Eman ta Zabal Zazu Garapen Iraunkorrerako 14. Helburuaren alde: itsaspeko bizitza... eta bizia

Abstract

In 2015, the United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), launching a roadmap for a more sustainable future of our planet. The objectives were born aimed at suggesting a feasible plan until 2030, which would respond to all the challenges we face as a planet and species: the Universal Agenda for 2030. Among them, SDG 14, that of life bellow water, can be considered one of the most transversal, since the oceans represent 99% of the space where life thrives in this planet. Life was initiated at sea, where living organisms found accommodation and a place to develop and evolve. From there some living beings would disembark on land and “and once upon a time from such dust unwillingly, we were born”, bringing somehow the words of the song to our subject. Like us, the trace of this salt water remains in our fluids and in the solute concentration in our blood. The oceans are the main feature of the planet, as they cover almost three quarters of the Earth and are fundamental to its survival. The seas are the Earth's respiratory system: marine phytoplankton produces 50% of the oxygen for life and absorbs 30% of the world's carbon dioxide. The oceans regulate climate and temperature, making the planet habitable for very diverse forms of life. However, the analyses carried out on SDG 14, the Ocean Health Index and the Sustainable Development Report, suggest that we are not addressing its objectives very well in order to achieve the goal for 2030. More knowledge is needs and therefore the United Nations has declared that the decade 2021-2030 will be the “Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development”. The scientists, technicians and students that carry out research in marine research infrastructures such as the Plentzia Marine Station (PiE-UPV/EHU) will be relevant for the next decade.