The European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD) has submitted its response to the European Commission’s consultation on the Oceans Pact, highlighting the urgent need for an integrated and prioritised approach to ocean governance. Oceans face growing pressures from climate change, pollution, overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and invasive species. Addressing these threats requires a governance model that recognises oceans as complex social-ecological systems, rather than just ecological entities.
Key Recommendations from EBCD’s Response
Breaking the silos
EBCD advocates for a shift from fragmented, sector-specific approaches to a multispecies, interagency, and multisectoral governance model. Establishing a collaborative decision-making platform that unites all ocean-related sectors will enhance policy coherence and facilitate informed, integrated decision-making.Ecosystem-Based Management as a Cornerstone
Policies must incorporate tangible ecosystem-based management to account for all pressures on the marine environment, including land-based impacts. This ensures a more holistic assessment of marine health and sustainability needs.Science-Based, Adaptive Decision-Making
Ocean policies should be adaptable and rooted in the latest scientific research and data. EBCD calls for improved data collection, integration, and sharing across Member States to prevent outdated policies from hindering effective marine management.Inclusivity in Ocean Governance
No sector should be left behind in ocean governance. Policies must consider their broader socio-economic implications, including employment, maritime industries, food security, health, and cultural heritage. EBCD emphasises the importance of integrating the contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to food security within the Oceans Pact, as aquatic products provide essential low-carbon proteins.Balancing Conservation and Sustainable Human Activities
Conservation objectives should incorporate sustainable human activities to promote resilience in both ecosystems and communities. Policies that ignore the human dimension risk failing in their implementation. By aligning conservation goals with sustainable development priorities, the EU can support marine resource conservation while ensuring the livelihoods of those dependent on them. Innovation and blue technologies will be essential to achieve this balance. The Global Biodiversity Framework’s 23 targets offer a roadmap to balance conservation with sustainable development. EBCD encourages the integration of the GBF into EU decision-making, including the Oceans Pact, to create a coherent and effective governance strategy.
EBCD’s Broader Engagement on the Oceans Pact
Beyond responding to the European Commission’s consultation, EBCD has been actively engaged in shaping the discussion around the Oceans Pact through multiple avenues:
EESC Consultation: EBCD also provided input to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) consultation on the Oceans Pact, reinforcing its commitment to advocating for balanced and sustainable ocean governance. Alexandra Philippe, representing EBCD, participated in a civil society event organised by the EESC focused on the Oceans Pact, contributing to a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the future of EU ocean policies.
High-Level Roundtable: EBCD’s Director, Despina Symons, took part in the High-Level Roundtable on Oceans and Fisheries Dialogue with Commissioner Kadis, ensuring that EBCD’s perspectives were included in discussions at the highest policy levels.
- Advisory Councils: As active member of six Advisory Councils of the Common Fisheries Policy, EBCD contributed to the drafting of recommendations for the European Commission on the Oceans Pact.
A Call for Collaborative Action
The Oceans Pact represents a significant opportunity to reshape ocean governance. EBCD strongly believes that collaboration between policymakers, NGOs, scientists, and industry stakeholders is essential for its success. By embracing an integrated, science-driven, and inclusive approach, the EU can ensure that its ocean policies foster both ecological sustainability and socio-economic resilience.
EBCD remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the Oceans Pact delivers on its promise of effective and balanced ocean governance.
