Sustainable Aquaculture Takes Center Stage at Commonwealth Meeting
In a significant stride towards ocean conservation, Patricia Scotland, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, lauded Cyprus for its role as the champion country under the Commonwealth Blue Charter. The announcement came on the heels of the first Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting in Paphos, where Cyprus was commended for its advancements in sustainable aquaculture.
Scotland highlighted the Commonwealth’s potential to lead sustainable ocean initiatives that are inclusive of all demographics. The meeting, which saw participation from 28 Commonwealth countries and 12 observer organizations, culminated in a press conference where Scotland expressed gratitude to Cyprus for its hospitality and leadership.
Responding to inquiries about Cyprus’s contributions, Scotland pointed out the country’s success in aquaculture, with a significant 80% of local fish originating from these sustainable practices. This not only underscores the taste quality but also opens doors for entrepreneurial ventures.
Marina Hadjimanolis, Cyprus’s Deputy Minister of Shipping, described the event as a historic milestone, particularly for Cyprus. She emphasized that Cyprus is ready to share its best practices in ocean technology and science with other nations.
A three-year memorandum of understanding was signed to establish a Centre of Excellence for the Blue Charter. This Centre will offer policy support and expertise to aid Commonwealth and other coastal nations in marine ecosystem management, pollution prevention, and sustainable marine resource utilization.
The Secretary-General also addressed the need for equitable access to marine knowledge and scientific resources across Commonwealth countries. The Centre of Excellence initiative by Cyprus is seen as a step forward in balancing this disparity and promoting sustainable blue economy governance.
Scotland reflected on the six-year journey since the adoption of the Commonwealth Blue Charter and the recent discussions in Cyprus aimed at drafting a Commonwealth Ocean Declaration. The hope is for this Declaration to be adopted at the upcoming meeting in Samoa this October.
During the conference, concerns about rising sea levels and maritime border permanence were voiced, underscoring the necessity for collective action and funding for ocean-related initiatives. As the Commonwealth looks towards the meeting in Samoa, there is a renewed focus on resilience and collaborative efforts to address ocean challenges.
