The EU Ocean Protection Plan, unveiled by the Environment Chief, signifies a groundbreaking initiative aimed at preserving marine ecosystems. The European Union will spend 3.5 billion euros (S$5.06 billion) to protect the ocean and promote sustainability. This commitment was announced by the EU’s top environment official on Tuesday.
The 40 commitments range from fighting marine pollution to supporting sustainable fisheries. Additionally, they involve investments in the blue economy, promoting sustainable use of marine resources for economic activity.
The commitments were announced during the annual “Our Ocean” conference held in Athens this week and attended by about 120 countries.
“The ocean is part of who we are, and it is our shared responsibility,” said EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevicius.
The commitments include supporting 14 investments and one reform in sustainable fisheries in Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Portugal . These initiatives are valued at about 1.9 billion euros. Additionally, 980 million euros from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility will aid efforts to fight marine pollution.
Furthermore, the EU’s dedication to investing in ocean protection underscores its acknowledgment of the pressing need to address ocean threats. The EU aims to mitigate the adverse impacts of human activities on marine environments through innovative research and technological advancements. Furthermore, policy interventions play a crucial role in this endeavor. Ultimately, the success of the EU Ocean Protection Plan hinges on collaborative efforts from governments, NGOs, and the private sector to ensure the long-term health and resilience of our oceans.
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