Cairo: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has said that Egypt, as chairman of COP27, is urging greater international efforts to protect the seas and oceans from the negative effects of climate change.
During his speech at the One Ocean Summit in Brest, France on Friday, he thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for inviting him to the summit and reflected on the importance of international climate action and efforts to protect nature.
He said: “The seas and oceans represent about 70 percent of the Earth, link our peoples and cultures, and contribute to the movement of international trade and navigation, as well as an important source of food and natural resources and economic are also catalysts for activity.
“They are essential for the prosperity of entire societies and countries.”
He continued: “We in Egypt are well aware of this. Our location on the Red and Mediterranean Seas has contributed to the emergence of our extended civilization and the formation of our development from the very beginning of history.
“Egypt also has the Suez Canal, which has contributed to and continues to drive the international trade movement, as one of the most important shipping lanes in the world.”
President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s eagerness to implement a legal framework to regulate economic activities in the seas and around the oceans to ensure the stability and conservation of marine resources.
He noted the danger of pollution, including plastics, which poses a challenge to developing countries.
Al-Sisi said: “Egypt is also taking vigorous steps to transform into a renewable energy hub, including expanding the production of green hydrogen, which represents a real opportunity to reduce the amount of emissions from the maritime transport sector.” Is.
“Over the coming period, we will work on taking forward ideas and initiatives in consultation with development partners with the aim of garnering further support for Egypt’s efforts in this important area.
“Internationally, Egypt, during the COP’s presidency, is working to begin the path of dialogue to reach new goals for the protection of nature, the most important of which is the protection of the seas and oceans.
“Egypt also participates with keen interest in the ongoing consultations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“The aim is to come up with a new legal instrument to protect biodiversity in marine areas outside national jurisdiction.”
The Egyptian leader also praised two important global initiatives at the summit: the Global Oceans Alliance and the High Ambition Alliance for Nature and People.
President Al-Sisi concluded his speech by expressing his belief that the summit will produce positive results that reflect the countries’ commitment to achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and protecting the seas and oceans.
“Let’s continue this conversation together, in the interest of protecting life on our planet, for ourselves and for generations to come.”