<
https://theconversation.com/nz-must-step-up-to-protect-its-own-oceans-to-match-international-commitments-made-at-commonwealth-leaders-meeting-242385>
"New Zealand and other Commonwealth nations wrapped up their global meeting in
Samoa last week with a declaration to protect the ocean in the face of severe
climate change, pollution and over-exploitation.
The Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration builds on the 2018 Commonwealth Blue
Charter and commits members to:
robust and ambitious, innovative and transformative action for our ocean
towards a true ‘common wealth’ of shared prosperity, resilience and
sustainability.“
New Zealand often demonstrates international leadership in relation to oceans
issues. But this cannot be based on statements and declarations alone.
International commitments must be backed up by domestic oceans policy – and
that’s where New Zealand is no longer a leader.
Climate change is largely absent from New Zealand’s domestic ocean management
processes. This is demonstrated by the government’s proposal to resume oil and
gas licensing offshore. This proposal has been criticised by Pacific island
states and, indirectly, by the UN Secretary General.
New Zealand’s track record in domestic marine protection is also woeful. Only
about 2% of the country’s waters are fully protected, well below the global
average. Reform of marine protected areas has been attempted and abandoned
several times over the past decade, with little appetite at present to address
this issue."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
