The Socio-Economics of the West, Central and Southern African Coastal Communities

1.1 SustainableDevelopment and theNeed toValue Ecosystems

TheUN’sThreePillarsofSustainableDevelopment

and recreation sectors are some examples of ocean and coastal “ecosystem services” that promote these SDGs. 15 Furthermore, coastal ecosystems consisting of coral reef, mangroves and seagrasses can provide protection from storm surges (SDG 9 “Build resilient infrastructure”), thereby protecting coastal populations (SDG 11: “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”) and reducing the impacts of climate change (SDG 13: “[…] combat climate change”). The oceans also regulate climate change by absorbing and storing heat and sequestrating carbon from the atmosphere. 16 Many women are employed in the fisheries industry, particularly in the post-harvest stages, while in rural areas, women often engage in aquaculture as part of families’ subsistence activities (SDG 5 “Achieve gender equality”). By jointly working to manage coastal and ocean resources, communities enhance social relationships and institutions (SDG 16: “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development”). 17 Sustainable development requires that we maintain and enhance the four types of “capital” upon which people depend: natural, human, economic and social capital. Efforts to measure only one or two of the four capital stocks tell only part of the story, since they are interlinked and constantly changing. These different forms of capital generate flows of value, with ecosystem goods and services representing the flow of value from natural capital to the other capital stocks (Figure 2). How these flows are reinvested is the key to meeting the SDGs and growing wealth sustainably. 18 Ecosystem Services are a “Flow of Value”

Achieving sustainable development – “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” 9 – means finding the right balance between the three pillars of social equity, economic development and environmental protection. 10 While socioeconomic equity is one objective in achieving this balance, sustainable development cannot be feasible or liveable without also determining the costs and benefits derived from the enviro-economic and enviro-social dimensions. 11 As humans are completely dependent on the ecosystems that they inhabit for their survival and well-being, without healthy ecosystems, economic and social progress cannot meet the sustainable development goals (SDGs). 12 Recognizing the importance of this three-pillar balance, world leaders at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit 2015 adopted 17 SDGs. 13 While SDG 14 – “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources” – is specific to ocean and coastal ecosystems, these ecosystems also support many of the other SDGs. For instance, coastal populations’ dependence on LMEs is directly linked to SDGs pertaining to human survival, livelihood and well-being: ending poverty (SDG 1), ending hunger and improving nutrition (SDG 2), ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being (SDG 3), ensuring clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), promoting sustainable economic growth and employment (SDG 8), and reducing inequality within and among countries (SDG 10). 14 Fisheries, harvestable plants, and the waste treatment, tourism

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