This month, government officials, civil society groups, scientists and business leaders from around the world will gather in Nairobi, Kenya for the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), the world's preeminent decision-making body. The environmental debate is expected to explore how science, data and digital technologies such as Marine Sand Watch can support the transition to more responsible mining and sustainable use of minerals and metals.
Following the fifth session of UNEA, UNEP organized an intergovernmental consultation to identify priority issues related to metal mining and management. The countries discussed the creation of a larger global sand observatory to further strengthen scientific, technical and policy knowledge.
The maritime hourglass uses a type of short-range radio signal on large ships to track their movements. Advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence then analyze these movements for telltale signs of dredging. Slight forward and backward movements are possible.
In its first months of operation, Marine Sand Watch identified poor dredging practices around the world. Dredging sites have been discovered off the coasts of Europe, North America, West and East Asia. Researchers believe that in several places the sand was used to build beaches, protect harbors and build artificial islands.
Between 2018 and 2022, a sixth of dredging took place in marine protected areas, which were intended to become protected areas for underwater life.
“One of the biggest discoveries in recent months has been the frequency of dredging in protected areas,” Peduzzi said. “Frankly, this is a worrying development because dredging is very destructive and these areas are often very sensitive to the environment.”
Sand and gravel are important components of marine ecosystems. They form a bridge between land and sea, protecting the coast from storms and protecting coastal aquifers from salinization. They also support a wide range of plants and animals. According to Peduzzi, underwater life is often eclipsed by dredging vessels, which he compares to giant vacuum cleaners. “All the microorganisms in the sand burn out, and nothing remains,” “If you pour all the sand onto a bare rock, nothing will be saved.”
In 2022, countries around the world signed the Global Biodiversity Framework, a landmark agreement to protect and restore nature. One of the goals of the agreement is to protect 30% of the oceans. Sea Sand Watch could help monitor the level of protection in these areas, Peduzzi said.
Need a global standard
The data collected by Marine Sand Watch goes beyond monitoring offshore dredging. It can identify ports that specialize in sand trading and calculate the total amount of sand mined in a particular country.
Peduzzi suspects that most of the sand is mined legally by companies operating under government concessions. The platform can help countries ensure that dredging companies stick to approved areas through environmental impact assessments. Peduzzi said countries could receive additional support from UNEP/GRID in Geneva.
Marine Sand Watch monitors approximately 60% of all dredging vessels worldwide and strives for 100% coverage.
There are no global standards for sand mining. Peduzzi hopes Marine Sand Watch can help change that and stimulate discussion about best practices. The platform also aims to help developing countries strengthen their environmental monitoring capabilities.
“We need the country and the dredging industry to look at sand as a strategic component,” Peduzzi said. “We need to move quickly forward in negotiations to create an international standard for offshore dredging to reduce environmental impacts.”
The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) will take place from 26 February to 1 March 2024 at the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya. As the world's highest decision-making body on environmental issues, UNEA's mission is to restore harmony between people and nature and improve the lives of the world's most vulnerable people. UNEA-6 will look at how multilateralism can help tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, pollution and waste.
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