Sweden signs up to initiative to protect 30 per cent of oceans by 2030

Oceans is under threat. For this reason, the Government is signing up to the UK’s initiative calling for a global target of 30 per cent of the planet´s oceans to be protected by 2030.

The world’s oceans put food on the tables of many people, mitigate climate change and are home to a rich variety of species. Half of all the oxygen produced comes from the oceans. The ocean environment is under huge pressure from climate change, overexploitation, pollution and eutrophication. Only one per cent of international oceans are protected. The Government wants to see a global target of 30 per cent of oceans designated marine protection areas.

“We must do what we can to protect the oceans, and creating marine protection areas is one of the most important measures we can take. When well-managed and effective, such areas can protect biodiversity, make the ecosystem more resilient and contribute to more sustainable use of marine resources,” says Minister for Environment and Climate Isabella Lövin.

“The global oceans are not in good shape. To save them, and to avoid overexploiting their life-giving resources, we must take better care of them. That is why this is a priority for the Government,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde.

The initiative’s proposed target of 30 per cent of oceans to be protected by 2030 is global and international. 

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