Part III Human Health and Human Rights, 13 Healthy Oceans for Healthy Lives: The Contribution of the World Health Organization to Global Ocean Governance

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the contribution of the World Health Organization (WHO) to global ocean governance. It first provides an overview of ‘oceans and human health’ as a new interdisciplinary area of research before discussing the range of benefits to human health provided by the oceans as well as the public health risks associated with the degradation of coastal and ocean water quality due to anthropogenic and natural hazards. It then examines the WHO’s institutional profile and position in the United Nations system, its governing texts and governing bodies, and competence and activity in the field of environmental health. It also considers the important role played by the WHO in global ocean governance, highlighting specific areas of intervention, and its commitment to ocean-related Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, it analyses the potential for a strengthened and more visible role of the WHO in ocean governance.