What this mission area deals with

The importance of healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters

Healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters are vital for our societies and the future of our planet. They are the lungs of our planet, producing half of the oxygen we breathe. They are a source of healthy food, contributing 16% of the animal protein we eat.

They are the planet’s largest carbon sink and have absorbed 26% of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. They are home to the richest biodiversity on our planet.

They are the source of all life on Earth and our planet’s life-support system. They supply freshwater, renewable energy and provide benefits associated with our well-being, cultural values, tourism, trade, and transport.

Report of the Mission Board

“In this report, the Mission Board on Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal and Inland Waters proposes a Mission Starfish 2030: Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030. Inspired by the shape of the starfish, the Mission has five overarching objectives for 2030: (i) Filling the knowledge and emotional gap, (ii) regenerating marine and freshwater ecosystems, (iii) zero pollution, (iv) decarbonising our ocean, and waters (v) revamping governance. These five objectives are mutually supportive and taken together, the Mission Starfish 2030 will enable the restoration of the water cycle as a whole. For each of the five objectives, a set of ambitious, concrete and measurable targets has been defined. They specifically address the actors, activities, tools and systems that all need to be called upon to reach each objective. These targets are considered the indispensable components of a holistic approach to systemic change.”

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