Trade and Environment Review 2023

This edition examines the current and emerging cross-cutting role of the ocean in advancing economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. It builds on the discussions and outcomes of the Fourth United Nations Oceans Forum on trade-related aspects of SDG 14, life below water, which took place in Geneva from 6 to 8 April 2022. The Review examines and provides an analysis of several key and emerging topics for the ocean economy, including the seaweed sector as a lever for a sustainable economic recovery; fisheries subsidies and non-tariff measures (NTMs); the decarbonization of shipping and maritime supply chains; and plastic litter and other ocean waste challenges. It explores these issues, identifies the main opportunities and challenges and concludes by offering a bottom-up menu of action-oriented policy recommendations for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and coastal developing countries. It calls for a “Blue Deal” on trade and finance to accelerate the implementation of SDG 14 and identify practical yet far-reaching development paths towards a sustainable, resilient and inclusive ocean economy by 2030 and beyond.