In remarks delivered at the One Ocean Summit in France this week, U.S. Asst. Sec. for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Monica Medina provided brief remarks at the conclusion of a session on “Ocean Governance Responding to Change.”
Medina called it a critical moment for the ocean and a “time of great urgency where we need to take action,” saying that “the question is, will we meet the moment? Do we have the political will?” to “turn the tide” on ocean conservation. In doing so, she called the United States “a willing and very engaged partner in this undertaking.”
Medina specifically cited ongoing negotiations for an international agreement governing conservation and sustainable use of the ocean in areas beyond national jurisdiction, sharing her belief that negotiations will successfully conclude in 2022, and said she is “convinced” that more marine protected areas will be created “than ever” due to the agreement and ambitions of the United States, Chile, and many others who have created MPAs.
Medina also said that 2022 will be a year of elevated ambition on illegal fishing and other illegal activities in the ocean due to the agreement and additional MPAs that will protect areas and be enforced, and cited negotiations to address plastic pollution. In concluding her remarks, she cited the upcoming U.S.-hosted Our Ocean Conference (“where hopefully we will make more of these announcements”), UN Ocean Conference, UN General Assembly meeting in September, and the COP 27 meeting in November, saying “if we can’t do it this year, I don’t know when we can.”
At close of the Summit, Medina delivered remarks on “The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want.” Stating that the coming months “will determine the health of the ocean and our planet for centuries to come,” Medina highlighted the role of science in informing decision-making, supporting technological and nature-based solutions, and inspiring young people to become future leaders. In doing so, noted the U.S.’s commitment to “investing in science, protecting the integrity of the science, and listening to scientists.”
