Life Below Water
Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources
The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind.
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.
INDIA AND LIFE BELOW WATER
Over a third of India’s population – 35% — lives along its vast coastline and nearly half of this coast experiences erosion. More than one million people in 3,651 villages in India situated along the coast are employed in marine capture fisheries. According to India’s Fourth National Report to the Convention of Biological Diversity, 2009, India is endowed with vast inland and marine bio-resources, and is the third largest producer of fish in the world and the second largest producer of inland fish. The Indian government’s Sagarmala Project, also known as the Blue Revolution, is working to improve the state of India’s ports and coastlines. To conserve marine ecosystems, the government has undertaken a National Plan for the Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems. Coastal and marine biodiversity protection is a key area of focus for India.
TAIAWN AND LIFE BELOW WATER