The ocean
- Covers over 70% of the planet
- Produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen
- Is home to most of earth’s biodiversity
- Provides the main source of protein for 1 billion people
- Absorbs about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming
How Ipieca supports healthy oceans
Ipieca brings together members and stakeholders to share knowledge and develop good practice guidance to avoid, manage and mitigate impacts on oceans and coastal communities.
Decarbonising shipping
The maritime sector accounts for approximately 3% of all greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, which in addition to contributing to climate change also acidify the oceans, while delivering over 80% of international trade. Ipieca works closely to support the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) work to decarbonise the maritime industry, providing technical expertise across a range of areas to identify good practices and develop industry guidance.
Ipieca’s work on fuels and products
Contributing to the Global Biodiversity Framework
Support for the UN Convention for Biological Diversity, which established the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), is a condition of Ipieca membership (one of eight Ipieca Principles).
The GBF includes the ‘30 x 30’ target which calls for the protection of 30% of the worlds terrestrial and marine habitats by 2030 and a target on the sustainable management of aquaculture.
Most Ipieca nature guidance is aligned with the GBF targets and includes guidance on protecting and enhancing marine life and operating near protected areas.
Marine spill preparedness and response
Ipieca has produced almost 60 guidance documents and resources to help prevent, prepare for and respond to spills. The joint Ipieca-International Maritime Organization (IMO) Global Initiative support oil spill coordination, training and response capacity in over 80 counties around the world.
Ipieca’s marine spill preparedness and response guidance
Ipieca Response to spills of alternative fuels and energy products fact sheets
The Ipieca-IMO Global Initiative
The high-level 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development , takes place this week, 9-13 June in France. Click here to find out more.
