Ocean Sustainability

The ocean is a fundamental component of the Earth system, sustaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and supporting socio-economic stability. This chapter outlines the ecological, climatic, and socio-economic functions of the ocean, underscoring its importance for global sustainability. It analyses major anthropogenic threats—climate change, overexploitation, pollution, and interacting stressors—that weaken marine resilience and degrade ecosystem services. A conservation framework is proposed, integrating socio-ecological systems theory, the DPSIR model, and ecosystem-based management, reinforced by inclusive governance and technological innovation. The chapter highlights the transformative potential of smart technologies, including remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and autonomous platforms, in strengthening conservation and decision-making. It concludes by situating ocean governance within the Sustainable Development Goals, stressing the need for interdisciplinary action, equitable governance, and technological integration to ensure a sustainable future for the oceans.