Methodology
To track progress transparently and openly, the Ocean Panel Secretariat conducted two self-assessment surveys with its member country focal points (the UAE, which joined during report production, was not included in the assessments). The first survey focused on each country’s progress in developing and implementing its Sustainable Ocean Plan. The second survey evaluated self-assessed progress against the 74 priority actions outlined in the Transformations agenda, focusing on 26 key priority action areas. Data are accurate as of June 2024.
We selected this subset of 26 actions to ensure comprehensive coverage across members while maintaining consistent reporting. Not all countries can realistically commit to every target; for instance, those without mangroves are unable to address mangrove restoration targets. If countries could not address a particular target for similar reasons, they marked it as ‘not applicable’.
The second survey utilised a rating scale from ‘no progress yet’ to ‘achieved’, shown below, to indicate advancement levels for each of the 26 priority actions. All results beyond those indicating countries’ Sustainable Ocean Plan development stages are presented as aggregated data to show the Ocean Panel’s overall progress as a collective.
Rating scale:
- Not applicable: The specific priority action is not relevant to the country’s context or circumstances and/or not currently prioritised.
- No progress yet: No substantial action or effort has been initiated for the specified priority action.
- Some progress: Initial steps or partial efforts have been undertaken towards achieving the goals outlined in the priority action, but significant work remains.
- Significant progress: Substantial aspects of the priority action have been achieved, with notable milestones accomplished and meaningful outcomes realised.
- Achieved: All aspects of the priority action have been fully implemented and achieved according to the intended goals and outcome.
The surveys aimed to gather critical insights on progress, impact, challenges, lessons learned, achievements and priorities for future collaboration among Ocean Panel countries. Additionally, the Ocean Panel Secretariat conducted various other analyses on Ocean Panel activities, including an assessment of ocean-based actions in nationally determined contributions.
The Ocean Panel Secretariat also continued the assessment completed in the first progress report of commitments registered at the Our Ocean Conferences and the UN Ocean Conferences, focusing on the collective progress towards the Transformations agenda between 2017 and 2023. This involved conducting an inventory of commitments by Ocean Panel members mapped across the Transformations agenda and the 100 percent approach. Ocean Panel members provided brief narrative updates and case studies focused on concrete actions taken across various sectors.
Several principles guided the development of this reporting mechanism:
Accountability and Transparency
For a reporting mechanism to be robust, it must enable progress to be relayed openly over time through regular progress assessments, experience sharing and transparent recognition of successes and challenges. This helps identify potential roadblocks to address barriers effectively.
Importance of Qualitative Nuance
While quantitative metrics provide valuable indicators, qualitative insights capture the nuanced, context-specific aspects of each country’s progress, reflecting diverse national realities, interests, capacities, policies and priorities.
Alignment with Existing Reporting Processes
Coordination and coherence with existing reporting mechanisms (e.g. UNFCCC, CBD) are prioritised to minimise additional reporting burdens; encourage participation; and recognise each member’s efforts, achievements and challenges, while incorporating emerging information and methodologies
The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) is a global initiative led by 14 world leaders committed to creating a sustainable ocean economy that balances effective protection, sustainable production, and equitable prosperity. Since its establishment in 2018, the Ocean Panel has collaborated with governments, businesses, scientists, and civil society to develop bold, practical solutions for ocean sustainability. Co-chaired by Norway and Palau, the Ocean Panel’s work includes comprehensive research and partnerships aimed at achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and shaping a resilient future for both people and the planet.
