At the conclusion of the second UN Ocean Conference Minna Epps, Minna Epps Director, Global Marine & Polar Programme (GMPP) at IUCN, expressed delight at seeing the many commitments, pledges and actions presented in Lisbon, from actions on blue carbon ecosystems to new financial instruments to pledges towards larger and more effective protection of the Ocean.
There have been bold statements and positions on deep-sea mining but even more so the presence of young impact leaders at UNOC, she added.
“These outcomes are all causes for a well-deserved celebration. Nevertheless, it is important that we build on this extraordinary momentum, to accelerate post Lisbon-progress towards a healthy, productive and resilient ocean with thriving marine and coastal species, ecosystems and communities and, moreover, the next generation of blue leaders and entrepreneurs.
Now is the time to be bold, visionary and pragmatic, so that by 2030 we can collectively achieve at least 30% protection and 100% sustainable management of our ocean for the benefit of humankind and our world”, she said.
She also pointed out the welcome aspiration of a Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights as a concept of a global formalisation of the rights of the Ocean, to be presented to the United Nations in 2023 for joint agreement by the governments of the world.