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I am deeply honoured to address
this esteemed gathering at the inaugural Commonwealth Ocean Ministers
Meeting, where we have convened to address one of the most pressing
challenges of our time: the protection and the sustainable use of our oceans
and marine ecosystems. As representatives of the diverse nations within the
Commonwealth, we share a collective responsibility to safeguard these vital
resources for current and future generations.
Our seas and our oceans are not
only a source of inspiring beauty, but also the lifeblood of our planet. They
regulate our climate, provide sustenance to billions of people and support
countless species of marine life. However, despite their immense importance,
our oceans are facing unprecedented threats from human activities.
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 jeopardise the livelihoods of
coastal communities that depend on fishing, and undermine the health and
well-being of people around the world.
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.
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. 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.
As members of the Commonwealth,
we have a unique opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate our
collective resolve to protect our oceans. Let us seize this opportunity with
courage and determination, knowing that the future of our planet depends on the
actions we take today.
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.
Finally, I would like to extend
my heartfelt wishes for a productive, enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable
stay. May our time together be marked by fruitful discussions, meaningful
connections and memories that will endure long after we have parted ways.
I now invite to the floor Her
Excellency the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Right Honorable
Patricia Scotland KC, for her welcome address.
Thank you.
(EFys/AP/GS)
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