Joint Declaration: Pledge to Advance Ocean Accounts by 2030

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We recognise that the health of our ocean is the health of our people and our economies. Sustainable development of the ocean economy requires comprehensive information systems to guide sustainable management and informed decision-making.

We the signatories, pledge to advance ocean accounts for ocean sustainable development by 2030 and invite all nations to join us in this crucial endeavour, advancing ocean accounts in line with their own national priorities.

We recognise the importance of ocean accounts in addressing global challenges, acknowledging that the ocean provides key ecosystem services, supports many livelihoods, and plays a significant role in regulating our climate. Ocean accounts bring together data and information on environmental, economic and social factors to enhance ocean governance and it is an opportunity to achieve sustainable development and prosperity on the coasts.

We appreciate the work of the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (GOAP) in supporting international collaboration on ocean accounting. GOAP brings together stakeholders to support the development of ocean accounts worldwide and commits to work with all nations to achieve their 2030 goals.

We the signatories commit to:

◦ Advance ocean accounts by 2030 in alignment with national priorities
◦ Consider ocean accounts data in decision-making processes
◦ Support efforts that enhance capacity and share knowledge to improve global capabilities in ocean accounting.

We invite all nations to join in this effort to develop and implement ocean accounts by 2030, creating a foundation for informed decision-making and sustainable ocean management.

The following countries and organisations agree to sign The Joint Pledge for Ocean Accounts.

• Republic of Costa Rica

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Republic of Palau

• Republic of Maldives

• Socialist Republic of Viet Nam’s
  Institute of Strategy and Policy on Agriculture and Environment (ISPAE)

• Canada

• United Mexican States 

• Republic of Fiji

• Togolese Republic*

• Republic of Mozambique

• Belize

• Republic of Panama

• Republic of Chile

• Norway

• Portuguese Republic

• Republic of Indonesia
  Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (GOAP Co-Chair)

• United Kingdom

• Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

• Australia

• Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galápagos Islands (GOAP Co-Chair)

• OSPAR Convention

•  Rekam Nusantara Foundation

• Belmont Forum

• Friends of the Cocos Islands (FAICO)

• MarViva Foundation

• Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI)

* signed in absentia