UNITAR Organizes Learning Center on Oceans, Biodiversity and Sharks
02 of June 2017, New York, U.S.A - The United Nations Institute of Training and Research organized a learning center on the occasion of the “United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainability use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”. The learning center was comprised of distinguished panelist: H.E. Mr. Semi Koroilavesau, Minister for Fisheries of the Republic of Fiji, H.E. Ms. Isabelle F. Picco, Permanent Representative of Monaco to the United Nations, Mr. Philip Chou, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Dr. Mark Bond, Florida International University and the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and Michael Donoghue, the threatened and migratory species advisor for the Secretariat Of The Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
The event was opened with opening remarks by Mr. Marco Suazo, Acting Head of the UNITAR New York office, who thanked all the panelists and participants to the event and reflected on the importance to find a concrete solution to SDG 14 which is primarily concerned about life below water, and eliminate the threat of pollution in many areas of the oceans. Moreover, a keynote speech was followed by H.E. Mr. Semi Koroilavesau, Minister for Fisheries of the Republic of Fiji, followed by two panel discussions by distinguished panellists: H.E. Ms. Isabelle F. Picco, Permanent Representative of Monaco to the United Nations, Mr. Philip Chou from The Pew Charitable Trusts and Mr. Michael Donoghue from SPREP. Topics ranged from the impact of Plastic on Oceans and Biodiversity to methods of accomplishing SDG 14. Furthermore, one main point that that was heavily emphasized by all the panelists was the importance of raising awareness, improve board practices, reduce the rubbish disposal in oceans by developing and promoting a clean oceans policy through the implementation of fines and improvement of state ports facilities.
After the first session concluded, the second panel included Dr. Mark Bond from Florida International University and Global Fin Print who explained about his research on the effects on marine reserves on sharks and rays and how he has incorporated baited remote underwater video (BRUV) surveys to assess the effectiveness of marine reserves for sharks and rays in several countries around the Caribbean region. The course concluded with some closing remarks from Mr. Suazo which included some wrap-up comments, and engaged with a questions and answer forum between the panelist and the participants.
Photos: Panelists of the Learning Center