International Conference Seeks to Preserve Oceans, Promote Sustainable Use

Muscat: The third United Nations Ocean Conference is addressing the challenges facing oceans, including rising temperatures and ocean acidification surpassing safe limits. The conference aims to mobilize all stakeholders to preserve oceans and promote their sustainable use, contributing to the conservation of marine resources and the enhancement of biodiversity. According to Oman News Agency, Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, GCC Secretary-General, emphasized during his participation that the GCC countries are making continuous efforts to enhance maritime and environmental safety. He noted that they are investing in modern technologies to reduce the risk of spills and protect the marine environment in the Arabian Gulf. This reflects the GCC's strong commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), despite numerous environmental challenges. He pointed out that oceans are facing unprecedented threats-from rising temperatures and acidification to pollution and habitat loss-stressing the ne ed for global cooperation, innovation, and shared responsibility to counter environmental degradation and safeguard ocean health. A report co-authored by the Plymouth Marine Laboratory (UK), the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Cooperative Institute for Marine Ecosystems and Resources Studies at Oregon State University revealed that ocean acidity has exceeded the safe "planetary boundary," signaling a potential environmental catastrophe. This "planetary boundary" is defined as the point where calcium carbonate concentrations in seawater drop by more than 20% compared to pre-industrial levels, threatening the stability of the entire marine ecosystem. Ocean acidification results from the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which reacts with seawater, lowering its pH levels. Exceeding safe acidity thresholds has devastating effects on coral reefs and calcifying marine organisms. In extreme cases, it can even dissolve the shells of small marine creatures.