During this week's UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, I spoke about marine protection, Ireland’s cooperation with small island developing states, and addressed representatives from across the globe.
I reaffirmed Ireland's commitment to overcoming triple ocean challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution at the conference.
Ireland’s seas are rich in biodiversity, hosting deep-water coral gardens and carbonate mounds, and diverse coastal habitats, from exposed rocky shores to sheltered sandy bays and undersea meadows. It is home to over 20 species of whales and dolphins.
As a small island nation we are committed to protecting the ocean that we all share, we believe that by working together we can address the pressures we put on the ocean and build a better ocean future for people and for nature.
As Ireland moves towards our goal of 30% Marine Protected Area coverage by 2030, we recognise that there are challenges and opportunities. Biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution require a transition towards enhanced ocean protection.
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