PM Skerrit urges developed nations to protect oceans by reducing carbon emissions

Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, called upon the developed countries to work on mitigating the effects of climate change on the world's oceans. He said that this could be done by prioritizing the reduction of carbon emissions.

He made this urgent call while addressing the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens, Greece on Tuesday. The Conference is being held under the theme, "Our Ocean-An Ocean of Potential,' and runs until tomorrow.

PM Skerrit's address was focused on asking everyone to protect the rich biodiversity of the world's oceans against challenges such as unsustainable fishing, climate change, and marine pollution.

He highlighted the vulnerability of island nations like Dominica, which faces the impacts of climate change and stressed that unless concrete steps are taken to cut carbon emissions the discussions about protecting the oceans will be futile.

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"One of the important things that we have to do in the world, especially the developed world, is to reduce some carbon emission. That's the main cause. And unless we get a very clear decision to reduce carbon emission, then we'll be speaking and talking in futility," noted PM Skerrit.

He further pointed out the islands that are here are already at the mercies of the developed world and added, "We have been to many of these engagements, both at Cop, and we commend the government of Greece for hosting this very important, summit, this conference. But we need to see more concrete action taken."

Dr Roosevelt Skerrit also took the opportunity to highlight Dominica's efforts to preserve the marine environment through the recent establishment of the World's First Sperm Whale Reserve and urged concrete action and advocacy from developed countries to mitigate the impact of climate change on our oceans.

While stressing that Dominica is doing its part with such initiatives, PM Skerrit called for more support from developed nations.

He noted that more than 45% of the total land area across all countries is designated as a protected forest reserve, and 40% of the total ocean area is protected as a marine reserve. In addition to this, PM Roosevelt Skerrit shared an 'interesting' anecdote and said that one of the marine reserves is located in a fishing village, and every one of the fishermen and residents in that community respects the law of the land in protecting the marine reserve.

He further stated that everyone is playing there part but there needs to be more advocacy and more action because it is time for action, not just talk.

"We speak about the problem, but sometimes we don't speak about the solutions to the problem," outlined the PM and urged immediate funding to implement solutions quickly.

While ending his address at the Our Ocean Conference, PM Skerrit reminded the world leaders that time is running out to secure a better future for the planet and future generations.