The conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources form the core of SDG 14. Oceans, coastal areas and marine resources are important to human well-being, and social and economic development. They are crucial for people living in coastal communities.  The world's oceans and their resources are particularly vulnerable to climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation. New and innovative solutions that prevent and mitigate detrimental impacts to marine environments are essential to ocean sustainability.

"With WATO's awareness raising and our implementation experience, we hope to inspire people to make more sustainable lifestyle choices that help oceans and the environment," said UNOPS Executive Director, Grete Faremo.

The new partnership was announced on 22 April in Washington, DC, at the third Sustainable Oceans Summit, hosted by the Sustainable Oceans Alliance and Georgetown University.

"It is an honour to receive the incredible support of UNOPS and everyone at WATO is excited to begin the partnership. We have some fantastic and forward-thinking initiatives up our sleeves, and we can't wait to start rolling those out in the coming weeks and months," said WATO Founder Daisy Kendrick.

At the Sustainable Oceans Summit, Ms. Faremo highlighted the importance of the UN partnering with the private sector in support of the Global Goals.

"Small island states and low-lying coastal countries are extremely vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. UNOPS has experience in many of these countries," said Ms. Faremo.

"WATO has been conceived to speak directly to young people, to motivate them to take action on oceans," said Ms. Kendrick.

At the Sustainable Oceans Summit, WATO launched their new online game, The Big Catch. The game aims to educate players about endangered marine life and how harmful plastics affect oceans.

More information on WATO can be found here.