The UN Development Programme (UNDP) Oslo Governance Centre, with the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), released a report that unpacks the interlinkages between SDG 14 (life below water) and SDG 16 (peace, governance and strong institutions) to maximize synergies and minimize trade-offs to better protect our Ocean.

The report is titled, ‘Connections That Matter: How Does the Quality of Governance Institutions Help Protect our Ocean?’ It builds on a 2022 publication that explored the interlinkages between SDG 16 and SDG 1 (no poverty), which was the first of its kind.

The report is based on a systematic literature review of some 300 papers on interlinkages between SDGs 14 and 16. It finds there is empirical evidence from around the world that shows that “inclusion and participation, accountability and rule of law, as well as transparency and control of corruption and crime can improve the effectiveness of marine and coastal protection efforts and contribute towards the sustainability of fisheries.”

Another prominent finding is that “elements of governance can mutually reinforce each other.” Where several such elements are combined, positive outcomes tend to improve, the study highlights. For example, it suggests that regulation of marine protected areas (MPAs) based on meaningful stakeholder engagement promotes ownership and compliance. In the absence of such engagement, conflict with local communities may arise, making enforcement impossible.

The report identifies three broad policy implications relating to “how to identify and activate governance levers to accelerate progress on SDG 14”:

• Identifying governance levers for impact;
• Increasing impact and managing risks; and
• Investing in systems and focusing resources.

The report recommends that international organizations, donors, foundations, and academic networks “enable and promote research and … explore transformative knowledge creation on ocean governance.” It also calls on governments, civil society, international organizations, and donors to “work[] with national partners to localize and apply research on interlinkages between SDG 16 and SDG 14.”

The study was published on 23 March 2023. [Publication: Connections That Matter: How Does the Quality of Governance Institutions Help Protect our Ocean?] [Publication Landing Page]