The ocean is the largest ecosystem on the planet, covering 71% of the earth’s surface area. It regulates our climate, produces half the oxygen we breathe, and is essential in driving the water cycle. Oceans are not only home to a a vast array of marine wildlife such as whales, turtles and coral reefs, but also a source of livelihood for over 3 billion people. Yet, populations of marine life have declined by nearly 50% between 1970 and 2012. This downward trend continues in the face of numerous threats caused by human activity, which include overfishing, pollution, coastal development, and climate change.
With global expertise, strong partnerships and a robust conservation strategy, WWF aims to ensure productive and resilient ocean ecosystems that sustain human well-being and conserve biodiversity.
Within Southeast Asia, a triangular-shaped region called the Coral Triangle covers all or part of the seas of the six countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. Here, the diversity of coral, fish and other species is higher than anywhere else on earth. About 75% of the world’s coral species, 6 of the 7 marine turtle species and at least 2,228 reef fish species can be found in this ‘nursery of the seas’.
Sitting on the edge of the Coral Triangle, WWF-Singapore is well positioned to drive positive change here and has been working closely with government agencies, civil society, and the private sector to support the conservation of marine life and preservation of coastal livelihoods in this region.
By 2030, WWF aims to conserve and effectively manage at least 30% of coastal and marine ecosystems.
of our blue planet’s coral reefs will
survive by 2050, based on current trajectories and scientist projections.
of the world’s fisheries have been estimated to be overfished or fully fished.
Plastic pollution is one of the most visible and complex environmental issues. While working on solutions to reduce plastic use, we are also figuring out how to make the circular economy a reality.
The rapid increase in the number of coastal cities is a key driver in the global loss of marine ecosystems such as coral reefs. Such urbanisation is also leading to unprecedented levels of plastic pollution with an estimated eight million tonnes of plastic being dumped into the ocean each year. Unless urgent action is taken, it is estimated that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050.
Fish accounts for 20% of the world’s animal protein intake, and is steadily increasing yearly. Consequently, the number of overfished stocks globally has tripled in half a century, and a third of the world’s assessed fisheries are currently biologically unsustainable.
We work closely with governments, civil society, and academic institutions to implement Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These protect biodiversity, secure livelihoods and food security of local communities.
We are in a partnership with Marina Bay Sands to advance responsible seafood sourcing in Singapore as well as to improve fishery and aquaculture farming practices in Malaysia.
Globally, we are bringing millions of people to support a global treaty to stop marine plastic pollution. In Singapore, we work in partnership with the government and businesses towards a circular
economy for plastics.
WWF is working in collaboration with key stakeholders and local communities at six municipalities in Northeastern Palawan, Philippines to sustainably manage over one million hectares of marine protected areas.
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Ocean health is at a crucial juncture. Coral reefs and fisheries are in rapid decline from the well known impacts of climate change, marine pollution and coastal development. There is no better time to take urgent action than now.
Find out how you as an individual can help turn the tide to secure the future of our Oceans.
