| | THIS WEEK: OSPAR's Ministerial Meeting in Vigo
As we reflect on the momentum from the recent United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, the message is clear: the ocean needs bold, united action. The calls for an ambitious global plastics treaty, the push to expand Marine Protected Areas, and the drive to intensify efforts against climate change have resonated deeply across the global marine community.
Here at OSPAR, we are ready to rise to the occasion.
On 26 June, Ministers and high-level representatives from across the OSPAR region will gather in Vigo, Spain for a pivotal Ministerial Meeting. At the heart of our agenda is a shared commitment to delivering on the ambitions and spirit of UNOC 3, through practical, science-based measures to protect marine biodiversity and combat pollution.
Among the key issues on the table:
- The management of discharge water from Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems on ships
- Action to prevent plastic pollution from materials such as EPS and XPS used in pontoons and buoys
- Launch of the Regional Action Plan - Benthic Habitats Phase
- Outcomes from our work in the Arctic
- Review of our North-East Atlantic Environment Strategy (NEAES) 2030
- A Ministerial Declaration setting our strategic direction
- Consideration of an enlarged maritime area for further protection of the marine environment
- Best practices to reduce marine litter
- An Action Plan on Underwater Noise
This meeting marks a critical step forward for OSPAR as we translate global ocean ambitions into regional action. We look forward to sharing the outcomes from Vigo soon – and to continuing our work together to ensure a healthy, resilient ocean for generations to come.
 |
| | |
|
