UN Ocean Conference 2022 Report

A closeup shot of an Epinephelus fish species and marine habitat underwater

The ocean is responsible for 50% of the oxygen we breathe, provides food, livelihoods, and mineral and energy resources to billions of people around the world and is a home to a multitude of flora and fauna. And although the ocean covers about 70 percent of Earth’s surface it has often been missing from discussions about tackling climate change, plastic pollution, biodiversity loss and all the other environmental threats facing the planet.

Over 6,000 delegates, including multiple Heads of State and Government, attended the second UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, from 27 June to 1 July 2022. It was co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal and included special events and side events taking place all over the city as well as virtual side events hosted from around the world.

The conference closed having amassed billions of dollars and hundreds of initiatives in voluntary commitments and pledges to save the Earth’s most vital resource. This renewed commitment has not come a moment too soon. The science is clear: anthropogenic threats including deoxygenation, ocean acidification, marine pollution, and overfishing, have translated to a steep decline in ocean health.

The Brahma Kumaris Environment team was represented by two delegates: Ruth Liddle (UK) and Aneta Loj (Poland). They highlighted the importance and role of technologies of consciousness and value based lifestyle in healing the ocean.