In 1992 the United Nations held the Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil beginning a global process to create a sustainable future. 

Ten years later the World Summit on Sustainable Development continued this effort in Johannesburg, South Africa. Important progress, such as the Millennium Development Goals and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, grew out of each Earth Summit.

Now, 20 years after the first Earth Summit heads of state from all around the globe will gather again in Rio de Janeiro for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20.  The two themes of this conference are 1) the green economy within the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, and 2) building an institutional framework for sustainable development.  Recognizing the significance of the oceans to any effort for a Green economy and a sustainable future, a group of Pacific Island nations introduced the concept of a ‘Blue Economy.’

Oceana fully supports this effort to address issues affecting the oceans. As part of the preparations for Rio+20, Oceana submitted a comment letter to assist the United Nations as they shape the discussions that will take place at the Summit.