This special issue contributes to ongoing discussions of SDG 14 with a special focus on its relationship with other SDGs and broader international policy and legal instruments towards a more holistic and effective interpretation and implementation of this ocean-focused Goal. The emphasis in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on the role of oceans and coasts for sustainable development, including with respect to poverty reduction, food security, nutrition, well-being and traditional livelihoods, thus offers an ideal opportunity to push the boundaries of scientific, policy and legal reflection forward towards an integrated implementation of the SDGs and the achievement of the three pillars of sustainable development. Marine biodiversity and associated ecosystem services related to ecological productivity and resilience continue to decline globally 1 due to increasing anthropogenic pressures such as overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, climate change and ocean acidification. The importance of marine conservation and sustainable use of its resources has been recognised as a central component of sustainable development as it contributes to poverty alleviation, food security, sustainable livelihoods. 2 This notion was reinstated by the adoption of a stand-alone Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (SDG 14) as part of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To maintain and restore ocean health, productivity and resilience, SDG 14 encompasses ten targets focused on science-based ecosystem protection and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems. These aim to avoid or minimise the anthropogenic pressures highlighted above, as well as underpin fisheries subsidies reform, access rights for small-scale fisheries, enhanced scientific cooperation and monitoring, capacity building and technology transfer. This special issue 3 contributes to ongoing discussions of SDG 14 with a special focus on its relationship with other SDGs and broader international policy and legal instruments towards a more holistic and effective interpretation and implementation of this ocean-focused Goal. The emphasis in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on the role of oceans and coasts for sustainable development, including with respect to poverty reduction, food security, nutrition, well-being and traditional livelihoods, thus offers an ideal opportunity to push the boundaries of scientific, policy and legal reflection forward towards an integrated implementation of the SDGs and the achievement of the three pillars of sustainable development.
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