Later this month, government representatives, civil society organizations, scientists and business leaders from around the world will gather in Nairobi, Kenya, for the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), the world's highest environmental decision-making body. will be done. . Discussions are expected to focus on how science, data and digital technologies such as Marine Sandwatch can support the transition to more responsible mining and the sustainable use of minerals and metals.
Following UNEA's fifth session, UNEP conducted intergovernmental consultations to identify priority issues related to mining and metals management. Countries have been discussing the establishment of broader geosand observatories to further strengthen scientific, technical and policy knowledge.
Marine Sand Watch uses a type of short-range radio signal mounted on large boats to record their movements. Advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence will analyze their movements and look for telltale signs of dredging. These may include short back and forth movements.
In its first few months of operation, Ocean Sandwatch uncovered inadequate dredging practices around the world. Dredging hotspots have been found off the coasts of Europe, North America, Western Asia, and East Asia. Researchers believe that in some places the sand was used to shore up beaches and harbors, and to build artificial islands.
From 2018 to 2022, up to one-sixth of the dredging took place in marine reserves, or areas designated as reserves for aquatic life.
“One of the main things that has become clear in recent months is how common dredging operations are in protected areas,” says Peduzzi. “Frankly, this is an alarming development because dredging is very destructive and these areas are often very ecologically sensitive.”
Sand and gravel are important parts of marine ecosystems. They form a bridge between land and sea, buffering coastlines from storms and protecting coastal aquifers from salt damage. They also support countless plants and animals. Peduzzi said marine life is often destroyed by dredgers, which he compared to giant vacuum cleaners. “All the microorganisms in the sand are crushed and there's nothing left. If you remove all the sand and the rock is exposed, nothing will recover.”
In 2022, countries around the world signed the Global Biodiversity Framework, a landmark agreement to protect and restore nature. One of the goals of the agreement includes protecting 30 percent of the ocean. Marine Sandwatch helps track how protected these areas are, Peduzzi says.
Global standards needed
The data collected by Marine Sand Watch does more than just track offshore dredging. You can also identify ports that specialize in sand trade and estimate the total amount of sand extracted in a particular country.
Peduzzi suspects that most of the sand is being dredged legally by companies operating with concessions granted by the government. The platform will help countries ensure that dredging companies protect licensed areas that have undergone environmental impact assessments. Mr Peduzzi said countries could receive monitoring support from UNEP/GRID Geneva.
Marine Sand Watch monitors approximately 60% of all dredgers worldwide, with a goal of 100% coverage.
There is no global standard for sand extraction. Peduzzi hopes Marine Sand Watch will help change the game and encourage discussion about best practices. The platform is designed to help developing countries strengthen their ability to monitor their environments.
“Countries and the dredging sector need to consider sand as a strategic material,” says Peduzzi. “We must move quickly to consult on how to develop international standards for ocean dredging to minimize environmental impacts.”
The Sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) will be held from February 26 to March 1, 2024 at the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. As the world's premier environmental decision-making body, UNEA aims to restore harmony between humanity and nature and improve the lives of the world's most vulnerable people. UNEA-6 will focus on how multilateralism can address the triple global crisis of climate change, loss of nature and biodiversity, pollution and waste.