Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull attends UN Ocean Conference in Portugal
According to a Government Information Services (GIS) press release on June 27, 2022, the goal of the UN Ocean Conference is to mobilise action and propel much-needed science-based innovative solutions aimed at bridging the gap between the current state of the ocean and the 2030 sustainable development goals that requires global ocean action, in particular, goal 14 of Life Below Water.
It said these solutions for a sustainably managed ocean will involve green technology and innovative uses of marine resources; they also include addressing the threats to health, ecology, economy, governance of the ocean, acidification, marine litter and pollution, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, and the loss of habitats and biodiversity.
'Excited for the opportunity'- Hon Turnbull
The Minister for Natural Resources and Labour shared his excitement for the opportunity to represent the Territory at the UN Ocean Conference. He said, “I am excited for the opportunity to represent the Territory at the 2022 United Nations Ocean Conference. The oceans play an integral part in the economy and environment of the Virgin Islands, given that we have 200 nautical miles under our stewardship. With the right strategies in place, we have a remarkable opportunity to creatively diversify our economy. We must continue to find ways to protect the environment; provide educational opportunities and preserve our marine resources to ensure sustainability.”
He added, “Further to this, in light of climate change our efforts must be redoubled, and this conference will increase our capacity to discover the relevant solutions. We hope through this effort to advance our “Blue Economy” strategy, by building partnerships and gathering information to improve livelihoods through the sustainable use of the ocean.”
'Participation will highlight VI's work'- Smith-Abbott
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, Mr Joseph Smith-Abbott, who is also in attendance, commented on the importance of the UN Ocean Conference. He said, “Participation at the meeting recognises the VI's long trajectory in the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. It will highlight the work that Government and various Non-governmental Organisations (NGO), private and civil society partners are undertaking to mitigate environmental degradation, restoration of coastal and marine habitats and offer opportunities for the development of the Blue Economy, charter industry, Shipping Registry, protected area management and other significant economic activities.”
The weeklong ocean conference will feature a variety of interactive plenary dialogues ranging from addressing marine pollution to leveraging interlinkages between Sustainable Development Goal 14 and other goals towards the implementation of the 2030 agenda. These interactive dialogues will contribute to bilateral exchanges with colleagues regionally and internationally to advance ocean conservation and the development of opportunities to enhance the sustainable use of the coastal and marine resources of the Territory.
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11 Responses to “Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull attends UN Ocean Conference in Portugal”
To be fair some, but not enough is wisely spent.
After many years, and promises to complete our seversge problems in the 7th district headed by the Hon. Dr. Natalio Sajande Wheatley our current Premier, and financial representative, and newly appointed Health Minister of the 8th district, Hon. Marlon Penn, the 7th, and 8th district remain the two most filthiest district in the BVI.
The previous chanted was VIP, VIP, VIP,. The now the chant is Unity Government, unity government, unity government, but if you to take a walk in the two district with shoes on, go home, wipe your shoes on you entry door mat, after then walk on your house rug, if you have any, your house will contaminated by green filthy sewerage filthy water, that is running daily in the roads in those two district.
According to the Unity Government our best interest is being in progress, in other words, we the people, the Unity Government employer, is being well represented. In the BVI.
But if you think not, blame all of problems on our Colonial Master, the UK, which supremist, because we black skin people are pure. You hear lies?