New York, 24 August 2022 (TDI): The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) unveiled its second cohort of 10 Ocean Innovators to tap on new technologies and approaches.
This is to end overfishing and put an end to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. Along with that, UNDP’s Ocean Promise has committed to delivering at least 100 Ocean Innovations by 2030.
Our Ocean Promise has committed to deliver at least 100 Ocean Innovations by 2030.
Meet our new 10 ocean innovators who tap into new technologies and approaches to protect marine fisheries and #SaveOurOcean🌊, with support from @sida & @noradno. https://t.co/OBTyWNiXV5 pic.twitter.com/N3792zgQNL
— UN Development (@UNDP) August 23, 2022
The UNDP’s Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) mentors and incubates creative solutions that are transformative, and scalable while offering financial support to ocean innovators of up to US $250,000 for two years.
Furthermore, by improving small-scale fishers’ access to technical and financial resources, the innovations are anticipated to aid Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDC).
Also read: UNDP’s New Year Resolutions for 2030 SDG Goals
Eventually, the innovations will thereby contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14 targets 14.4, 14.7, and 14. b).
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2022 the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture.
The declaration was put forward in appreciation of the significant role those small-scale fishers, fish farms, and fish workers play in supplying billions of people with wholesome food.
Statements by the UNDP Officials
According to Haoliang Xu, UN Assistant Secretary General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, small-scale fishers lack access to international markets, cutting-edge technology, and essential funding.
Moreover, UNDP strives to address this void by identifying innovative approaches to ocean restoration and protection, helping to aggrandize livelihoods and advance the blue economy.
Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UN Development Programme stated in a tweet that, overfishing is damaging ecosystems and oceans.
Therefore, the 10 ocean innovators shall demonstrate how technology and innovation can deliver state-of-the-art solutions to address problems while generating income and protecting communities.
Overfishing is hurting our oceans & ecosystems. 🎣🌊
Our newest 🔟ocean innovators are showing how technology & innovation can bring cutting-edge solutions can tackle this, while creating livelihoods & safeguarding communities.
👉https://t.co/d37Gtu9dXB— Achim Steiner (@ASteiner) August 24, 2022
About the Second Cohort of UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge
The OIC’s objective is to catalyze reproducible and scalable innovations that can be sustained and directly contribute to the fulfillment of SDG14 targets.
Moreover, these innovations can be technological, policy, economic, or financial. The proposals by the innovators should put a particular emphasis on gender mainstreaming, generating income, and reducing poverty.
Surrey Space Centre, WWF Peru, and ODI will strive to enhance regulatory compliance, enforcement, and oversight through artificial intelligence and traceability in the fisheries industry.
Respectively, SafetyNet Technologies and MarViVa Foundation will pilot cutting-edge light devices in the gillnet fishery and implement innovative best practices in pelagic fisheries.
