Article authors:
Reuters
Sergiogon Calves and Catalina Demony
Lisbon — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concludes a long-awaited treaty on Monday for "selfishness" in some countries He said it was hindering his efforts. Protect the world's oceans.
In March, UN member states could not agree on a blueprint to protect the open ocean from exploitation outside their jurisdiction.
When asked by a reporter at the United Nations Maritime Conference in Lisbon what obstacles to reaching an agreement, Guterres replied "egoism."
. ".. Some people still think that the high seas are powerful enough to think they should be," he added.
UN Special Envoy Peter Thomson previously told Reuters that he is confident that an agreement on the treaty will be reached this year.
Guterres also appealed to governments and businesses to invest more money to help create sustainable economic models for managing the marine environment.
"Sadly, we took the ocean for granted, and today we are facing what we call a" sea emergency "," he said. rice field. "We have to turn the tide."
Guterres says that the ocean can help produce more food and more renewable energy. He said there is a need for a good business model.
"It requires a new level of long-term funding," he said.
Approximately 7,000 people, including heads of state, scientists and NGOs, will attend the conference to assess the progress of the implementation of the directive to protect marine life.
Greenpeace is the key to the treaty's protection of 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, requiring minimal scientists to restore the ocean He said he agrees to be.
"Lisbon leaders congratulate each other on how well they are working to protect the ocean as the ocean crisis worsens," said Laura Meller of Greenpeace. "There is no need for a separate discussion store with vague remarks and voluntary commitments."
The ocean covers about 70% of the planet's surface and produces 50% of oxygen, Absorbs 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions.
However, climate change has pushed seawater temperatures to record levels, making them more acidic, Guterres said. Meanwhile, about 8 million tons of plastic waste pollute the ocean each year.
Outside the meeting, marine rebel activists wore fish heads while holding dead fish, urging people in the venue to stop talking and take action.
"The ocean is dying, so we need the right urgency that our leaders can't see," said campaign manager Rob Higgs. (Report by Catalina Demony and Sergio Goncalves, edited by John Stonestreet)
