The Lisbon Ministerial Meeting on Integrated Maritime Policy entitled “A Blue Agenda in the Green Deal” addressed the important role of the seas in achieving the goals of the “Green Agreement” and the contribution of the Blue Economy in the efforts made for economic recovery in the EU Member States.
The shipping deputy minister mentioned the following:
“We expressed the readiness of Cyprus to continue working towards the achievement of the set goals associated with the European “Green Agreement” and the United Nations Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.
We noted the great importance of the sea for Cyprus and its historical connection with it through traditional uses and activities such as shipping, fishing, maritime and coastal tourism.
We stressed that the protection of the marine environment and the reduction of the carbon dioxide footprint are vital in our efforts to achieve sustainable blue growth.
We highlighted the need to strengthen blue studies and professions and create new jobs, reducing the gap between academia and industry, creating a framework for employment mobility by promoting relevant training, skills and qualifications, while promoting gender equality.
We stressed the importance of research and innovation in achieving the goals of a sustainable blue economy and in this direction initiatives should be taken for effective use of research projects by the industry.
We stressed the need to promote international cooperation in all activities relating to the oceans, seas and the blue economy, which must always be in line with international law, and in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
We expressed the intention of the Republic of Cyprus to support and contribute to the strengthening of a sustainable and ambitious blue economy.
We informed about the implementation processes of the national Integrated Maritime Policy of Cyprus and the Marine Spatial Planning which is a key tool of blue growth.”
