Macron advocates for high-sea treaties - maintains stance with Trump
Here's a lowdown on the buzz happening at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France. Over 130 global representatives are gathered, aiming to establish protected areas in international waters to safeguard our blue planet.
Macron's Blue Wave
French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off the conference affirming his commitment to swiftly ratify the High Seas Agreement. Following suit, around fifteen more countries have pledged their support, reaching the 60-country threshold required for the agreement to come into force.
The agreement aims to create protected zones in international waters, previously a lawless expanse. Conversations around this and other related topics will dominate the five-day conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. Some of the heavy hitters in attendance include Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, China's Han Zheng, and the UN's António Guterres.
The Underwater Wild West? Guterres expressed concerns about unregulated oil and gas exploration at sea.
As for the US, Edward Russo, head of the White House environmental task force, represented the administration, albeit after a noticeable delay.
Sub-Marine Rivals: Macron Jabs at Trump
With a sharp remark, Macron took a dig at his American counterpart, Donald Trump, during his speech. Referencing Trump's efforts to advance deep-sea mining and annex Greenland, Macron declared, "The seabed is not for sale, just as Greenland is not for grabs."
Meanwhile, a coalition of approximately 30 states has pledged to support a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, a position shared by Germany. Scientists warn that mining might irreversibly damage pristine underwater ecosystems.
Germany on a Clean-up Mission
Germany plans to announce self-commitments, including the removal of old munitions from North and Baltic Seas. Additionally, they aim to support partner countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Senegal in creating high-seas protected areas.
Plastic Annoy-ace
At the conference, Germany is also preparing for the August negotiation rounds on a plastic agreement. Germany's Environment Minister Carsten Schneider emphasized the urgency of tackling the problem of plastic waste polluting our oceans.
The ocean is getting the spotlight it desperately needs with this UN conference, Schneider stated. He was even spotted attending the sailing parade on Sunday aboard Boris Herrmann's research vessel, "Malizia Explorer."
Source: ntv.de, mli/AFP
- Environmental Protection
- Oceans
- Marine Research
- France
- Emmanuel Macron
- Plastic Waste
- The High Seas Agreement, aimed at creating protected zones in international waters, has gained support from 16 countries alongside France, with the promise of reaching the necessary 60-country threshold soon.
- A precautionary pause on deep-sea mining has been pledged by a coalition of about 30 states, in light of scientists' concerns over potential damage to underwater ecosystems.
- Germany, aside from its commitments to remove munitions and support partner countries in creating high-seas protected areas, also plans to actively participate in negotiations on a plastic agreement in August.
