초록 열기/닫기 버튼
According to a 2020 study titled “Changing Sails: Accelerating Regional Actions for Sustainable Oceans in Asia and the Pacific,” the Indo-Pacific region produces nearly half, together with consuming “more than one-third of the total world’s plastic.” It further reveals that owing to the inbuilt constraints in terms of methodology, coupled with inconvenient statistical systems, there remains serious concern for proper data procurement. Further, due to unchecked and uncontrolled human activities, the salubrity of oceans and seas is now “being pushed to a tipping point” and without proper data, the world appears to “swim in the dark.” The picture appears more horrific with COVID-19, particularly with additional reliance placed on the use of plastic. With plenty of challenges there are calls for review of goods production cycles through efficient strategies. In this perspective, we argue, first, no matter where we live, the ocean influences all of us. Therefore, the future we want demand easing of the complex relation between human and oceans, especially in the light of limited Earth’s ability to back rampant human desires. Secondly, the inherently wasteful linear plastic economy has resulted in overconsumption, destructive practices, acidification and subsidies that have caused irreplaceable damage to the state of oceans. As a result, the article maintains that (a) there is a weak legal and institutional framework, and (b) interaction between ocean and human activities, calls for better data demands. Further, the Sustainable Development Goal No. 14 strives towards promoting the health and sustainability of oceans. This holds a great importance, especially for the viable development of the Asia and the Pacific region which inhibits richest pool of the living natural resources in the world. The article suggests that both India and South Korea can take the lead and build up a mechanism of strengthening and promoting scientific know-how, develop research skills and share marine technology.
