SDG14: Life below water

Why it matters

SDG 14 centres on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources. Despite certain advancements in the expansion of marine protected areas and efforts to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in recent years, the oceans remain threatened by rising acidification, eutrophication and levels of plastic pollution, along with declining fish populations.

The industry’s contribution

Mobile technology plays a crucial role in advancing SDG 14 by providing technical platforms that serve as channels for capturing and accessing information. As these platforms continue to expand, the mobile industry’s contribution to SDG 14 has grown. Notably, IoT solutions have gained momentum in various markets, supporting the management of coastal marine ecosystems, including fisheries.

These solutions offer a cost-effective means of monitoring biodiversity, especially for small island developing states, least developed states and artisanal fisheries. Additionally, mobile technologies have the potential to make a significant impact on addressing ocean pollution, protecting marine species and promoting conservation initiatives. For example, the mobile industry can help combat poaching activities and safeguard critical marine habitats by supporting the deployment of connected drones.

There was a slight decrease in the SDG 14 mobile impact score in 2022, which can primarily be attributed to a reduction in the number of people in rural areas utilising mobile devices for tasks such as obtaining information about products and services. It is vital to grow such mobile usage among fishing communities, ensuring they have access to critical information with a short lifespan, such as market prices, that can greatly impact their livelihoods.

SDG 14 mobile impact score

Source: GSMA Intelligence

Maximising mobile’s impact by 2030

Increasing access and affordability of connectivity in the most remote locations will be crucial to maximising mobile’s contribution to SDG 14. This remains a challenge, as GSM networks are still underrepresented in remote locations (e.g. artisanal fishing communities), where mobile solutions can play a significant role in providing essential information.

The SDGs are the agreed agenda for Global Development. In recent years their progress was derailed due to Covid, inflation and economic recessions. Only with the use of connectivity by poor families can they still be reached. We need digital inclusion for relevant telemedicine, distance education, e commerce and e finance. It is a fundamental challenge of our generation.

Carlos M Jarque, Executive Director of International Relations and Government and Corporate Affairs, America Movil

Case Studies

eFishery & Telkomsel