What exactly is this goal?: oceans and seas are essential for the planet and for people’s well-being. They occupy three-quarters of Earth's surface, regulate climates, produce oxygen and provide natural resources and food. The sea as a whole provides work for more than 200 million people. The pollution and destruction of habitats and marine resources along with non-sustainable fishing damage the ecosystems and the lives of millions of people. Climate change particularly threatens the oceans, causing climate disasters of huge impact and changes in the marine biosphere. SDG 14 aims to protect marine and coastal ecosystems, reducing marine pollution and ocean acidification, to end non-sustainable fishing practices, promote scientific research on marine technology and encourage the growth of developing island states.

Corporate role: Companies can participate through reducing the contamination of the oceans and seas that result from their activities. The private sector can also help developing island states by promoting sustainable fishing. Firms in the food, tourism and construction industries are more closely connected to this SDG, but businesses in all sectors can contribute too. Further information

How to measure the corporate contribution: the total amount of waste water and its destination; the number and impact of the activities carried out in restored or protected habitats; the analysis of water resources and the habitats affected by the firm’s wastewater; and the total amount of expenses and investments for the environment.