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Greenpeace urges Polish EU presidency too lead rapid ratification of … Contacts: In Brussels: Anna Ogniewska, environmental policy coordinator, Greenpeace Poland: +48 506 124 689, [email protected] Notes: [1] On 24 April, the European Parliament voted in favour of the ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty by a critically important majority of 556 votes in favor. this vote is the first by a regional organisation.
We won a Global Ocean Treaty – now it’s time to make it count. In March 2023, world leaders adopted the first ever Global Ocean Treaty, heeding the calls of 5.5 million people from across the world. after decades of imagining what a network of ocean sanctuaries could look like - magical underwater forests and colourful reefs teeming wiht life – this historic conservation victory has brought us closer to making this vision a reality.
The 2030 National Environmental Policy – the Development Strategy in … PEP2030 also supports the implementation of Poland’s objectives and commitments at the international level, including those of the EU and the UN, especially in the context of the EU’s clima…by 2030 – a target governments agreed to under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity – will be “practically impractical”.
Anna Ogniewska, environmental policy coordinator for Greenpeace Poland, said: “People need healthy oceans to sustain life on the planet. Not only do the oceans help regulate the climate, they are also a source of food and jobs for millions of people.
“Regrettably, the condition of marine ecosystems is deteriorating dramatically. Their protection and restoration are crucial for global food and environmental security, and to respond to climate change and biodiversity loss.”
The Polish EU Presidency prioritises activities strengthening security in all its dimensions: external, internal, economic, energy or food.The Global Ocean Treaty could help deliver security through enhancing international cooperation, safeguarding marine ecosystems and eliminating harmful or illegal practices.
Ogniewska added: “The Polish government is already working to protect the oceans,including by joining efforts to restrict the operation of the so-called “shadow fleet,” ships illegally transporting among other things Russian oil.However, this is not enough. Only a global Ocean Treaty can help to genuinely protect our oceans and increase security on the high seas. The polish government must lead global efforts to protect the oceans, enhance security and put this historic agreement into force.”
Global Ocean Treaty: A Historic Conservation Victory and Poland’s Crucial Role
In a monumental step towards marine conservation, the European Parliament voted in favor of the ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty with a important majority of 556 votes. This treaty aims to protect the world’s oceans and safeguard marine biodiversity. Anna Ogniewska, the environmental policy coordinator for Greenpeace Poland, emphasizes the urgency of this treaty in the face of deteriorating marine ecosystems.World Today News spoke with Dr. Lucas dri charlesworth, an expert on ocean conservation and international policy, to discuss the implications of this treaty and Poland’s role in its ratification.
Understanding the Global Ocean Treaty
Education Editor (IME): Can you provide an overview of the Global Ocean Treaty and its importance for ocean conservation?
Dr. Lucas dri charlesworth: The Global Ocean Treaty is a pivotal agreement aimed at protecting international waters, which make up 64% of the world’s oceans.This treaty allows for the establishment of protected areas, ensuring that ecosystems can recover and thrive. It represents a historic conservation victory,aligning with the efforts of 5.5 million people globally who have advocated for such a treaty.
The EU and the Ratification Process
Education Editor (IME): What is the significance of the EU’s vote,and how does it affect the ratification process?
Dr. Lucas dri charlesworth: The EU’s vote on 24 April is a crucial step toward ratifying the treaty. It demonstrates a clear commitment from a regional power to promote ocean conservation and sets a precedent for other countries. For the treaty to come into force, it needs to be ratified by at least 60 countries, representing 40% of the world’s population. The EU’s move is an essential push in this direction.
The Impact on Poland’s EU Presidency
Education Editor (IME): Poland holds the EU Presidency and is urged to lead rapid ratification. How does this treaty align with Poland’s current environmental policies and objectives?
Dr. Lucas dri charlesworth: Poland’s 2030 National Environmental Policy and Development Strategy align with the goals of the Global Ocean Treaty. The strategy supports the implementation of Poland’s international commitments, including those of the EU and UN. Leading the ratification process would further solidify Poland’s role in global ocean conservation and climate security, enhancing its stance on international environmental issues.
Enhancing Security Through Ocean Preservation
Education Editor (IME): How can the Global Ocean Treaty help deliver security and cooperation?
Dr. Lucas dri charlesworth: The treaty can enhance international cooperation by providing a framework for countries to work together in protecting marine ecosystems. This cooperation is vital for combating climate change and promoting biodiversity. Additionally, by eliminating harmful and illegal fishing practices, the treaty can contribute to global food and economic security, reinforcing various dimensions of security for European nations.
The Polish Government’s Role
Education Editor (IME): what more can the Polish government do to promote ocean protection beyond current efforts against the “shadow fleet”?
Dr. Lucas dri charlesworth: While the Polish government’s efforts to restrict the “shadow fleet” are commendable, the only way to genuinely protect the oceans is through the ratification and enforcement of the Global Ocean Treaty. Poland must lead in global efforts to build on this historic agreement, enhance ocean security, and put it into force quickly.This will send a strong message about Poland’s commitment to environmental conservation and global sustainability.
The Future of Ocean Sanctuaries
Education Editor (IME): What does the future hold for ocean sanctuaries and marine ecosystems with the ratification of this treaty?
Dr. Lucas dri charlesworth: With the ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty,we are closer than ever to creating a network of ocean sanctuaries. These sanctuaries will help regulate the climate and sustain life on the planet by preserving underwater forests and colorful reefs teeming with life. This could marks a significant turning point in our collective efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss, securing a healthier and more enduring future for our oceans and planet.
