An ocean protection pact is what the manifesto presented to the European Parliament today, initiated by the Ocean Foundation and the Jacques Delors European Research Center, calls for ahead of the European elections in June.
The document was signed by figures from various sectors, including former Minister Assunção Cristas, who held posts in the fields of agriculture, sea, environment and territorial planning (2011-2015), José Maria Costa, former Secretary of State for Maritime Affairs (2022-2022 years). 2024) and Maria Damanaki, former EU Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (2010–2014) and others.
The manifesto calls for specific goals to protect the oceans, as well as an action plan to be developed during the mandate of the next European Commission.
The document, officially launched at the Our Ocean conference in Greece, was submitted to the European Parliament demanding “ambitious action.”
“The ocean supports all life on Earth and offers Europe dozens of essential services and opportunities that cover many aspects of our lives: climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, food security, innovation, employment, competitiveness, science, transport, clean energy, tourism, data connectivity , peace, cooperation and security,” the rationale reads.
The upcoming elections are considered decisive for the future of the world’s oceans, so signatories of the manifesto remind that, to date, the maritime policy of the European Union (EU) has not yet been able to respond to the challenges.
“Without an immediate and bold commitment,” they say, the EU “risks losing its best ally in the transition to a sustainable, prosperous and peaceful future.”
The manifesto promotes a sustainable, strong and competitive blue economy by exploring the economic potential of existing ocean industries and promoting innovative and carbon-neutral sectors.
Tackling pollution, cleaning up and reducing marine litter, and binding industry action are among the goals expressed in the manifesto signed by around 30 figures, including the former EU ambassador to the United Nations and the United Nations. States of Joao Vale de Almeida.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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