Mexico takes a historic step in the protection and sustainable use of its marine heritage with the launch of its Sustainable Ocean Plan (POS), the main national planning instrument that will guide the country’s public policy for the comprehensive management of seas and coasts.
Published yesterday in the Official Gazette of the Federation, the instrument, formally called the National Policy for the Sustainable Management of Seas and Coasts of Mexico, establishes a long-term vision that translates the country’s international commitments into concrete, measurable and coordinated actions, aligned with the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The adoption of the Sustainable Ocean Plan (POS) stems from Mexico’s accession to the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, a multilateral initiative comprised of 19 leading countries committed to sustainably managing 100% of their marine areas. Within this framework, the Inter-Ministerial Commission for the Sustainable Management of Seas and Coasts (CIMARES) determined that the updated National Policy for Seas and Coasts would serve as the country’s Sustainable Ocean Plan.
The Plan is the result of more than two years of technical and inter-institutional work, as well as an unprecedented consultation process with various sectors. It integrates strategic themes such as sustainable fishing and aquaculture, blue tourism, the conservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems, and the strengthening of ocean science and knowledge, structured into 6 objectives, 17 strategies, and 91 lines of action, with clear goals and a defined timeframe.
In a global context where, despite its relevance to life on the planet, Sustainable Development Goal 14 “Life Below Water” continues to be the least funded, receiving less than 1% of total SDG funding, the Policy incorporates an innovative financing strategy, which recognizes the key role of non-governmental actors and the private sector in mobilizing resources and closing the financial gap of the ocean agenda.
With this announcement, Mexico reaffirms its regional and international leadership as one of the first countries to have a comprehensive ocean planning instrument, recognizing the fundamental role of the ocean for environmental protection, economic development, and the well-being of communities. At the same time, the country reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, and collective action to advance toward a healthy, productive, and resilient ocean.