Living Oceans

Covering 71% of the Earth’s surface, the ocean absorbs roughly one-third of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, making it the world’s largest carbon sink and a critical ally in the fight against climate change. However, the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon depends on healthy ecosystems, such as mangrove forests and coral reefs, which are becoming increasingly degraded.

Asia is home to some of the planet’s most productive marine ecosystems, including biodiversity hotspots and key fishing grounds that provide over half of the global fish catch annually.These resources are a vital source of protein for billions of people. At the same time they are under immense pressure from overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation and climate change, endangering Asia’s unique biodiversity and the carbon capture abilities of these ecosystems.

Objective

The Living Oceans Programme aims to facilitate the long-term survival of our marine resources, the protection of biodiversity and, ultimately, food security. To protect critical marine ecosystems, we have several tools at our disposal. We can safeguard marine environments and their species and habitats, ensure well-managed and sustainable fishing practices and seafood supply chains, and effectively regulate trade in marine specimens to prevent species declines. 

Hong Kong is in a unique position, where decisions made here can have a significant impact on marine conservation globally. While the city’s primary connection to marine resources is through seafood consumption and the large volumes of seafood imported from around the world, local waters boast a rich, yet often overlooked, diversity of species that hold significant conservation value. Our Living Oceans Programme thus focuses on two main areas: Seafood Market Transformation and Preserving Marine Biodiversity.