New york: South Africa has called upon world leaders to prioritize cooperation in the development of a sustainable ocean economy, emphasizing that the future of global trade, energy security, and livelihoods hinges on the current management of the world’s oceans.
According to South African Government News Agency, Dr. Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, addressed the High-Level Ocean of the Future meeting at the United Nations in New York. He stated that South Africa is prepared to collaborate with G20 partners to advance an ocean economy that is environmentally sustainable, socially just, inclusive, and resilient. As South Africa is set to assume the G20 Presidency in 2025 under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’, George highlighted the inseparability of a just transition from the sustainable utilization of ocean resources.
George emphasized that ecological advancements should be pursued in tandem with efforts to reduce inequality and exclusion. He advocated for equitable development in fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism sectors, which should support small-scale fishers and coastal communities, create jobs in eco-tourism and aquaculture, and protect marine biodiversity.
Marine Spatial Planning was identified by the Minister as a vital tool for balancing competing ocean uses while conserving ecosystems. South Africa’s priorities include combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, expanding marine protected areas, and promoting sustainable aquaculture.
Furthermore, George highlighted the ocean’s pivotal role in global trade and energy security, mentioning South Africa’s initiatives to unlock opportunities in marine transport, aquaculture, tourism, and offshore resources while ensuring sustainability through enhanced governance.
As the Chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment, South Africa is leading efforts to enhance cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean to protect shipping routes from piracy, IUU fishing, illegal dumping, and cyber threats. This regional framework, signed by 17 signatory States, expands the original focus on piracy to include other illicit activities such as human trafficking and maritime terrorism.
Domestically, George pointed out that South Africa is also committed to greening ports, improving efficiency, and promoting low-carbon shipping. He stated that these efforts, along with the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, demonstrate that secure and sustainable maritime transport is crucial for trade security and a collective responsibility of governments and businesses.
South Africa’s Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan was also discussed, providing a national framework that integrates resilience, sustainability, and equity. The plan aims to mainstream adaptation across planning, ensure access to marine resources for vulnerable groups, and align closely with UN Global Compact Principles 7 to 9 and the G20 agenda.
George concluded by advocating for scaled-up climate finance, technology transfer, and coordinated policy. He emphasized the importance of predictable finance to enable municipalities and communities to access necessary resources for strengthening early warning systems, investing in resilient infrastructure, and protecting ecosystems. He also stressed the critical role of the UN Global Compact in ensuring that finance, technology, and markets benefit people and the planet, not just profit.