Australia joins the Global Ocean Alliance where nearly 40 nations call for a global target to protect the world’s ocean by 2030, says an article published on Australian Government website.
Australia’s membership welcomed
The UK Government in London overnight welcomed Australia’s membership of the Global Ocean Alliance’s 30 by 30 initiative following a letter from the Minister expressing our commitment.
Minister Ley said that despite Australia having already exceeded its domestic target of formal protection of 30% of its own oceans, that we were committed to helping achieve the 30% global target by working with other nations.
Regulate the climate
“The world’s oceans provide more than half the oxygen we breathe, they regulate the climate and feed billions of people across the world,” Minister Ley said.
“However threats from pollution, overfishing and changing climates are a global challenge, and that’s why we have joined the alliance calling for formal protection of 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030.
Marine protected areas
“Australia has one of the largest networks of marine protected areas in the world, with 37% of our marine jurisdiction formally protected – an area larger than the nation of Argentina.”
“We are now working with other countries to show that a 30 per cent target is achievable globally and that it can have countless benefits for both marine environments and sustainable ocean economies.”
“In Australia alone, our ocean provides us with $25 billion worth of ecosystem services each year by way of climate regulation, carbon dioxide absorption, and oxygen production.”
“Sea habitats like mangrove forests and seagrass meadows also boost climate resilience by trapping carbon and providing natural protection against storms and erosion.”
“By working together, we can step up global ambition to protect the marine environment upon which the health of our planet and global economy depends.”
$67.4 million to protect ocean and marine ecosystems
The Australian Government has pledged over $67.4 million to protect Australia’s ocean and marine ecosystems including $14.8 million to tackle the impacts of ghost nets and plastic litter, and $28.3 million to enhance management of our Australian Marine Parks.
“We are committed to leading by example by looking after our own marine ecosystems, tackling key threats like marine plastics, and assisting our Pacific and international neighbours,” Minister Ley said.
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Source: AustralianGovt
