2nd UN Ocean Conference, Ideal Stage to Move from Discussion to Action (Portuguese Minister)

Sidi Bouknadel (Salé) – The second United Nations Conference on the Oceans, scheduled to be held in Lisbon, is “the ideal stage to move from discussion to action,” said Monday in Sidi Bouknadel, the Secretary of State for the Sea of Portugal, Jose Maria Costa.

This conference, which will be held from June 27 to July 1, is “an important step for all countries of the world. We have a lot of speeches but we must move to actions,” said Costa at the Blue Talk International Conference, organized by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection in partnership with the Embassy of Portugal in Morocco.

Portugal hopes that all nations of the world will come to this major event with a strong ambition and commitment to take action to reverse the decline of ocean health, he noted.

It is necessary “to mobilize all countries, all companies, researchers and investors to participate in this conference”, he said, adding that his country “hopes that the ambitious commitments made at the Conference will lead to the full implementation of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 14), the 30by30 Initiative to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030 and to support the planned and future actions of the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development.”

This conference will be marked by side-events and spaces for dialogue and cooperation, dedicated to youth, to encourage investment and strengthen regional cooperation, he stressed.

On this occasion, the Portuguese Secretary of State highlighted the efforts made by his country for the protection of the oceans, mentioning in particular the national strategy of the sea which aims to promote the “literacy” of the oceans for the benefit of the entire population, especially youth.

He also highlighted the actions carried out for the development of scientific research and the blue economy, including the promotion of cooperation between research centers, companies and municipalities throughout the country.

In addition, he mentioned the development of oceanic renewable energy, citing floating energy projects in the north of the country as well as the project of wave energy.

The “Blue talk” entitled “2022 United Nations Ocean Conference: what roles for science and innovation in Morocco and Africa?” was attended by prominent Moroccan and Portuguese personalities as well as experts in the field of oceanography and representatives of civil society.