SHENZHEN GLOBAL MARINE ECONOMY FORUM

IORA Calls for Inclusive Ocean Governance to Empower Nations in Ocean Conservation

At the Shenzhen Global Marine Economy Forum, H.E. Dr. Salman Al Farisi, Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), emphasized the need for inclusive ocean governance that empowers all nations to participate actively in marine conservation. He highlighted the Indian Ocean’s critical role as a major maritime corridor and biodiversity hub that supports millions of people. Yet, he noted, the region faces mounting challenges from overfishing, pollution, and climate change, disproportionately impacting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other coastal nations. Dr. Al Farisi called for strengthened international cooperation to build the capacity of developing nations to enforce marine regulations, harness technology, and address shared challenges.

H.E. Dr. Salman Al Farisi, Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), delivered a keynote address on October 31, 2024, at the Shenzhen Global Marine Economy Forum in China. His speech focused on the importance of ocean governance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), emphasizing the region’s economic significance, environmental challenges, and the role of international cooperation in addressing these issues.

Our shared responsibility is to safeguard the Indian Ocean as a resource for all Member States, ensuring its health and sustainability for the generations to come

“The Indian Ocean Region is home to nearly 2.7 billion people and serves as a major global maritime corridor, essential to the movement of energy, trade, and resources,” Dr. Al Farisi noted. The IOR supports around 80% of the world’s oil trade to Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond, and produces more than 11 million tons of fish annually, contributing to food security and economic stability. However, he pointed out, the region’s ecosystems face significant threats from overfishing, pollution, and climate-related impacts, which particularly affect Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other coastal communities.

Dr. Al Farisi emphasized that sustainable governance in the Indian Ocean requires coordinated international frameworks and adherence to global standards. He highlighted several frameworks essential to IORA’s approach, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the more recent high seas treaty on Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). UNCLOS outlines standards for managing ocean resources and preserving marine ecosystems, while the BBNJ treaty focuses on protecting biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

“These frameworks embody principles such as intergenerational responsibility, shared resource distribution, and opportunities for equal development,” Dr. Al Farisi said, underscoring the importance of fair and inclusive governance. He added that adopting these principles can help protect ocean ecosystems while ensuring equitable access to resources for all IORA members, including those with limited means to enforce regulations independently.

The Secretary-General pointed out that capacity constraints remain a challenge for many developing nations within IORA, particularly SIDS and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), which may lack the resources and infrastructure to monitor illegal activities, enforce maritime regulations, or fully develop their maritime economies. Dr. Al Farisi stressed that overcoming these constraints requires international cooperation to build capacity and transfer marine technologies.

“It is essential that ocean governance is designed to empower all countries to contribute to protecting our oceans, especially those with limited resources,” he stated. He called on the international community to support the development of national regulatory frameworks, invest in marine technology, and strengthen institutions across the IOR, emphasizing that ocean governance should focus on building capacity rather than penalizing nations for their limitations.

Dr. Al Farisi highlighted several initiatives that IORA has undertaken to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable economic practices in the region. For instance, IORA’s Strategic Marine Debris Framework targets plastic pollution by encouraging member states to adopt waste management practices aligned with global treaties. IORA has also established guidelines to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens the sustainability of fisheries and food security for coastal communities.

Additionally, Dr. Al Farisi discussed IORA’s role in building regional coordination to implement the BBNJ treaty, particularly in managing marine ecosystems that extend beyond national jurisdictions. Through partnerships with the Indian Ocean Commission, ASEAN, and various UN agencies, IORA supports knowledge-sharing and capacity-building programs that enhance maritime safety, security, and conservation efforts across the IOR.

“These initiatives are designed to foster regional collaboration, allowing us to address common challenges effectively and work towards a sustainable future for our ocean resources,” Dr. Al Farisi explained. He noted that strengthening regional security and environmental monitoring efforts would enable the IOR to address issues like pollution, overfishing, and climate impacts more cohesively.

Dr. Al Farisi also acknowledged China’s contributions to IORA’s efforts in ocean governance. Since 2011, China has provided financial support to IORA and hosted the Second Blue Economy Core Group Workshop in 2016. As one of the world’s leading maritime nations, China plays an important role in advancing sustainable ocean governance practices, particularly through its focus on climate resilience, sustainable fishing, and pollution reduction.

Dr. Al Farisi encouraged further Chinese involvement in areas such as green port development, carbon reduction in shipping, and promoting low-impact aquaculture methods. “China’s engagement in these areas could provide valuable support for our region, promoting more sustainable practices and contributing to the resilience of our coastal communities,” he noted, suggesting that collaborative research and technology sharing could be mutually beneficial for IORA and China.

Dr. Al Farisi emphasized the importance of ongoing innovation and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing ocean governance in the Indian Ocean. Emerging technologies, he noted, offer new avenues for improving maritime resource management, monitoring environmental impacts, and enhancing regional cooperation. He pointed to IORA’s commitment to working with partners to explore these opportunities, strengthening the framework for sustainable ocean governance and ensuring the protection of marine resources for future generations.

“Our shared responsibility is to safeguard the Indian Ocean as a resource for all Member States, ensuring its health and sustainability for the generations to come,” Dr. Al Farisi said, reflecting IORA’s commitment to a balanced and cooperative approach to ocean governance. He stressed that building on existing partnerships and frameworks will be essential for addressing the complex challenges the region faces, reinforcing IORA’s vision of a secure and sustainable Indian Ocean.