Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

Healthy oceans and seas are essential to our existence. They cover 70 percent of our planet and we rely on them for food, energy and water. Yet, we have managed to do tremendous damage to these precious resources. We must protect them by eliminating pollution and overfishing and immediately start to responsibly manage and protect all marine life around the world.

In recent times, the country has experienced droughts and floods – Cyclone Idai in the NANGO Eastern Region (Manicaland Province) where people are being cut off from the water they rely on. Rising sea levels can lead to saltwater infiltrating freshwater sources, rendering the water undrinkable. This is already happening in low-lying coastal areas and Small Island Developing States ─ home to roughly 25 per cent of the world’s population.

UNICEF supports Small Island Developing States and other communities impacted by rising sea levels, higher levels of drought and water stress, heavier rainfall and flooding, and the melting of snow, glacier and sea ice. We do this by ensuring access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services.