Science-based targets can protect oceans

WWF analyzed 25 frameworks across the marine renewables, shipping, tourism, and coastal development sectors, finding that most address ocean health only tangentially or lack sectoral granularity. The report argues for a holistic approach to science-based targets based on three pillars: capabilities, collaboration, and communication, emphasizing the need to move beyond 'do no harm' toward restoration and regeneration.

• An analysis of 25 frameworks relevant to marine renewables, shipping, tourism, and coastal development revealed that many only address ocean health tangentially, lack granularity regarding specific ocean pressures, or lack guidance tailored to sectoral challenges, leading to fragmented efforts.
• Current frameworks tend to prioritize avoidance and reduction strategies, while more complex efforts such as restoration, regeneration, and transformation are frequently overlooked.
• WWF recommends that science-based targets be structured around three pillars: Capabilities (balancing ambition with feasibility and standardizing measurement), Collaboration (aligning with standards like TNFD and EU CSRD), and Communication (engaging policymakers and financial institutions).
• To improve ocean health targets, the report suggests moving from a 'do no harm' approach to incorporating long-term regeneration strategies and linking ocean pressures to financial risks and opportunities.

APA

WWF International (n.d.). Science-based targets can protect oceans. https://www.worldwildlife.org/our-work/sustainability/business/science-based-targets-can-protect-oceans/

Chicago

WWF International. Science-based targets can protect oceans. n.d. https://www.worldwildlife.org/our-work/sustainability/business/science-based-targets-can-protect-oceans/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Science-based targets can protect oceans |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/our-work/sustainability/business/science-based-targets-can-protect-oceans/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfinternationalndsciencebased, author = {{WWF International}}, title = {{Science-based targets can protect oceans}}, institution = {WWF International}, url = {https://www.worldwildlife.org/our-work/sustainability/business/science-based-targets-can-protect-oceans/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }