Disappointment for oceans campaigners as Rio+20 Earth Summit fails to deliver

There's a low-key end to the Rio+20 Earth Summit, with campaigners and scientists criticising missed opportunities and lack of progress to protect the world's oceans. Charlotte Smith of Oceans Inc takes the temperature as the summit draws to a close.

Oceans experts deliver verdict on Rio+20 outcomes

Scientists, legal experts and campaigners attending the Rio+20 Earth Summit have expressed frustration and disappointment at the lack of progress on oceans protection. They were speaking at a debate organised by the International Programme for the State of the Ocean (IPSO) on the penultimate day of the summit.

We all have a stake in stopping threats to the oceans

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke yesterday at a celebration of the formation of the Global Partnership for Oceans (GPO), on the sidelines of the UN Rio+20 Conference.

He said the GPO alliance “is based on the understanding that we all have a stake in stopping threats to the world’s oceans.”

Rio+20 in Numbers

Over nine days, thousands of events were held in the lead-up to and during Rio+20, including more than 500 official and side events at the Riocentro Convention Center, where the conference was held.

Rio+20 was the biggest UN conference ever held, with broad participation of leaders from Government, business and civil society, as well as UN officials, academics, journalists and the general public. Read on for some key figures from Rio+20.

Governments urged to combat illegal fishing in the Coral Triangle by enacting traceability measures

The Coral Triangle Fishers Forum has called for fisheries stakeholders in the Suva, Fiji region to help address the urgent and critical problem of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security’s (CTI-CFF) achievements to date and lay out the vision and call to action for its future.

Interview with Antonio Garcia Allut: Developing Marine Protected Areas

Just before addressing Heads of State and Governments at a High Level Round-Table, Antonio Garcia Allut, Lonxanat Foundation for Artisanal Sustainable Fishing (Spain) discusses his experience developing marine protected areas co-managed by artisanal fishers.

Yolanda Kakabatse: Marine Biodiversity Conservation at Rio+20

Yolanda Kakabatse, President, WWF-International, discusses the challenges of marine biodiversity conservation at Rio+20.

Natural Capital Declaration launched at Rio+20 Earth Summit.

Some of the biggest names in banking and industry have been joined by governments and investors to back the launch of a "natural capital declaration" at the Rio+20 Earth Summit. The declaration aims to put a financial value on the role nature plays in the global economy.

Indigenous peoples demand action to protect nature at Rio+20

A hard-hitting film made by Kogi tribesmen from Colombia is grabbing attention at the Rio+20 Earth Summit. 20 years after the Kogi left their homes to lobby at the original Earth Summit, they're in Rio again to demand more respect for nature.

Campaigners brand Earth Summit a "damp squib" in rain-hit Rio

As the Rio+20 Earth Summit heads into its final hours, there's a sense of anti-climax and disillusionment among environmental campaigners, scientists and activists. Charlotte Smith of Oceans Inc reflects on missed opportunities and disappointing outcomes.

No Future We Want Without the Ocean We Need

The ocean received an unprecedented level of attention during the Rio+20 Conference becoming one of the most high visibility issues and the last piece of text to be resolved.

In contrast to 1992, attention on the ocean was significant and led to protracted and heated debate within the negotiations.

20 years on, civil society leads in Rio – IUCN

Governments are leaving the UN's Sustainable Development Summit (Rio +20) with a big deal but little action.

Groups of civil society and business have proved they can lead the way towards a sustainable future.

Los participantes en Rio+20 se esmeran en explotar los mínimos avances del acuerdo

Puede haber vida bajo las quietas aguas de Río+20, después de todo. 

La declaración que más de cien gobernantes prevén firmar hoy seguía concitando anoche toda clase de críticas por su bajo vuelo y falta de metas concretas; más que a mejorarlo sustancialmente, los líderes más descontentos aspiraban como mucho a consensuar un anexo para enriquecer el texto de algún modo.

The Real State of the Ocean

As the Rio+20 summit approaches its final day, and following the failure to implement protecting agreements for the High seas at Rio, the International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO) and the High Seas Alliance (HSA) examined the real state of the ocean and what the oceans text from Rio+20 means practically – on the water.

Ban Ki-moon urges world leaders to act on sustainability

UN secretary general defends scope of summit agreement, but says it is 'merely a piece of paper' unless leaders take action.

Ban Ki-moon, the secretary general of the United Nations, called on world leaders to step up their political commitment to sustainability yesterday, with an acknowledgement that negotiations have so far failed to live up to hopes.

Sylvia Earle's clear message: Act now to save our oceans

Speaking at a roundtable with world governments in the Rio+20 process, world renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle urged world leaders to act now to save our oceans.

"I was here 20 years ago, we all hope to be here in 20 years. This is an historical occasion. Will we look back and lament on what we didn't do?"

Exclusive Interview with Achim Steiner

Remi Parmentier from oceans inc interviews Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations about what is next after Rio+20.

Civil society leaders assess state of play as Rio summit faces epic failure

Civil society groups provided a critical assessment of the negotiations at Rio, and "a new definition of hypocrisy" as we reach the middle of the Summit.

Leaders from Oxfam, WWF, Greenpeace, NRDC and the International Trade Union Confederation – organized in the Climate Action Network (CAN) and the global TckTckTck campaign claimed world leaders were standing the in way of progress and are failing so far to challenge the text of the draft outcome document.

Indigenous Tribe Speaks on Oceans

Today at the Rio+20 Conference the Kogi tribe of Colombia will speak about the interconnectivity of the rivers and oceans.

In 1992 the Kogi people of Colombia left their remote mountain home to warn the world about the destruction of the Earth which they saw unfolding around them.  Working with a filmmaker they tried to communicate that time was running out for the planet.

Richard Branson launches campaign to save the Arctic

On the day that the sun never sets on the Arctic, Richard Branson has launched a campaign with Greenpeace to save the Arctic.  Branson joins Hollywood actors who have joined forces with rock stars, environmentalists, polar explorers and business leaders to launch a bid for a global sanctuary in the Arctic. The campaigners are demanding that oil drilling and unsustainable fishing be banned in Arctic waters. 

Major European retailer slammed for false sustainable fish claims

Today in a landmark ruling that should signal the end of a hugely destructive commercial fishing practice, France's advertising authority, ARPP, ruled that the French supermarket giant Intermarché must pull all advertisements that claim its deep-sea fish are sustainably caught.  

Major European retailer slammed for false sustainable fish claims

Today in a landmark ruling that should signal the end of a hugely destructive commercial fishing practice, France’s advertising authority, ARPP, ruled that the French supermarket giant Intermarché must pull all advertisements that claim its deep-sea fish are sustainably caught.

Alternative summit shows the way forward for oceans at Rio+20

Negotiations to get better protection for the world's oceans may have faltered at the Rio+20 Earth Summit, but on the other side of town the so-called "People's Summit" is showing the politicians how it should be done. Charlotte Smith of Oceans Inc reports...

Ocean campaigners bring their message to the public at the People's Summit Hosted by Tara Expeditions

Susanna Fuller, Co-ordinator

of the High Seas Alliance

While heads of state and government officials began meetings at Rio centro for the first day of the Rio+20 summit, across the other side of town by the sea, ocean campaigners brought their message of the need for better ocean protection to the public at the People's Summit. 

Hundreds of Indigenous Activists and Allies Form "Human Banner" at Rio+20

Nearly 1500 people used Rio's Flamengo Beach (part of the People's Summit) as a canvas yesterday, their bodies forming the lines of an enormous image promoting the importance of free-running rivers, truly clean energy sources like solar power and including indigenous knowledge as part of the solution to climate issues. The activity was led by Brazil's many indigenous peoples organized under the umbrella of the Articulation of Brazilian Indigenous Peoples (APIB) and comprising the majority of the "human banner" participants.

Governments Highlight Ocean in Opening Speeches

At the opening of Rio+20 today, a number of Governments made their opening speeches in plenary.  Those who mentioned the ocean as a particular area of concern are paraphrased below.   The speeches are viewable at webtv.un.org.

New Yann Arthus-Bertrand film premieres at Rio+20 Earth Summit

Royalty and celebrities turn out for the premiere of "Planet Ocean", the latest film from French director Yann Arthus-Betrand, in Rio de Janeiro, where heads of state are gathering for the climax of the Earth Summit. The filmmaker says he wants to change the way people look at the world's oceans.

Exclusive Oceans inc interview with Brice Lalonde on Rio+20 Ocean Negotiations

Brice Lalonde, Executive Coordinator of Rio+20, talks with Remi Parmentier about the decision to action on high seas protection in the conference text, despite promising measures to improve ocean health.

Interview with Brittany Trilford, 17-year-old New Zealander who opened Rio+20 Conference Pt. 2

Just prior to the Rio+20 procedural Conference opening, Brittany Trilford, a 17-year-old blogger from New Zealand who won a video speech contest sponsored by NGO Tck Tck Tck addressed Conference participants.

Interview with Brittany Trilford, 17-year-old New Zealander who opened Rio+20 Conference

Just prior to the Rio+20 procedural Conference opening, Brittany Trilford, a 17-year-old blogger from New Zealand who won a video speech contest sponsored by NGO Tck Tck Tck addressed Conference participants.

Sylvia Earle at Rio+20 Ocean Dialogues

Famed oceanographer Sylvia Earle speaks at the Rio+20 Ocean Dialogues on 19 June 2012.

Click here to view the various excerpts.

No Commitment for the High Seas

The final draft conference text on oceans delays action on protecting international waters - just as civil society groups vote it top priority in their session. The United States denies it blocked progress - the High Seas Alliance coalition issues a stern rebuke.

No Commitment to the High Seas

Members of the High Seas Alliance (HSA) were profoundly disappointed by the decision to delay action on high seas protection in the conference text, despite some more promising measures to improve ocean health.

In an ironic twist of fate, the ocean dialogue – the voice of civil society and science - was concluding that high seas biodiversity protection should be a top priority for the Rio+20 Conference at exactly the same time as the negotiators were adopting a seriously weakened text.

Kogi Tribe warn: We are destroying the earth

In 1990, British filmmaker Alan Ereira made a film, about the Kogi tribe of Sierra Nevada. Hidden on an isolated triangular pyramid mountain in Colombia, the tribe had reluctantly been drawn into the modern world, to warn about the detrimental effects of mining and deforestation. Twenty years on, they have re-emerged, and made a new film - Aluna, and their message is even more urgent: we are destroying the earth.

Today, the Kogi tribe bring their film to the People's Summit at Rio+20 to urge immediate action from all people.  They were driven to share their messages because they see themselves as custodians of the world and are genuinely afraid of the escalation of what they have observed over the last 20 years.  The Kogi also have a firm belief that it is their duty to persuade us to stop destroying the natural earth.

A shortened version of the film, Aluna will be shown in the Blue Pavillion at the People's Summit at 19.00 this evening with the director Alan Ereira, and three members of the Kogi tribe answering questions.

Photo courtesy of Alan Ereria

Climate change leaves oceans "hot, sour and breathless"

A triple-whammy of rising temperatures, increased acid levels and lack of oxygen is destroying the world's oceans, according to scientists at the Rio+20 Earth Summit. Experts warn that small island states are being hit especially hard, with impacts on health, food and livelihoods.

Diplomatic row hits oceans negotiations at Earth Summit

A leading international marine lawyer explains to Oceans Inc that a diplomatic row between the US and the EU could derail negotiations at the Rio+20 Earth Summit.

Good news, Bad news at Rio+20 Oceans Day

There's good news and bad news at a special Oceans Day at the Rio+20 Earth Summit. Delegates hear encouraging signs that oceans are at last getting the attention they deserve in the negotiations - but speakers urge the politicians to take more decisive action to protect them.

Ocean Acidification could negatively affect 50% of marine organisms by the end of the century

An international partnership representing almost 100 marine science institutions is warning that the ocean faces a triple hit of climate change impacts that could negatively affect 50% of marine organisms by the end of the century.

Thousands flock to visit Greenpeace ship at Rio+20 Earth Summit

The Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior arrives in Rio to urge politicians and negotiators not to leave the oceans out of any new deal to protect the planet. Thousands of visitors take the chance to look round the organisation’s newest and greenest vessel.

Richard Branson Heads to Rio to Defend the Ocean

On route to the Rio+20 conference earlier today, Ocean Elder Richard Branson spoke of his hopes for the conference:

"We are going to Rio to focus on getting governments to come together to ensure the protection of our high seas. We’ll also be raising awareness of the importance of our wonderful oceans that deliver 50% of our oxygen.

Google Earth dives into the oceans at Rio+20

Oceans experts have teamed up with Google Earth to develop a new online tool to allow users to dive into the ocean and explore under the waves. The initiative was unveiled at the Rio+20 Earth Summit where campaigners are fighting for a new agreement to protect the environment.

Pew Marine Fellows - Management and MPA

Pew Marine Fellows talk about ocean management and MPA and how they can be addressed at Rio+20

US blamed for blocking negotiations at Rio+20 Earth Summit

As momentum builds at the Rio+20 Earth Summit, two leading oceans experts point the finger at US negotiators as the stumbling block for a new treaty, but praise Brazil for taking the lead.

Pew Marine Fellows - Ocean Threats

Pew Marine Fellows talk about ocean threats and how they can be addressed at Rio+20.

Oceans must be a priority at Rio+20 Earth Summit

Professor Alex Rogers, Scientific Director of the International Programme on the State of the Oceans (IPSO), reflects on a lack of progress on ocean protection in the twenty years since the original Earth Summit, and calls for greater action at Rio+20.

Google Earth being used as a unique environmental teaching tool

Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Ocean in Google Earth have teamed up to create a geo-referenced layer on Google Earth as an environmental education tool.

High Seas Alliance renew demand for strong ocean outcome at Rio+20

Members of the High Seas Alliance and the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition attending the Rio+20 UN sustainable development conference in Brazil have issued a statement on the ‘ocean’ section of the new negotiating text issued by the Brazilian government.

Rio+20 - Summit of the Seas?

Coverage in the Brazilian media over the the past 24 hours indicates that Rio+20 could 'go down in history as 'Summit of the Seas' and that the summit will conclude with a commitment to regulate the exploitation of high seas resources. Three articles have featured in the Folha de Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest circulation newspaper, since Thursday evening.

World Bank announces new Global Partnership for the Oceans

More than 80 governments, organisations and private companies have signed up for a new Global Partnership for the Oceans at the Rio+20 Earth Summit. The World Bank initiative focuses on reducing pollution, protecting habitat and sustainable fishing.

Day 1 of Oceansinc broadcasting at Rio+20

Oceans inc presenter Charlotte Smith talks to Sue
Lieberman of the Pew Environment Group about her aspirations for the Rio+20 Earth Summit and her views of the new Global Partnership for Oceans announced by the UN and the World Bank.

Brazil Steers Ocean Text in Negotiation

Negotiations are running into the night in Rio de Janiero as the Brazilian Government steers consultations towards an agreed text ahead of the Conference opening in three days.

Negotiation Phase Closes Without Agreement

With just three days to go before Heads of State arrive for the start of the formal Rio+20 Conference, scheduled negotiations have ended without agreement.

The process to determine agreed text for adoption by the conference has now been handed over to the Government of Brazil, which will conduct ‘pre-conference consultations’ and which has announced four working groups to achieve this including one for the Ocean.

The working groups begin at 1800 hours this evening. 

Photo courtesy of Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development

Countdown to broadcasting at Rio

News coverage and broadcasting from Rio+20 will commence on June 16th until the end of the Summit on the 22nd.  For latest news and information on Rio+20 prior to this, please refer to the 'Ocean Noise' section below.    You can also keep up to date with the latest news by following us on twitter @oceansincrio and follow the conversation at #oceansatio.  

International Youth and NGOs award USA first “Rio Fossil of the Day” at Earth Summit

At the opening of the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development the United States of America was awarded the inaugral Rio Fossil of the Day. The Rio Fossil Awards will be presented daily throughout the negotiations highlighting the country or countries who do the least to support progress (or the most to block it) on issues relevant to climate change, such as energy, forests, and the green economy.

Governments make 'pitiful' progress on oceans

Little has been done to protect marine life since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, conservation scientists conclude.

On pledges to protect key habitat and restrict the size of fishing fleets, they say progress has been "pitiful".

Their analysis is carried in the journal Science and is being discussed during final preparations for the Rio+20 summit, which opens next week.

Full Story at BBC

New Trailer: Planet Ocean

Planet Ocean is the new film directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Michael Pitiot produced by Hope with Omega's support, in association with Tara Expeditions, an Oceans inc Rio+20 partner.

BirdLife urges governments to ensure that biodiversity and nature are central to decisions taken on sustainable development

BirdLife is calling on governments attending Rio+20 to demonstrate global leadership to redirect the global economy towards a sustainable pathway. Among other qualities, a genuinely green economy must be centred on the principles of sustainable development as outlined in Agenda 21. It must be in harmony with nature, respect environmental limits, and recognise the crucial underpinning provided by biodiversity and ecosystem services, and thus the fundamental importance of nature conservation to economic prosperity and poverty eradication. It must use the effective solutions that nature offers to many global challenges, including water, food security and climate change. 

Read more

Impacto das atividades humanas sobre os oceanos é uma das preocupações da Rio+20

Proteger os oceanos deve ser uma das prioridades da Rio+20, alertam especialistas reunidos em debate promovido nesta quarta-feira no Riocentro. Poluição, pesca acima dos limites sustentáveis e lacunas na legislação internacional, sobretudo quando se trata de alto-mar, colocam os mares em grande risco. Diante de uma alarmante perda de biodiversidade, a Conferência da ONU no Rio é vista como o local e o momento para que uma nova regulamentação defenda os organismos que vivem sob as águas. A realidade, porém, é crítica. Apenas 36% dos oceanos são protegidos por alguma lei nacional, há menos de 1% da superfície do mar em áreas de proteção marítima.

Read more

World's largest network of marine protected areas includes massive fully protected marine reserve in Coral Sea

Australia is expected to announce an historic decision today to create the world's largest network of marine protected areas, including a massive fully protected marine reserve in the Coral Sea, a move hailed by the Pew Environment Group.

Peace Paddle

Laird Hamilton and Kelly Meyer lead a call for action to protect our oceans and hundreds join to show their support.

NRDC's Leila Monroe Talks about the Oceans and the Rio Earth Summit

Leila Monroe of NRDC's oceans program talks about oceans issues to be discussed at the Rio Earth Summit.

Countdown to broadcasting at Rio

News coverage and broadcasting from Rio+20 will commence on June 16th until the end of the Summit on the 22nd.  For latest news and information on Rio+20 prior to this, please refer to the 'Ocean Noise' section below.    You can also keep up to date with the latest news by following us on twitter @oceansincrio and follow the conversation at #oceansatio.  

The 'Blue Earth Summit' - Why Ocean protection must win at Rio+20

Identifying the Rio+20 Summit as a ‘once in a generation opportunity’, marine scientists and conservation organisations have called on Summit Leaders to produce meaningful, coordinated action to secure the future of the ocean and avoid a marine catastrophe.

Make the Ocean heard at Rio+20

As part of its commitment to make the Rio+20 Earth Summit responsive to public concerns, the ‘Rio Dialogues’ has now thrown open voting on critical resolutions for the Summit’s attention.

The resolutions cover a wide range of subjects and only 30 will be presented to world leaders. The High Seas Alliance (HSA) is calling on ocean supporters to help push the resolution concerned with creating a global agreement to save high seas biodiversity.

With the title “Launch a global agreement to save high seas marine biodiversity” the HSA supported resolution is designed to achieve large-scale protection for the ocean and speaks directly to Summit text under negotiation.

HSA Coordinator Susanna Fuller said, “Rio+20 is a huge opportunity to achieve an implementing agreement for the high seas. Such an agreement would allow us to have protected areas on the high seas, and better regulate the environmental impact of things like deep sea mining - it would result in real protection that is desperately needed."

People can register their vote here. Select oceans and then Launch a global agreement to save high seas marine biodiversity. The vote closes on 14th June.

Photo courtesy of Rio+20 Dialogues

Rio+20: Turn the Tide for Our Ocean

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development will bring representatives from around the world to Rio. Learn why global leaders must seize this opportunity for action to protect our oceans in this animation from the Pew Environment Group and the Zoological Society of London.

Key problems affecting the oceans

Dr. Alex Rogers gives an overview and some suggested solutions.

Ending Overfishing

The ocean's most soluble problem, overfishing, explained in animation.

Ocean of Life

ocean inc's Charlotte Smith discusses ocean degradation with marine scientist and author Callum Roberts.