This June 8, World Oceans Day is celebrated under the theme “Awaken New Depths.” The date was established by United Nations General Assembly resolution 63/111 adopted in 2008 with the aim of remembering the crucial role that the oceans play in our lives and the ways in which we can contribute to their protection.
The Argentine Republic, as a bicontinental country, with a marked oceanic vocation and with one of the most extensive maritime coastlines in the world - which far exceeds the continental territory - is firmly committed to the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources.
In view of this, it is a priority for the Argentine Republic to adopt and implement comprehensive public policies oriented towards the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources. To ensure the sustainability of ecosystems and establish policies for the responsible use of natural resources, it is essential to count on detailed scientific knowledge about them, through marine scientific research and international cooperation.
In this regard, the Pampa Azul inter-ministerial initiative is of essential importance, as a strategic and multidisciplinary mechanism that brings together the authorities of several national departments with the national scientific community and other relevant stakeholders. Among other purposes, this initiative is aimed at promoting scientific knowledge, technological innovations that contribute to the strengthening of industries linked to the sea, and the economic development of Argentine maritime regions.
Furthermore, our country has an active role in cooperation and coordination on ocean matters at the international level, as evidenced by Argentina’s impulse in revitalizing the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic, an initiative bringing together 24 coastal States of Africa and South America and representing a predominant area to promote South-South cooperation.
On the other hand, on May 10, Argentina’s Foreign Ministry held a Seminar on Ocean Action whose objective was to exchange experiences, points of view and good practices on various aspects related to the management and better conservation of the oceans and which included the participation of multiple stakeholders, such as experts, government representatives and civil society representatives, all of whom allowed for diverse perspectives. This seminar was a preparatory event for the “High Level Event on Ocean Action: Immersed in Change”, a relevant milestone towards the Third United Nations Oceans Conference to be held in Nice in 2025.
