Jakarta – BRIN PR. BJ Habibie Building, Jakarta, on Thursday (28/11). The forum, which aims The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in collaboration with China’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) held the 8th Forum on China’s Maritime Cooperation with Southeast Asian Countries at the Bto strengthen maritime relations between China and Southeast Asian countries, was attended by a number of international maritime experts, including Vladimir Ryabinin, former Executive Secretary of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
In his presentation, Mr Ryabinin highlighted the major challenges faced by the oceans, particularly in relation to climate change and the destruction of marine ecosystems. He emphasised the importance of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14, which focuses on preserving marine life. According to him, the ocean, which covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface, plays a vital role in the lives of many species and in maintaining the balance of the global ecosystem.
“The goals of SDG 14 are ambitious, with ten targets that must be achieved to maintain the sustainability of marine ecosystems. But our biggest challenge is how to make it happen, especially in the face of worsening ocean degradation due to rapid climate change,” said Ryabinin.
He also expressed his concern about the increasing adverse impacts of climate change, such as rising ocean temperatures, coral reef destruction and declining biodiversity. In addition, the El Niño phenomenon and global warming exacerbate the situation by increasing the frequency of natural disasters such as tsunamis and tropical cyclones.
However, Ryabinin highlighted not only the challenges, but also the solutions that are being pursued globally. One of them is the commitment recorded in the Convention on Biological Diversity to protect 30% of the world’s marine areas by 2030. However, he cautioned that coordination between countries and international organisations still needs to be strengthened to ensure the policy is effective.
“Currently, although there are many international conventions and agreements on the ocean, coordination between countries is still relatively weak. Many protocols are not well integrated,” he added.
Ryabinin also highlighted the importance of scientific research to better understand the changing ocean conditions. He noted that while much research has been conducted, funding for ocean research remains limited. Only about 1.7% of the global budget for research is allocated to ocean science.
“We need more data and observations to understand ocean conditions more accurately and to take more effective measures,” he emphasised.
On the other hand, Ryabinin proposes that there should be integration between different ocean management systems at the global level and increased research capacity and scientific modelling. He sees this as an important step towards responding more quickly to changes in the ocean and reducing the risks posed by pollution, overexploitation and climate change.
Collaboration between countries, the private sector and researchers, he said, is key to creating a healthier and more sustainable ocean. “It is important to increase international co-operation and involve the private sector in research and management of marine resources. This is a great opportunity to protect the marine environment for future generations,” Ryabinin said.
The forum is expected to strengthen cooperation between Southeast Asian countries and China in addressing the major challenges facing marine ecosystems. With global commitments and concrete steps in the implementation of SDG 14, the hope of creating healthier and more sustainable oceans is growing.
Through this dialogue, BRIN hopes to encourage more proactive policies in preserving ocean and coastal areas, as well as supporting sustainable maritime economic development for countries in the Southeast Asian region.