Green Economy in a Blue World-Full Report

1 Introduction: Shipping as an important sector of a Green Economy This chapter attempts to present the contribution of international maritime transport to the three pillars of sustainable development. It deals essentially with international shipping which, for its effective operation as the transporter of some 90 per cent of world trade, requiresglobal policies andregulations toensure uniform implementation and enforcement of the technical standards which enable the safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound operation of ships, as well as a level playing-field without market distortions. That operational framework is the driver for shipping’s contribution to, and promotion of, sustainable development and a green economy, which can be summarized in the table below:

2 Challenges and opportunities 2.1 Maritime transport: driving forces, pressures, state, impact, response The international shipping industry is essential to world trade. There is therefore a direct correlation between the growth of world trade (and global GDP and population) and the expansion of shipping activity which has the potential to impact on the environment and, by extension, the opportunities this creates for shipping to contribute to green growth and the transition to a green economy. While there is currently a particular focus on the urgent need for maritime transport to play its part in reducing CO 2 emissions, it is important to understand that, because shipping is indeed a trulymajor industry, it has the potential to impact on the environment in many other ways (IMO, 2012b). This has required ship operators and

in a Blue World

IMO action and it’s impact on sustainable development Improving the safety and efficiency of maritime activities Economic Well-run merchant and fishing fleets Improved turn-around of vessels and port throughput Increased global trade Improved balance of payments

Promoting sustainable livelihoods and poverty eradication

Social Employment for seafarers and others in the global shipping, port and fisheries industries Advancement of women in the maritime sector Increased foreign exchange earnings Consequent beneficial impact at local level, especially in coastal/fishing communities

Environmental Cleaner waters and coasts

Enhancing environmental protection

Reduced incidence of invasive species Reduced air pollution and GHG emissions Increased tourism Greater access to protein through improved fisheries catches Integrated coastal zone management

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