11 November 2015: The World Ocean Council’s (WOC) Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS) discussed the achievement of a sustainable ocean economy and responsible business opportunities in a blue economy. It also focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SOS is a global, multi-sectoral platform for companies and organizations to advance the development and implementation of industry-driven solutions to ocean sustainability challenges and promote corporate ocean responsibility. The summit convened under the theme, ‘Sustainable Development and Growing the Blue Economy: The next 50 years.’

Participants discussed the role of the ocean business community in developing and implementing solutions for responsible ocean and marine resource use during a special session on the implications of the adoption of the SDGs for ocean industries. The session featured a briefing on the SDGs and highlighted opportunities for ocean industries to contribute to the achievement of the Goals, particularly SDG 14 on the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and its related targets. Participants also discussed, inter alia, opportunities for ensuring a sound business environment, improving risk management related to the ocean and its resources, and the risks of engagement and non-engagement.

SOS also included sessions on: investment and innovation for ocean sustainable development; ocean policy and governance; marine ecosystem and biodiversity; marine spatial planning and ocean zoning; marine debris; big ocean data; the Coral Triangle and coral reefs; port and coastal infrastructure adaptation to sea level rise and extreme events; biofouling and invasive species; marine mining; and fisheries and extractive industries.

SOS convened from 9-11 November in Singapore. [WOC Website] [SOS Website] [SOS Conference Programme] [WOC Press Release]