Heaptalk, Jakarta – Back to blue, a new initiative from The Economist Group and The Nippon Foundation, launches today at the 8th annual World Ocean Summit. With an initial focus on ocean pollution, the three-year collaboration responds to the escalating challenges posed by plastic pollution and, less visibly, pollution from nutrients and chemical contaminants that are damaging ocean life and ecosystems, and in turn, human health. The program, now under development, has been supported by findings from a Back to Blue global survey* which place plastic pollution (59.6% of respondents) and chemical pollution (39.1%) as the top two concerns, followed by climate change (31.1%).
The opportunity to embark on original research, stimulate fresh dialogue, and explore new solutions to the vexing problems posed by pollution in the ocean motivates both organizations. Through its World Ocean Initiative and World Ocean Summit, the Economist Group has been fostering a global conversation on the greatest challenges facing the seas. With its diverse programs building and nurturing ocean networks, research, and professionals, the Nippon Foundation has a global reputation for championing ocean science and health. The Back to Blue initiative brings together two organizations that share a common understanding of the need for evidence-based approaches and solutions to the pressing issues faced by the ocean, offering a powerful platform from which to accelerate momentum for improving ocean health.
During remarks at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two organizations, Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of The Nippon Foundation, warned that “we are much aware of the land-based problems that occur around us[…]; however, when it comes to an understanding the multifaceted problems of the ocean that covers 70% of the earth surface, I believe that our understanding is still impoverished. This is already a threat to human security for every individual on this planet.”
Echoing these sentiments, Lord Deighton, chairman of The Economist Group, said: “We [at The Economist Group] have also developed our own passion for the ocean. We held our first World Ocean Summit in 2012 after we had argued in the newspaper that the seas were in trouble and that human activities were having a profound impact on ocean health. A decade or so later, we are more committed than ever to our vision of an ocean in robust health and with a vital economy. The ocean is too big to fail.”
Speaking on the Back to Blue initiative at the launch event, Charles Goddard, editorial director at The Economist Group, noted that “defining and heading towards a pollution-free ocean is an enormous challenge, as we already see in the many extraordinary efforts to address plastic pollution. We hope that Back to Blue can contribute vital new knowledge and perspectives on contaminants in the ocean and the global architecture of engagement needed to address them. The urgency is genuine.”
*In January 2021, The Economist Group, in cooperation with The Nippon Foundation, undertook two related surveys—one of industry and public-sector executives, the other of the general public (global citizens)—better to understand their views and priorities around key ocean issues. The survey was conducted to provide a reference point for the Back to Blue initiative among the global audience. We expect engaging and seek feedback on the initiative’s direction and relevance us gauge progress towards our goals.
