Marine Governance in Brazil’s Southeast: SDG 14, GHG Emissions, and Coastal Protection

Abstract

The health of marine and coastal ecosystems is fundamental to global climate regulation, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable economic development. In Brazil, the vast maritime territory known as the “Blue Amazon” holds immense ecological and strategic value, yet remains under increasing pressure from industrial expansion, pollution, and the impacts of climate change. Understanding the legal and institutional frameworks governing these areas is therefore essential to ensuring that economic activities align with international sustainability commitments. This article addresses the legal and supra-legal framework for achieving Goal 14 in the São Paulo state region and the prohibition of the release of substances resulting from GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions mitigation processes into the marine and/or oceanic environment. Thus, it presents the Brazilian justification for compliance with the SDG 14 target and its foundations according to the 2030 Agenda established within the United Nations and UN, and the existing regulatory framework for compliance with the goal in the region related to this type of activity, in addition to related international regulations. To this end, the article uses an analytical, deductive method, with documentary and theoretical research techniques.

Keywords: SDG 14; Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); Legal Frameworks; Supralegal Frameworks; Brazil; São Paulo; Marine Environment.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/15-9-07

Publication date: October 30th 2025