Island and Ocean Ecosystems
In June this year, the Pacific islands are amplifying their voice at the United Nations Ocean Conference at the UN Headquarters in New York, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water. This Pacific Conversation raises the role of our Pacific Ocean biodiversity, providing you with more information to help make a difference in our region.
Sharks and reef fish, Solomon Islands. Photo courtesy © Stuart Chape
Did you know that the Pacific Ocean has more marine species than any other ocean basin?
It's no wonder, because the Pacific basin is the largest of the basins that hold the world's ocean.
Biodiversity means different kinds of life, and those forms of life provide us with many different services. Ecosystem services can be provisioning, supporting, regulating or even cultural services, such as beauty, identity, and tourism appeal.
The ocean provides: Pacific Ocean biodiversity feeds us and the world: 70% of the global fish catch is from the Pacific!
The ocean supports: without coral reefs, our island shores would wash away. The Pacific has the most coral reef species in the world.
The ocean regulates: our local and global weather and climate depend on the ocean.
The ocean is part of our cultural identity, valued by us and by the world.
When we make the right choices to support our ecosystems, we create positive growth for ourselves and our visitors.
There are over 2,000 species that are only found in one of the Pacific island countries, and almost half of those are Threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable). We have a deforestation rate higher than the global average, harming our protective forests and coastal wetlands.
We have work to do, and we all have a part to play.
Protecting marine environments and species starts on land. Preventing pollution and restoring protective ecosystems is something we can all do where we live, on our plantations, and in our community spaces.
When you use eco-friendly products, buy local goods, and ensure a balance between development and conservation, you are saving the ocean—and saving us too.
Help give voice to this Pacific Conversation – learn more about marine and coastal biodiversity in the Pacific islands
Take time for two pages for the ocean: check out UNEP and SPREP Factsheets
Join in the Pacific Conversation,
#SaveOurOcean #4PacIslands
Sharks and reef fish, Solomon Islands. Photo courtesy © Stuart ChapeIt's no wonder, because the Pacific basin is the largest of the basins that hold the world's ocean.
Biodiversity means different kinds of life, and those forms of life provide us with many different services. Ecosystem services can be provisioning, supporting, regulating or even cultural services, such as beauty, identity, and tourism appeal.
The ocean provides: Pacific Ocean biodiversity feeds us and the world: 70% of the global fish catch is from the Pacific!
The ocean supports: without coral reefs, our island shores would wash away. The Pacific has the most coral reef species in the world.
The ocean regulates: our local and global weather and climate depend on the ocean.
The ocean is part of our cultural identity, valued by us and by the world.
When we make the right choices to support our ecosystems, we create positive growth for ourselves and our visitors.
There are over 2,000 species that are only found in one of the Pacific island countries, and almost half of those are Threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable). We have a deforestation rate higher than the global average, harming our protective forests and coastal wetlands.
We have work to do, and we all have a part to play.
Protecting marine environments and species starts on land. Preventing pollution and restoring protective ecosystems is something we can all do where we live, on our plantations, and in our community spaces.
When you use eco-friendly products, buy local goods, and ensure a balance between development and conservation, you are saving the ocean—and saving us too.
Help give voice to this Pacific Conversation – learn more about marine and coastal biodiversity in the Pacific islands
Take time for two pages for the ocean: check out UNEP and SPREP Factsheets
Join in the Pacific Conversation,
#SaveOurOcean #4PacIslands