This is the first time a Norwegian government has presented a white paper on the place of the seas and oceans in the country’s foreign and development policy. Its aim is to highlight the opportunities the oceans offer for Norway and the challenges we will need to deal with, and to describe how Norwegian foreign and development policy can be used to safeguard Norway’s ocean interests and promote the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The oceans are not only crucial to our understanding of the past; they also hold an important key to the future – in Norway as in the rest of the world. The Norwegian Government is actively promoting a transition to a greener Norwegian economy. If we are to succeed, we must safeguard biodiversity for current and future generations. At the same time, we must make the most of opportunities for economic development in maritime areas, and promote production and consumption patterns that have less negative impact on the climate and marine environment than is the case today. The importance of this was made clear in 2015 when world leaders adopted the 17 SDGs, including one specifically concerning the oceans: SDG 14, to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
The oceans offer huge potential for human development. According to the UN, the world’s population is set to reach 9.7 billion in 2050. Most of the growth will be in developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. All these people will need food and energy, and population growth will drive an expansion of trade and maritime transport. Shipping has a key role to play in promoting global trade and growth.
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, often referred to as the ‘constitution of the oceans’, is of key importance in this context. Just as a country’s constitution ensures predictability and stability at the national level, the Law of the Sea promotes peaceful international cooperation and conservation and sustainable use of the world’s oceans. The Convention regulates the rights and obligations of states as regards use of the seas and oceans, utilisation of marine resources and conservation of the marine environment. This ensures a predictable framework and stability for investments and economic activity. The Convention is vital for Norway, with its strong environmental, energy, seafood and shipping interests. Together with other international legal instruments, it provides the legal framework for Norway’s cooperation with other countries on conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and marine resources at the global, regional and bilateral levels.
The SDGs provide a global framework for the international community’s efforts to promote development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. SDG 14 requires us to include the oceans in this concerted global effort. Achieving SDG 14 is important in itself, and will also have positive ripple effects in other strategically important areas that are vital to peace, stability and security. With its extensive experience and knowledge of ocean-based activities, Nor way is well placed to make an important contribution in this area.
This white paper makes it plain that the oceans are a key focus area in Norwegian foreign and development policy, and highlights three priority areas: sustainable use and value creation, clean and healthy oceans, and the role of the blue economy in development policy. Together with the Government’s ocean strategy, the integrated management plans for Norwegian sea areas and other important policy documents, the white paper will promote a clear and integrated Norwegian approach to ocean issues.