"The world's oceans are key to sustaining life on the planet. The ocean constitutes a
conduit for ninety per cent of the world trade, and for connecting people, markets and
livelihoods. In light of the ocean's interconnectedness, all nations of the world should
strive to make the oceans places of safety and sustainability of maritime activities for
all humankind.
Humans, however, have
put the oceans under risk of irreversible damage by over-fishing, climate change and
ocean acidification (from absorbed carbon emissions), increasing pollution, unsustainable
coastal area development, and unwanted impacts from resource extraction, resulting in
loss of biodiversity, decreased abundance of species, damage to habitats and loss of
ecological functions.
The Oceans Compact is an initiative to set out a strategic vision for
the UN system to deliver on its ocean-related mandates, consistent with
the Rio+20 outcome document "The Future We Want", in a more coherent and
effective manner. It aims to provide a platform for all stakeholders to
collaborate and accelerate progress in the achievement of the common
goal of "Healthy Oceans for Prosperity."
BAN KI-MOON
Secretary-General of the United Nations
