Code Blue: Digital Solutions for a Changing Ocean

Despite the ocean's vital role in sustaining life and livelihoods, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) remains one of the least funded goals within the global ODA landscape, highlighting a critical gap in international support. At the recent “Our Ocean, Our Action” held in Busan, Korea, this concern was brought to the forefront with a renewed call to shift from an “ocean crisis” toward an “ocean of hope.” Among its key themes, the conference introduced “ocean digital” as a priority agenda—recognizing that harnessing digital technologies is essential to systematically advance ocean sustainability.

For instance, AI tools are expected to play a critical role in enhancing fisheries management and marine protected area (MPA) surveillance—particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where vast ocean territories often outpace limited monitoring capacity. Advanced technologies such as satellite imagery and drone-based systems can provide real-time, high-resolution data to support enforcement and conservation efforts in remote marine zones. In addition, emerging techniques like environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling offer promising solutions for more efficient and cost-effective marine biodiversity monitoring, which can greatly benefit SIDS as they work to protect fragile ecosystems with limited resources.

By bringing together partners from the government, ODA agencies, and NGOs, this side events serves as a platform for identifying need at forefront, exchanging knowledge and experience through real cases, exploring the potential of technological innovation for a better marine environment and sustainability.

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