JOHANNESBURG - As the Ocean20 Social Engagement Group enters its second year of official recognition, it stands as a vital reminder that our future is closely tied to the health of the oceans.
The Ocean20 initiative aims to balance ocean use for human benefit with conservation for long-term resilience, a challenge requiring cooperation across all sectors of society.
Under South Africa's G20 Presidency, Ocean20 builds on the groundwork laid by Indonesia, India and Brazil to enhance the global dialogue and create actionable outcomes for African nations and the Global South, with a focus on inclusivity, equity and long-term sustainability in ocean governance.
The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface, drives global trade, shapes climate and weather patterns, provides food for billions and supports tourism.
Yet many people remain unaware of their daily dependence on oceans.
Events like Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which devastated parts of southern Africa in 2023, illustrate the ocean's powerful and far-reaching influence on both coastal and inland communities.
Ocean20 South Africa also brought "the ocean inland", encouraging youth far from the coast to pursue ocean-related careers and understand their connection to ocean systems through rivers and climate.
By integrating with other G20 engagement groups, Ocean20 South Africa has positioned itself to promote inclusivity and opportunity, working on a policy brief to highlight the economic role of women fishers, and creating the Early Career Ocean Network for South Africa to connect emerging marine science and maritime ocean professionals.
The group advocates a sustainable ocean economy, which could do much to enhance the economies of South Africa and the continent.
For this, sound policies, financing mechanisms and innovation are needed.
Globally, the ocean economy is valued at US$2.6-trillion (about R45-trillion). It is central to trade and energy.
Ocean20 advocates structured approaches to sustainable ocean finance, aligning investment and regulation to scale blue economy initiatives.
Ocean20 South Africa dubbed 2025 "the Year of the Ocean" to celebrate milestones like South Africa's signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (also known as the High Seas Treaty) in June in France.
As two-thirds of the ocean lies beyond national jurisdictions, this is an important development in maintaining global marine protection.
Enduring success – across all G20 goals – depends on maintaining healthy, resilient oceans.
- Nicole du Plessis and Tamaryn Morris both work for the South African Environmental Observation Network, a National Research Foundation facility.