The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed an agreement for a new partnership to support clean and sustainable ocean initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region, and ultimately to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the climate goals of the Paris Agreement .a Press release stated
“Healthy oceans are critical to life across Asia and the Pacific, providing food security and climate resilience for hundreds of millions of people,” said ADB Vice-President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development Bambang Susantono. “This Memorandum of Understanding between ADB and EIB will launch a framework for cooperation on clean and sustainable oceans, helping us to expand our pipeline of ocean projects in the region and widen their impacts.”
Oceans are under threats, with the health of many ocean ecosystems already in steep decline. They face an increasing pollution from plastics and micro plastics, a situation which is exacerbated even further by the improper disposal of protective equipment against the COVID-19 such as masks. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that 10 million masks could end up in the seas each month. In addition, the discharge of untreated wastewater and other micropollutants, oil spills, overfishing, acidification, and warming are all having an increasing impact on the health of the oceans, threatening the livelihoods and well-being of the people dependent on them.
To tackle these issues and protect the oceans, the Clean and Sustainable Ocean Partnership will allow ADB and EIB to support projects that: Reduce marine plastic pollution through integrated solid waste management projects, including recycling. Follow circular economy principles, such as designing out plastic was Promote clean rivers and waterways, including through improved wastewater management and inclusive sanitation.
The partnership will also target blue economy activities with a focus on sustainable fisheries management and sustainable seafood supply chains , sustainable management, protection, and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems and resources, Integrated coastal protection active Disaster risk preparedness. Green shipping, green ports and maritime infrastructure, with a focus on increasing safety and environmental performance.
