The Young Ocean Professionals for Sustainable Development (YOP) Network is a global, multi-sectoral and educational network to catalyze and leverage sustainability in the Ocean Business Community.
A vibrant new generation is emerging. This generation is aware that sustainable development can foster economic development and is convinced that the oceans are the first priority for action on Corporate Ocean Responsibility.
To gather these change-makers from all over the world and from all sectors, the World Ocean Council (WOC) is developing a global, multi-sectoral network of Young Professionals from the ocean business community willing to:
Better understand the ocean ecosystems and biodiversity, the state of the ocean and the impact of economic activity on ocean health
Be familiar with environmental and sustainable development challenges and opportunities for the ocean
Ensure that their work and their company are a part of securing a healthy ocean and sustainable ocean economy through Corporate Ocean Responsibility
The Young Ocean Professionals for Sustainable Development (YOP) Network is open to those:
1. Working at an ocean-related business/industry company or wokging on ocean-related issues in private sector (e.g. commodities, consumer goods, finance, insurance, law, etc.)
2. Studying at graduate level, interested in ocean business/industry related issues
YOP members will create synergies and foster sustainability and innovation and collaborate on concrete projects with different communities (scientific, NGOs, students, ). The Young Ocean Professionals aim to being connected to many other youth and sustainability oriented networks.
Being part of the YOP Network also gives access to information and resources (reports, documents, events, job offers, ) on sustainability and the maritime industry, thanks to a collaborative network.
The Young Ocean Professionals members will meet annually at the WOC Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS), at which there will be a workshop is coordinated by Young Ocean Professionals. The SOS gives to YOP members the opportunity to meet, discuss and share ideas on ocean sustainable development and innovation for a Corporate Ocean Responsibility. YOPs will organize local events with local partners as well.
Skilled, innovative YOP members aim at conducting projects and writing documents on responsible ocean business topics and areas they are passionate about. The YOP Network also offers the opportunity to know more about projects implemented in a specific area and grants/calls for proposals that could help in setting up projects.
Young Ocean Professionals with an interest and concern about the future of the ocean and the future of ocean business are invited to join the YOP Network!
Progress reports
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want
December 2017
Annual workshop at the Sustainable Ocean Summit of the World Ocean Council. Local events and conferences to gather the YOP Network around hot ocean business trends and challenges.
December 2018
Annual workshop at the Sustainable Ocean Summit of the World Ocean Council. Local events and conferences to gather the YOP Network around hot ocean business trends and challenges.
December 2019
Annual workshop at the Sustainable Ocean Summit of the World Ocean Council. Local events and conferences to gather the YOP Network around hot ocean business trends and challenges.
December 2020
Annual workshop at the Sustainable Ocean Summit of the World Ocean Council. Local events and conferences to gather the YOP Network around hot ocean business trends and challenges.
