The aim of the Centre for Marine Conservation and Policy Research (MarCoPol), University of Plymouth, UK is to provide a sound scientific, social, legal and economic basis for improved policy and management for the sustainable use and protection of the marine and coastal environment. Researchers from MarCoPol are directly involved with providing world class science and expert advice for the interpretation and practical implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, International Conventions including the Convention of Biological Diversity, EU Directives including The Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Marine Spatial Planning Directive, OSPAR commitments, ICES working groups and national policy linked to the oceans.
The group excel in research linked to ecosystem service assessment and valuation; the development of ecosystem indicators for tracking environmental change in relation to policy frameworks; evaluating Marine Protected Area effectiveness; the integration of marine conservation and fisheries management; assessments of the ecological coherence of networks of MPAs; resilience science for healthy and productive oceans; research into spatial use of mobile marine species to inform and evaluate management measures; ocean literacy and marine environmental law including underwater and cultural heritage.
The Centre for Marine and Conservation and Policy Research is committed to undertaking world-class research and training to support the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Progress reports
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
Type of commitment
- Community or Locally Managed Marine Areas
- Integrated Coastal Management
- Marine Spatial Planning
- Large Marine Ecosystem approach
- Ecosystem-based Adaptation
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
Type of commitment
- No take marine protected area
- Marine protected area with partial protection
- Multiple use marine protected area
- Locally or community managed marine areas
- MPA management and/or enforcement
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
Type of commitment
- Scientific, socioeconomic and interdisciplinary research
- Research capacity development
- Training and professional development
- Scientific cooperation
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
Type of commitment
- Activities to raise awareness of the comprehensive legal and policy framework for the sustainable development of oceans and seas, in particular UNCLOS, its Implementing Agreements and other relevant ocean-related instruments and promote their effective im
- Strengthening ocean governance, for example through the development of a national ocean policy or regional ocean policy
06/18
