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Sweden, Fiji take initiative to protect oceans

Xinhua, September 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

Sweden and Fiji on Saturday announced a joint initiative to push forward the implementation of a target in the new global sustainable development goal and ensure a follow-up system is put in place.

The announcement was made by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, together with Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Isabella Lovin, and Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama on the sidelines of the current UN development summit, which opened here Friday for the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 global goals for sustainable development, including the goal on the sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources.

"The world's oceans and seas are a unique resource under threat. One of the biggest reasons for their continued deterioration is a lack of resources and global coordination. This is a major challenge we are now addressing," Lofven said.

"Healthy, thriving seas and oceans are fundamental to combating poverty and creating prosperity for millions of people. The deterioration of marine environments hits the poorest countries hardest," said Lovin. "Fish is an important source of nutrition in many developing countries. Marine ecosystem services are crucial for our entire planet."

The initiative was taken during a meeting between Lofven and the prime minister of Fiji.

The first step will be to present a resolution to the General Assembly of the United Nations on how to implement the global goal on the sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources, the Swedish UN Mission told reporters here Saturday. "This is needed in order to ensure the goal is followed up and its implementation is advanced."

"Our oceans are in serious trouble and this is a matter that knows no national borders," the Swedish Mission said.

Since 1970, half of all marine fish and mammals have disappeared, reports said, adding that climate change, unsustainable fishing, ocean acidification and environmental pollutants are impacting marine ecosystems.

In the long term, unsustainable management of marine environments and their resources could become a threat to peace and security. For example, it is a question of survival for small island states, whose economic development is closely linked to the oceans and their resources. Endit