Oxford: The Global Ocean Commission, an independent body of international leaders, launches today with the aim of reversing degradation of the ocean and restoring it to full health and productivity.
Chaired by former Costa Rican President José María Figueres, South African cabinet minister Trevor Manuel and former UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband MP, the commission brings together senior political figures including former Heads of State, Foreign Ministers and Finance Ministers from around the world, including Sri Mulyani Indrawati, managing director at the World Bank and a former Finance Minister of Indonesia.
During 2013-14, the commission will analyse key threats to the international waters known as the ‘high seas’, which make up almost half of the Earth’s surface but are not owned by any one country. This large proportion of the global ocean is under severe and increasing pressure from overfishing, damage to important habitat, climate change and ocean acidification.
The commission will publish its final recommendations early in 2014, shortly before the UN General Assembly begins discussions on protecting high seas biodiversity.
“The world urgently needs to find better ways of managing the oceans, to stop abuse of its precious resources and ensure its protection for present and future generations,” said José María Figueres. [12/02/13]
