Aquarium Conservation Partnership awarded two-year NOAA marine debris grant – Blooloop

Aquarium Conservation Partnership Advances Marine Debris Reduction Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), a coalition of aquariums and zoos dedicated to aquatic conservation, has been awarded a two-year grant of $350,771 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program. This funding aims to develop and implement a comprehensive digital and in-person public engagement campaign to inspire and engage visitors in reducing marine debris and plastic pollution. This initiative directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Grant Objectives and SDG Alignment

1. Enhance Education and Engagement: Increase the capacity of ACP member aquariums and zoos to educate and inspire audiences to take action against plastic pollution, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
2. Measure and Communicate Impact: Support the measurement, evaluation, and communication of collective plastic reduction commitments among ACP members, promoting transparency and accountability aligned with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Collective Effort to Combat Plastic Pollution

Kim McIntyre, Executive Director of ACP, emphasized the ongoing impacts of plastic pollution on ocean and freshwater ecosystems, human health, and communities. She highlighted that addressing this complex issue requires collective action beyond individual efforts. By uniting aquariums, zoos, communities, and businesses nationwide, the partnership aims to drive meaningful and lasting change, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future in line with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Implementation and Member Involvement

• Seven ACP member institutions, including the California Academy of Sciences, The Florida Aquarium, Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Seattle Aquarium, and Shedd Aquarium, will each receive a $20,000 sub-award.
• Funds will be allocated to create and install educational and operational signage promoting plastic reduction and reusable systems, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• The grant will also facilitate the development of a plastic dashboard tool in partnership with Verdis Group, alongside a toolkit and microsite to encourage public calls to action, enhancing community engagement and innovation.

Supporting National Strategies and Future Goals

ACP’s efforts align with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution, which aims to eliminate plastic waste release into the environment by 2040. This collaboration reinforces global commitments to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, advancing SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Conclusion

The ACP’s NOAA-funded initiative exemplifies a strategic, collaborative approach to reducing marine debris and plastic pollution. By integrating education, innovation, and community engagement, the partnership contributes significantly to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, fostering a sustainable and resilient aquatic environment for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on reducing marine debris and plastic pollution, which directly impacts ocean and freshwater ecosystems.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The initiative promotes sustainable practices such as eliminating single-use plastics and encouraging reusable systems.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The Aquarium Conservation Partnership is a coalition of aquariums and zoos working collectively, highlighting the importance of partnerships and collaboration.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 14.1
   • Measurement of marine debris reduction and plastic pollution levels in aquatic ecosystems, implied by the grant’s focus on measuring, evaluating, and communicating plastic reduction commitments.
2. Indicator for SDG 12.5
   • Tracking reduction in single-use plastic consumption and increased adoption of reusable systems within aquariums and zoos, supported by educational signage and operational changes.
3. Indicator for SDG 17.17
   • Number and effectiveness of partnerships formed, as reflected by the coalition of aquariums and zoos working collectively and the collaborative development of tools such as the plastic dashboard and toolkit.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: blooloop.com