The Minister of Natural Resources and Labor, the Honorable Melvin M. Turnbull, is in Lisbon, Portugal, to participate in the United Nations (UN) Conference on the Oceans from June 27 to July 1. Acting Permanent Secretary in the Department of Natural Resources and Labor, Mr. Joseph Smith-Abbott is also pending.

The aim of the UN Ocean Conference is to mobilize action and propel much-needed innovative science-based solutions aimed at bridging the gap between the current state of the ocean and the Sustainable Development Goals at 2030 that require global action on the oceans, in particular Goal 14 of Life Below Water. These solutions for a sustainably managed ocean will involve green technologies and innovative uses of marine resources; they also include tackling threats to health, ecology, economy, ocean governance, acidification, marine litter and pollution, unreported and unregulated illegal fishing and loss of resources. habitats and biodiversity.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Labor expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to represent the territory at the United Nations Ocean Conference. He said, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to represent the territory at the 2022 United Nations Ocean Conference. The oceans are integral to the economy and environment of the Virgin Islands, given that we have 200 nautical miles under our stewardship. With the right strategies in place, we have a tremendous opportunity to creatively diversify our economy. We must continue to find ways to protect the environment; provide educational opportunities and conserve our marine resources to ensure sustainability.

He added: “Furthermore, in light of climate change, our efforts must be redoubled, and this conference will increase our ability to uncover the relevant solutions. We hope through this effort to advance our “blue economy” strategy, building partnerships and gathering information to improve livelihoods through sustainable use of the ocean. »

Acting Permanent Secretary Joseph Smith-Abbott also commented on the importance of the UN Ocean Conference. He said: “Participation in the meeting recognizes BVI’s long history in the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. It will highlight the work that the government and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private and civil society partners are undertaking to mitigate environmental degradation, restore coastal and marine habitats and provide opportunities for development. of the blue economy, of the charter industry, of maritime transport. Registry, management of protected areas and other important economic activities.

The week-long ocean conference will feature a variety of interactive plenary dialogues ranging from tackling marine pollution to harnessing the links between Sustainable Development Goal 14 and other goals for implementation of the 2030 Agenda. These interactive dialogues will contribute to bilateral exchanges with colleagues at regional and international levels to advance ocean conservation and the development of opportunities to improve the sustainable use of the territory’s coastal and marine resources.

The Virgin Islands government, through the Department of Natural Resources and Labor, continues to effectively manage and administer the territory’s natural resources in a manner that ensures their long-term sustainability.