2020
HIGH LEVEL PANEL FOR A SUSTAINABLE OCEAN ECONOMY
Critical habitats and biodiversity: inventory, thresholds and governance.
AD Rogers, O Aburto-Oropeza, W Appeltans, J Assis, LT Balance, P Cury, C Duarte, F Favoretto, J Kumagai, C Lovelock, P Miloslavich, A Niamir, D Obura, BC O’Leary, G Reygondeau, C Roberts, Y Sadovy, T Sutton, DP Tittensor, E Velarde.
Abstract
This paper examines the distribution of species and critical marine habitats across the world’s oceans; analyses trends in drivers, pressures, impacts and response; and establishes thresholds for protecting biodiversity hotspots, as well as indicators to monitor change. From this scientific base, it assesses the current legal framework and available tools for biodiversity protection, current gaps in ocean governance and management, and the implications for achieving a sustainable ocean economy tailored to individual coastal states grouped by social indicators.