Conservation and sustainable use of the ocean

From the deep sea to the coasts, marine ecosystems form the foundation of life on Earth, providing oxygen, regulating the climate and securing livelihoods.

The ocean is not only a vital buffer against climate change; it also underpins ecological resilience, economic development, and human well-being. Yet, the reality is alarming: only 8 per cent of the world’s ocean is formally designated as protected areas – and many of these lack effective enforcement. Meanwhile, 38 per cent of global fish stocks are overexploited, and between 20 and 35 per cent of global mangrove cover, along with approximately 29 per cent of seagrass meadows, has been lost over the past century. These ecosystems are essential for biodiversity, carbon storage, and coastal protection. The drivers of degradation are numerous and interconnected, ranging from global climate change to local stressors such as unsustainable fishing, tourism, coastal development, urbanization, shipping, oil and gas extraction, and emerging plans for deep-sea mining. To ensure the ocean can continue to provide its invaluable ecosystem services – for current and future generations – it is critical to conserve, restore, and sustainably manage marine and coastal ecosystems.

International momentum for marine conservation and sustainable development has grown significantly in recent years. Notable milestones include the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework at CBD COP15 in 2022 and the opening for signature of the UN High Seas Biodiversity Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction or BBNJ) in 2023. The third UN Ocean Conference in June 2025 addresses a broad range of critical issues, including the mobilization of financial resources to achieve SDG 14 and the advancement of a sustainable blue economy. 

On behalf of the German Government and other donors, GIZ supports partner countries in implementing their commitments to marine conservation and the sustainable use of the ocean. 

Services include, for example:

• (Policy) advice and support to partner countries in the implementation and management of Marine Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures
• Development and promotion of a sustainable blue economy, including sustainable fisheries management, tourism and a circular economy, through multi-stakeholder partnerships engaging all levels of government, civil society, the private sector and academia
• Capacity development to promote the implementation of effective governance frameworks and policies
• Enhancing the role and participation of Indigenous Peoples and local coastal communities – especially women – in safeguarding marine biodiversity and supporting sustainable livelihoods and food security
• (Policy) advice and support to partner countries in the development of innovative financing solutions 
• Technical assistance for the early implementation of the new Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and thereby protection of the high seas
• Development and promotion of Nature-based Solutions to enhance resilient marine and coastal ecosystems
• Capacity development for scaling evidence-based solutions to support improved policymaking for effective and sustainable ocean management