At the event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Galway Statement on marine research cooperation, EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the achievements and future challenges of ocean exploration.
The Galway Statement, signed in 2013 by the European Union, Canada, and the United States, marked a commitment to invest, explore, and learn together about the Atlantic Ocean. Over the past decade, the alliance has grown to include countries such as Brazil, South Africa, Argentina, Cape Verde, and Morocco, reflecting the success of the cooperation.
Commissioner McGuinness hailed the Galway Statement as a global story of cooperation and teamwork, recognizing the vital role the ocean plays in sustaining life on Earth. The ocean not only regulates the climate and distributes heat globally but also houses diverse ecosystems that provide resources, including potential medicines, while supporting coastal livelihoods.
However, McGuinness acknowledged that the global ocean faces a three-fold crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. To address these challenges and achieve climate neutrality and biodiversity conservation, a healthy ocean is essential.
Looking back on the accomplishments of the Galway Statement, McGuinness praised the alliance’s commitment to science diplomacy collaboration. The partnership has facilitated ocean research, including deep water ecosystems and marine biodiversity, influencing UN negotiations on the High Seas Treaty.
The EU’s participation in the Galway alliance has been significant, with its research and innovation funding through Horizon Europe boosting collaborative efforts with partners like the United States and Canada. Horizon Europe’s EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” focuses on marine conservation, pollution elimination, and the transition to a carbon-neutral blue economy.
Beyond public funding, McGuinness emphasized the importance of sustainable finance in addressing ocean challenges. The EU Taxonomy and Green Bond Standard enable investors to support sustainable ocean projects with positive environmental and climate benefits.
Looking ahead, McGuinness stressed the need to expand the Galway alliance’s impact, creating an All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance that welcomes new partners. The event was an opportunity for participants to reflect on past successes and map out the vision for the next decade of ocean research and protection.
In conclusion, Commissioner McGuinness commended the work of the Galway Statement’s signatories and encouraged continuous cooperation and leadership to secure a sustainable and thriving ocean for future generations.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/SPEECH_23_3680