Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

Canada joins 22 nations in ocean protection

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 09 Jul, 2020 08:36 PM
  • Canada joins 22 nations in ocean protection

Canada has joined an international group of nearly two dozen other countries working to protect the world's oceans.

The Global Ocean Alliance, founded by Great Britain last year, seeks to protect 30 per cent of the world's oceans by 2030.

"Working in partnership is the only way we're going to make headway," said Fisheries and Oceans Minister Bernadette Jordan, who made the announcement Thursday.

The alliance's 22 members include European countries such as Italy, Germany and Sweden, as well as island states such as Fiji and the Seychelles. The group will share information and experience — as well as set a public standard for members to live up to.

"International partnerships keep us accountable," Jordan said. "We can share resources and information about what works and what doesn't."

Canada's membership does not require a direct financial commitment, she said.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature, one of the world's largest organizations of conservation scientists, says protecting 30 per cent of the planet's oceans is vital to keep ecosystems functioning.

Canada had already announced a conservation target of 25 per cent of its marine and coastal areas by 2025 and has protected 14 per cent of those.

More is on the way, Jordan said.

"Our largest potential is in the Arctic. We're partnering with the Inuit to achieve this."

As well, regulations are being drafted for a planned marine protected area in the Pacific. Another 59 smaller refuges are planned in all three of Canada's oceans.

Together, they would bring the percentage of protected waters and coastlines in the country to over 20 per cent.

Louie Porta, director of the group Oceans North, said joining the alliance is a good thing.

"This is part of a global effort to realize and set new ambitious targets," he said.

But he warned that targets and percentages don't tell the whole story.

"To set a target and meet that objective, it requires that you are engaging in a good way with local people, who have a vested interest in having an abundant, healthy ocean, and working with them to ensure those values endure."

Major international players such as China, Russia and the United States aren't part of the alliance.

Porta said that doesn't mean they won't co-operate. He points out all three have signed a treaty banning fishing in the High Arctic.

MORE National ARTICLES

Lac-Megantic marks 7th anniversary of rail disaster

Lac-Megantic marks 7th anniversary of rail disaster
Lac-Megantic will today mark the seventh anniversary of a tragic rail disaster by inaugurating a long-planned memorial space.

Lac-Megantic marks 7th anniversary of rail disaster

Two motorcyclists die in separate B.C. crashes

Two motorcyclists die in separate B.C. crashes
Separate crashes less than 48 hours apart have killed two motorcyclists and injured five other people on Highway 99 near Pemberton, B.C.

Two motorcyclists die in separate B.C. crashes

Two teenage boys 14 and 15 arrested and charged with first degree murder in a chain of unrelated shootings in Winnipeg

Two teenage boys 14 and 15 arrested and charged with first degree murder in a chain of unrelated shootings in Winnipeg
Some tragic news out of Winnipeg with a crime unimaginable and unfathomable. A chain of unrelated shootings in Winnipeg has left one woman dead and many others wounded this week and has resulted in the arrest of two teenage boys by police.

Two teenage boys 14 and 15 arrested and charged with first degree murder in a chain of unrelated shootings in Winnipeg

Burnaby resident David O'Brien surely has luck on his side winning the 6/49 lotto twice in a gap of 4 years

Burnaby resident David O'Brien surely has luck on his side winning the 6/49 lotto twice in a gap of 4 years
This is one inexplicable phenomenon. Talk about hitting the jackpot not once but twice. David O'Brien is one lucky guy. The Burnaby resident has won a $ 1 million dollar prize matching all six numbers playing Lotto 6/49 on June 20th. Prior to him claiming the winning ticket last month, on May 4, 2016, David O'Brien won a $5-million prize after matching all six numbers playing Lotto 6/49.

Burnaby resident David O'Brien surely has luck on his side winning the 6/49 lotto twice in a gap of 4 years

Greater Vancouver home sales start to tick up

Greater Vancouver home sales start to tick up
Home sales in the Greater Vancouver area are starting to return to more typical levels after dipping to four-decade lows in April, while prices continue to edge up from 2019.

Greater Vancouver home sales start to tick up

Kenney hopes to sway Biden on Keystone XL

Kenney hopes to sway Biden on Keystone XL
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says he believes United States presidential hopeful Joe Biden can be swayed to supporting the Keystone XL pipeline.

Kenney hopes to sway Biden on Keystone XL