The Initiative for regional action by the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East to address the consequences of Climate Change, was mentioned today by the President of the Republic Mr.Nicos Anastasiades, who participated in a thematic session of the "One Ocean" Summit taking place in Brest, France.
In his speech, entitled "Tackling climate change with a focus on green shipping", the President said, among other things, that Cyprus has joined the Coalition for Nature and Peoples, which is co-chaired by France and Costa Rica, with the aim of addressing the huge economic and geopolitical consequences of climate change, noting at the same time that Cyprus, as a leading maritime state, considers it imperative to accelerate the transition of shipping to a low-polluting industry.
He added that at the national level, the Cyprus Government has already differentiated its long-term strategy for shipping under the title "SEA Change 2030", noting that the main objectives are the proper management of the high seas and oceans as well as the environment.
He also underlined that Cyprus and the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East are in the same situation regarding the consequences of climate change, being particularly sensitive to its effects.
"So, at the regional level, there is Cyprus' ongoing initiative to coordinate actions on climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. This project aspires to encourage and provide incentives for the countries of our region to prepare their own Regional Action Plan, based on their own specificities," President Anastasiades said.
He also pointed out that "as an active member of the International Maritime Organisation, Cyprus will work towards ensuring that shipping makes a significant contribution to the protection of the oceans and the reduction of the adverse effects of climate change. To this end, we will continue to focus on bridging initiatives through the promotion of regional cooperation."
Finally, he said that it is his and the Cyprus Government's belief that the international community must demonstrate a real understanding of the priorities of different countries and their diversity.
(PM/MG/SX)
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