will be (02 ÷ 06 = 0.33) 0.33 to reach the target of 5 by 2020.
Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the degree of implementation; and accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target, if not met.
14.7.1 Indicator 14.7.1 is sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP. Data for this indicator is not available.
Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the level of economic benefits (as mentioned above); and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it, if low.
14.A.1 Indicator 14.A.1 is the proportion of total research budget allocated to research in the field of marine technology. Data for this indicator is not available.
Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the proportion (as mentioned above); and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it, in order to meet the target, if not met.
14.B.1 Indicator 14.B.1 is progress by countries in the degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small-scale fisheries. Data for this indicator is not available.
Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the degree of application (as mentioned above); and accordingly initiatives can be taken to ensure access rights, if not met.
14.C.1 Bangladesh is a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).[10] Thus from this information it can be understood that Bangladesh meets the target and the status should be maintained.
Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the status; and accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target, if not met.
Information about progress on the implementation of UNCLOS is not available.
Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the level of implementation (as mentioned above); and accordingly initiatives can be taken to ensure implementation, if not met.
In this way the progress of SDG 14 can be monitored. A monitoring system is necessary to measure the progress.[11] The monitoring system explained above is original work. This monitoring system also achieves all of the Indicators of SDG 14.[12] All praises to Allah.
CONCLUSION
If everyone works together and the progress continues, then SDG 14 will be achieved by 2030.
[1] UN – SDG 14 <https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg14> accessed 21 June 2020
[2] SDG Tracker <https://sdg-tracker.org/oceans> accessed 21 June 2020
[3] United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea <https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf> accessed 21 June 2020
[4] UN – SDG 14 <https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg14> accessed 22 June 2020
[5] UNDP – SDG 14 <https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-14-life-below-water.html> accessed 22 June 2020
[6] SDG Tracker <https://sdg-tracker.org/oceans> accessed 22 June 2020
[7] SDG Compass <https://sdgcompass.org/sdgs/sdg-14/> accessed 22 June 2020
[8] Ibid.
[9] UN – Sustainable Development Goals <https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?page=view&type=400&nr=2013&menu=35> accessed 22 June 2020
[10] United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea <https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf> accessed 21 June 2020
[11] UN – Sustainable Development Goals <https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?page=view&type=400&nr=2013&menu=35> accessed 22 June 2020
[12] Ibid.
The writer is a Barrister-at-Law
