Introduction
The WAVES Summit 2025 (World Action for a Viable Environment and Sustainability) emerged as one of the most significant global gatherings focused on climate resilience, marine sustainability, and blue economy. Organized with the joint effort of UNEP, World Bank, and host nations in the Asia-Pacific region, the Summit brought together world leaders, policymakers, scientists, civil society organizations, and private sector entities.
In the backdrop of worsening climate indicators, the summit emphasized the urgency of collaborative global action, especially around oceans, coastal ecosystems, and sustainable marine resources.
What is the WAVES Summit?
- Full Form:
- World Action for a Viable Environment and Sustainability
- Theme for 2025:
- “Revive the Blue: Harnessing Ocean Potential for a Greener Tomorrow”
- Host City: Male, Maldives
- Organized by:
- Government of Maldives in partnership with the World Bank, UNEP, UNDP, and regional forums like IORA and SAARC
- Dates:
- 5th – 9th March 2025
Background of WAVES
The WAVES initiative was originally launched in 2010 by the World Bank under the Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) project. Its objective was to integrate natural capital into national accounting systems.
Over the years, the initiative expanded into a global environmental diplomacy platform, evolving into a full-fledged summit by 2021, focusing on marine sustainability and the blue economy.
Key Objectives of WAVES 2025
- Promote Sustainable Use of Ocean Resources
- Strengthen Blue Economy Initiatives
- Enhance Climate Resilience of Coastal Communities
- Promote Marine Biodiversity and Coastal Ecosystem Conservation
- Encourage Green Financing and Technology for Ocean Health
- Ensure Equity and Inclusion in Ocean Governance
- Promote South-South Cooperation in Marine Conservation
Legal and Policy Frameworks Discussed
- UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)
- BBNJ Treaty (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction)
- IMO’s Maritime Emission Standards
- Basel Convention on Marine Plastic Waste
Countries also deliberated on a “Global Treaty on Ocean Plastics”, which may be finalized by 2026
Key Highlights and Outcomes
1. Male Ocean Declaration 2025
The flagship outcome of the summit, the Male Ocean Declaration, was adopted by 93 participating countries. It laid out a 10-year action roadmap for:
- Halving marine pollution by 2035
- Protecting 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030
- Ensuring fair and inclusive ocean governance
- Creating a global fund for small island states
2. Global Blue Finance Framework (GBFF)
The World Bank and IMF jointly launched the GBFF to mobilize $150 billion for marine restoration, clean ports, sustainable fisheries, and carbon-neutral shipping.
3. Launch of Ocean Data Alliance (ODA)
This platform will serve as a centralized repository for satellite data, marine biodiversity indicators, and climate-vulnerability mapping to aid in decision-making and policy planning.
4. Green Shipping Charter
Over 40 countries pledged to reduce carbon emissions from the maritime sector by adopting zero-emission fuels, better logistics, and electrified ports.
5. Recognition of Island Leadership
Special sessions highlighted leadership by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as the Maldives, Fiji, Seychelles, and Mauritius in driving marine sustainability agendas.
WAVES vs. Other Global Summits
| Feature | WAVES 2025 | UN Ocean Conference | COP28 (Climate) | Our Ocean Summit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Blue economy, sustainable marine use | Marine conservation | Global climate change | Marine protection |
| Organizer | World Bank, UNEP | United Nations | UNFCCC | Government partnerships |
| Geographic Focus | Asia-Pacific, global | Global | Global | Global |
| Key Output | Male Ocean Declaration | Lisbon Declaration | Global Stocktake | Commitments tracker |
Importance of Blue Economy
The concept of the Blue Economy was a major theme at WAVES 2025. It refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health.
Key Components:
- Marine fisheries and aquaculture
- Marine biotechnology
- Renewable ocean energy (wave, tidal)
- Coastal tourism
- Port infrastructure
- Maritime transport
India, for example, has included the Blue Economy in its Vision 2047 (Amrit Kaal Agenda).
India’s Role at WAVES 2025
India was a key participant and showcased the following initiatives:
- Samudra Shakti Mission:
- For marine biodiversity conservation
- Deep Ocean Mission:
- Harnessing resources from the seabed
- SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region):
- Maritime cooperation strategy
- Sustainable Fishing Reforms:
- To protect overfishing and promote marine livelihoods
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change reiterated India’s commitment to Net Zero by 2070, and ocean-linked climate adaptation.
Role of Indigenous and Local Communities
The Summit emphasized the inclusion of traditional knowledge systems, especially from:
- Coastal fisherfolk
- Indigenous maritime communities
- Tribal communities living in mangrove zones
India showcased Chilika Lake’s co-managed conservation model as an example of indigenous participation.
Challenges Discussed at WAVES 2025
- At the WAVES Summit 2025, global leaders identified several pressing challenges hampering marine sustainability.
- Chief among them was the alarming rise in marine pollution, especially microplastics and industrial waste choking coastal and deep-sea ecosystems.
- The issue of overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing was highlighted as a major threat to marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
- Experts also stressed the lack of reliable ocean data, hindering scientific monitoring and policy implementation.
- Additionally, the slow progress in blue finance mobilization, limited capacity-building in island nations, and the exclusion of indigenous knowledge systems from mainstream ocean governance emerged as structural challenges.
- The Summit called for urgent global cooperation, robust funding mechanisms, and stronger legal frameworks to overcome these hurdles.
| Challenge | Details |
|---|---|
| Marine Pollution | Over 12 million tons of plastic waste enter oceans annually |
| Climate Change | Coral bleaching, sea-level rise, acidification |
| Overfishing | 34% of fish stocks are overexploited |
| Maritime Security | Illegal fishing, piracy, geopolitical conflicts |
| Financing Gap | Lack of dedicated funds for small island nations |
Recommendations from the Summit
- Blue Carbon Markets:
- Recognize mangroves, seagrasses in carbon trading.
- Technology Transfer:
- Equip developing nations with satellite and sonar tools.
- Marine Spatial Planning:
- Balance conservation with economic use.
- Community-led Conservation:
- Empower coastal women and fisherfolk.
- Ocean Literacy:
- Integrate marine science in school curriculums.
Conclusion
The WAVES Summit 2025 reaffirmed that the health of our oceans is non-negotiable if we are to achieve sustainable development. With rising climate threats, marine biodiversity loss, and geopolitical tensions in maritime zones, the summit acted as a confluence of science, policy, and cooperation. For aspirants of civil services and future policymakers, understanding the outcomes and vision of WAVES 2025 offers valuable insight into the global environmental governance architecture and India’s proactive stance on sustainability.
