In Republic of Korea, Ban Launches New Initiative to Protect Oceans
New York, Aug 12 2012 2:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today launched a new initiative to protect the oceans and the
people whose livelihoods depend on it, and called on countries to work together to achieve a more sustainable management
of this precious resource and address the threats it is currently facing.
"The seas and oceans host some of the most vulnerable and important ecosystems on Earth, but the diversity of life they
host is under ever-increasing strain," Mr. Ban said at an event in the city of Yeosu in the Republic of Korea (ROK), to
commemorate the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Convention, also known as the "constitution of the oceans," governs all aspects of ocean space, from delimitation of
maritime boundaries, environmental regulations, scientific research, commerce and the settlement of international
disputes involving marine issu es. It was first opened for signature in 1982 and entered into force in 1994; there are
162 parties to it -- 161 States and the European Union.
Mr. Ban praised the achievements of the Convention in helping countries establish a legal framework to guide the
management of the oceans, the settlement of disputes, and the administration of the international seabed.
"Among its principles, the Law of the Sea recognizes that all ocean issues are related and that they need to be
addressed as a whole," Mr. Ban said, adding that this is in line with the development framework put forward at the UN
Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in June in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
However, Mr. Ban also emphasized the need to address multiple issues that threaten the marine environment. To do this,
he announced the launch of the Oceans Compact, which will seek to support and strengthen the implementation of the Law
of the Sea.
"What we need is to create new momentum for ocean sustainability," Mr Ban said. "The Oceans Compact sets out a strategic
vision for the UN System to deliver more coherently and effectively on its oceans-related mandates, consistent with the
Rio+20 outcome."
The Compact, Mr. Ban added, will provide a platform to help countries protect the ocean's natural resources, restore
their full food production to help people's whose livelihoods depend on the sea, and increase awareness and knowledge
about the management of the oceans.
To achieve the objectives of the Compact, Mr. Ban proposed a results-oriented Action Plan along with the creation of an
Ocean Advisory Group made up of high-level policymakers, scientists and experts, as well as representatives of the
private sector and civil society.
During his visit, Mr. Ban also spoke to young people at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) youth forum, where he asked participants to practice solidarity among generations and lead the way in
implementing sustainable measures in all aspects of society.
"From public squares to cyberspace, youth are a transformative force; you are creative, resourceful and enthusiastic
agents of change," Mr. Ban said. "A sustainable future can be ours. The work starts now, and it starts with you. This is
a generational imperative… a generational opportunity… that your generation must seize."
Aug 12 2012 2:10PM
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