Last week, Ocean Week (30 September to 4 October) took centre stage in Brussels, bringing together policy makers, environmental organisations and ocean advocates to discuss the urgent steps needed to protect and restore Europe’s seas. A series of debates, exhibitions and events highlighted the growing pressures on our oceans and explored how the EU can lead efforts to rebuild marine abundance in a way that also supports a just transition to low impact fisheries.
Launch of the Blue Manifesto
The first major event of the week was the launch of The Blue Manifesto: Roadmap to a Healthy Ocean by 2030, endorsed by 140 organisations, in the European Parliament. The Blue Manifesto, which calls for a more robust oceans policy and prompt action from EU Member States, is expected to become a crucial point of reference for marine conservation initiatives throughout Europe. This comprehensive vision for healthy oceans, which contains fifty policy recommendations, sets out to address important concerns like pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.
Urgent calls for action
Topics of discussion during Ocean Week included funding the implementation of ocean-focused legislation, removing damaging subsidies and creating a policy for healthy oceans which incorporates social and climate aspects. Throughout the week, experts reiterated the need for swift implementation of existing policies. The main message was unmistakable: human activities and the effects of climate change are putting Europe’s oceans in greater danger, so we must take immediate action not only to protect what is left, but to rebuild marine biodiversity and abundance.
Engaging events and expert dialogues
The many events of the week included debates on the future of fisheries, marine pollution and a sustainable blue economy. A special session at the European Parliament focused on the critical challenges facing European seas and how Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) can contribute to solving them. Together, NGOs and MEPs participating made it clear that EU waters need action now. Many look to the recently announced “European Oceans Pact”, which will need to accomplish much more than boosting the blue economy, hoping it can provide a framework for solutions to achieve a healthy ocean for the benefit of both people and the environment.
Ocean Week 2024 served as a potent reminder of how important oceans are to sustaining biodiversity and reducing climate change. The release of the Blue Manifesto, which calls on the EU to make healthy oceans a top priority to secure a sustainable future, paves the way for an ambitious ocean accord.