© UNESCO/Eric Hanauer
Marshall Islands. Global and concrete solution are needed to deal with threats to marine environment

This side event will be the occasion to discuss and present a number of initiatives that supports the Rio+20 ocean targets leading to the sustainable use of the ocean. The side event will be structured around three inter-connected themes:
(i) Know our Ocean;
(ii) Protect our Marine Treasures;
(iii) Empower Ocean Citizens.
This event will demonstrate the need for inter-related actions to move towards the sustainable use of our undivided ocean’s resources.
For Each of the 3 themes, the side event will seek to address a serie of central issues.

(i) Knowing our ocean: How can science and technology be put at the service of coastal nations for managing ocean and coastal resources sustainably, and for protecting their coastal populations, and maintaining ecosystem services.

(ii) Protecting our Marine Treasures: How can we better preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the ocean and coasts and the essential services that ocean provides to society?

(iii) Empowering Ocean Citizens: How do we empower ocean citizen and society? Effective Ocean stewardship requires the participation of all part of society in defining a common ocean future and in promoting behavioural change towards the ocean.