In a recent message to the public celebrating the world day of peace on 1 January 2008, Pope Benedict XVI calls for environmental consciousness. Can the Vatican’s interest in sustainable development lead to better management of European fish stocks?
In his public message released on 8 December on the Vatican website, among other things Pope Benedict XVI says “We need to care for the environment: it has been entrusted to men and women to be protected and cultivated with responsible freedom. …it means not selfishly considering nature to be at the complete disposal of our own interests, for future generations also have the right to reap its benefits and to exhibit towards nature the same responsible freedom that we claim for ourselves.”
The speech further emphasizes the importance of not overlooking poorer countries. The Pope does not mention any specific environmental issues or policy areas in his speech, apart from the “stewardship of earth’s energy resources”, but his words are relevant to all human activities, and perhaps especially to extractive uses such as fishing.
The current abuse of the global marine environment, with 80 per cent of the EU commercial fish stocks harvested outside of safe biological limits for example, is likely to leave few benefits for future generations.
Interestingly, in the EU several of the countries most reluctant to cut down on fishing opportunities for the benefit of more long-term management, such as Spain, France, Italy and Poland, are predominantly Catholic. With large populations and a substantial number of votes, these countries have a strong influence over the EC decisions, including the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Perhaps the Pope’s interest in the sustainable use of global resources to fight poverty and bring peace can inspire to a change of heart?