Experts at the Commonwealth Secretariat have provided a preview of the Blue Charter initiative, which aims to mobilise international cooperation on ocean-related commitments and will be formally launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April 2018
Experts at the Commonwealth Secretariat have provided a preview of the Blue Charter initiative, which aims to mobilise international cooperation on ocean-related commitments and will be formally launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April 2018.
The initiative seeks to support the rebuilding and sustainable management of member countries’ marine resources, creating a network of nations to identify areas of concern and share practical knowledge on priority issues.
The idea was trialled at the UN Ocean Conference in New York in June 2017 and given support to draft an implementation plan.
The Blue Charter will champion the effective inclusion of all groups, including the marginalised and underrepresented, to recognise the full potential of an ocean-based economy and reaffirm the values of sustainable development and conservation in the Commonwealth.
Jeff Ardron, Advisor on Ocean Governance at the Commonwealth, will address delegates from marine industries and institutions at the 25th Coastal Futures conference, held during the Commonwealth Summit, on the health and wealth of the world’s seas.
In a statement, Ardron said: “Acting on the myriad of obligations can be overwhelming for many of our 45 coastal countries.
“Following six months of consultation, our membership has clearly expressed concern both for our oceans and how they can begin to repair the damage that has been done.
“Solutions will only come through working together.”
He added: “We are seeking to plug some of the implementation gaps and to speed up progress towards meeting our shared commitments.
“Through pooling our resources, we intend to create new partnerships, beyond established groupings.”
