Secretary-General launches new initiative to strengthen oceans
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Ban Ki-moon at 30th anniversary Law of the Sea commemoration
A new initiative, known as the Oceans Compact, was launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to strengthen the UN's work on ocean matters.
The seas and oceans host some of the most vulnerable and important ecosystems on earth, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a gathering in Yeosu, the Republic of Korea.
The event commemorates the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Mr. Ban warned that the diversity of life the seas and oceans host is under ever increasing strain, with a growth in criminal activity and strains on the marine environment.
"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. It provides a platform for all stakeholders to collaborate towards achieving "Healthy Oceans for Prosperity."
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The Secretary-General also proposed the creation of an Ocean Advisory Group to elaborate the Plan, facilitate dialogue among stakeholders and mobilize for support.
