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Writer's pictureScaling Change Inc.

Global Goal 14: Life Below Water



SDG 14, also known as "Life Below Water," is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations. It focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.


Key Targets of SDG 14:


Target 14.1

Reduce Marine Pollution: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.


Target 14.2

Protect and Restore Ecosystems: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, by strengthening their resilience and restoring them to achieve healthy and productive oceans.


Target 14.3

Minimize Ocean Acidification: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels.


Target 14.4

Sustainable Fishing: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and destructive fishing practices. Implement science-based management plans to restore fish stocks to sustainable levels.


Target 14.5

Conserve Coastal and Marine Areas: By 2020, conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.


Target 14.6

End Harmful Subsidies: By 2020, prohibit subsidies that contribute to overfishing, eliminate subsidies for illegal and unregulated fishing, and avoid introducing new harmful subsidies. This should include recognizing the special needs of developing and least-developed countries.


Target 14.7

Increase Economic Benefits to SIDS and LDCs: By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism.


Target 14.a

Implement International Sea Law: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity, and transfer marine technology to improve ocean health and enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, particularly Small Island Developing States and least developed countries.


Target 14.b

Support Small-scale Fisheries: Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets.


Target 14.c: 

Enhance Conservation and Sustainable Use of Oceans: 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 (UNCLOS), which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources.


These targets emphasize the protection of marine ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, reducing pollution, and the economic benefit of the marine environment for coastal and small island communities.


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