Global Ocean Commission’s visit to the Vatican.

On 30 April 2014 the Global Ocean Commission issued a press release on the Commission’s visit to the Vatican.

An excerpt from that release is quoted below.

What is of particular importance is the statement that the Commission is “hopeful that under the leadership of the Holy Father, the Church will step up its reflection and action to contribute to a wiser use of marine resources”.

But of equal significance is the discussion that took place with the Vatican on “the role of faith groups in disseminating the social and environmental aspects of ocean management and conservation”.

“Today Global Ocean Commission Co-chair, Trevor Manuel, met with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss the future of the global ocean.

At a private audience Co-chair Trevor Manuel presented Pope Francis with the Commission’s vision for stronger high seas governance and protection.

Reflecting on his visit to the Vatican, Co-chair Trevor Manuel said:

‘All our meetings at the Vatican were a great opportunity to identify possible synergies and areas of collaboration with the Vatican and to discuss the role of faith groups in disseminating the social and environmental aspects of ocean management and conservation.

In the course of its work, the Global Ocean Commission has recognised that the issues facing the oceans are value issues as much as policy issues, for example with regard to the equitable sharing of resources found in the high seas and their conservation for the benefit of future generations.

Furthermore, there is a moral obligation for us all to ensure adequate stewardship of our ocean environment and resources. We are hopeful that under the leadership of the Holy Father, the Church will step up its reflection and action to contribute to a wiser use of marine resources.’

The Commission aims to reach out to all global leaders and opinion-makers in the run up to the launch of its final report in New York on 24 June 2014.

Swakopmund Matters
1 May 2014
(For Swakopmund Matters the environment of the Namibian coastline and its ocean matters)
Swakopmund Matters