Oceans: Commissioner Sinkevičius represents the EU at 2022 UN Oceans Conference

The conference focuses on identifying science and innovation solutions to key ocean threats such as climate change and the resulting acidification, marine pollution, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, the loss of habitats and biodiversity. The 52 voluntary commitments the EU takes in Lisbon, worth up to €7 billion, are part of the action-oriented approach pursued by the recently renewed EU's International Ocean Governance Agenda. In the margins of the Conference, the Charter for the Horizon Europe Mission “Restore our Ocean and waters” will be launched, inviting Member States, regions and a wide range of stakeholders to pledge actions that will contribute to the mission's success. Commissioner Sinkevičius said: “After the “One Ocean Summit” in Brest and the ‘Our Ocean Conference' in Palau, the UN Conference is another opportunity for the international community to agree on actions to protect the oceans and to develop a sustainable Blue Economy. Solutions exist. They are in our hands. So, let's act quickly and decisively.” Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, added: “The ocean and waters are the cradle of all life on Earth and our planet's life support system. But they need our attention now! With the launch of this Charter, the European Commission calls on governments and public authorities from Europe and around the world, businesses, civil society, financiers and donors as well as universities and researchers to join our collective Mission to restore our blue planet.”