The Ocean Stewardship Coalition, an initiative of the UN Global Compact, has announced the release of the “Plankton Manifesto,” a groundbreaking document highlighting the crucial role of plankton in addressing climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The manifesto was unveiled on September 23, 2024, during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating that the manifesto is a significant step forward in tackling the global environmental crises. Ojiambo stressed that plankton, often overlooked, form the foundation of marine ecosystems and are essential in combating climate change and pollution. By protecting plankton, humanity is safeguarding a vital component of Earth’s life support system and ensuring the future resilience of oceans and freshwater ecosystems. Plankton, microscopic organisms that have been around for over 3.5 billion years, play an important role in sustaining life on Earth. They produce a large part of the earth’s health, take up a lot of carbon, and are responsible for 99% of the ocean’s biological carbon pump. Plankton also clean water and recycle nutrients, supporting marine life and the livelihoods of more than 12 percent of the world’s population through fisheries and aquaculture. Additionally, plankton in freshwater systems affects the availability of drinking water for millions of people. Although important, the threat of plankton is serious and not fully understood.
The Plankton Manifesto calls for urgent global recognition and action to protect these organisms. It proposes “Plankton-Based Solutions” that utilize advances in technology such as DNA sequencing, satellite monitoring, and AI-assisted image analysis to improve the understanding and protection of plankton. The manifesto outlines several key recommendations, including enhancing research and monitoring efforts, raising public awareness of plankton’s importance, and incorporating plankton into international climate and biodiversity discussions. It urges the inclusion of plankton conservation in climate policies and the integration of plankton indicators in biodiversity frameworks. Developed by a team of 30 international experts, the Plankton Manifesto will seek endorsements at global environmental conferences, including COP29 on Climate, COP16 on Biodiversity, and the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2025. Through this program, the UN’s Global Compact seeks to promote the role of plankton in the world’s efforts to protect the environment and ensure a healthy life for all.