It is our obligation to take urgent and decisive action to reverse challenges facing maritime ecosystems, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, said, addressing the opening reception of the Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting (COMM) in Pafos on Thursday evening.
Panayiotou pointed out that climate change combined with overfishing, plastic pollution and habitat destruction are some of the major challenges that are rapidly degrading our marine environments. ”These threats not only endanger marine biodiversity but also jeopardize the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on fishing and undermine the health and well-being of people around the world,” she added.
”Addressing these challenges requires coordinated international efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity,” Panayiotou pointed out.
”As custodians of the oceans, it is our obligation to take urgent and
decisive action to reverse these alarming trends. We shall work together to establish robust conservation measures, enforce sustainable fishing practices, and combat pollution at source,” the Cypriot Environment Minister emphasised, noting that ”this requires a coordinated and multi-faceted approach, involving governments, civil society, the private sector, and local communities.”
”At the heart of our efforts must be a commitment to promote ocean literacy and raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation. Education and public engagement are essential tools for inspiring action and fostering a culture of stewardship towards our oceans” she said.
”In conclusion, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of sustainability, equity, respect to international law by implementing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and further cooperation as we strive to safeguard our oceans for generations to come. Together, we can create a future where our oceans thrive, and all
life flourishes,” she pointed out.
In her address, the Shipping Deputy Minister, Marina Hadjimanolis, said that ”as a maritime nation, Cyprus acknowledges the immense value our seas and oceans hold, not only for our economy but also for our cultural identity”. She also expressed the conviction that intensified efforts are imperative to conserve marine ecosystems and safeguard marine life.
“Cyprus recognises that the challenges our oceans are facing are monumental and cannot be tackled single-handedly by any nation,” Hadjimanolis pointed out, adding that “Cyprus is a fully fledged maritime centre, comprised of a quality ship registry and a maritime cluster providing ship management services and numerous other shipping related services.”
Furthermore, the Shipping Deputy Minister stated that that the first National Maritime Spatial Plan was recently approved by the Council of Ministers and has already entered into force. “Through the Maritime Spatial Plan, the Republic aims to contribute to the sustainable
development of the Blue Economy as well as the protection, preservation and improvement of the marine environment,” she added. “It is envisaged that the plan will encourage investments in the marine waters of the Republic by creating predictability, transparency and clearer licensing rules,” she pointed out.
Hadjimanolis indicated that, “despite the current turbulent times and the various challenges we face, the Shipping Deputy Ministry stays firm in its commitment to navigating a course towards a more efficient, sustainable, and prosperous future for shipping and maritime affairs.”
Source: Cyprus News Agency