SDG Target #14.a

SDG #14 is to “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.”

Within SDG #14 are 10 targets, of which we here focus on Target 14.a:

Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries 

Target 14.a has one indicator:

• Indicator 14.a.1: Proportion of total research budget allocated to research in the field of marine technology

Part XIV of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea says:

States, directly or through competent international organizations, shall cooperate in accordance with their capabilities to promote actively the development and transfer of marine science and marine technology on fair and reasonable terms and conditions

The criteria and guidelines mentioned in the text of Target 14.a guide how to put into effect Part XIV of the Law of the Sea. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission is a unit of UNESCO focused on ocean science. This same body publishes the Global Ocean Science Report, which updates the latest on ocean science.

As of 2022, the leaders in funding of ocean science and research are Norway and Peru, each spending greater than 5% of GDP on such efforts. The worldwide spending equals 1% of gross world product.