DILI, 29 june 2022 (TATOLI) – Representing the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, at the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, co-organized by the Governments of Portugal and Kenya, Timor-Leste’s charismatic leader Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão underscored that Timor-Leste is committed to SDG 14 to ensure the preservation and protection of the life underwater.
“It is an honor and a joy to be here today and to have the opportunity to highlight our commitment to SDG 14, to the Ocean, and to our collective future,” Gusmão made the comment in his speech at the second United Nations Oceans Conference, in Lisbon, Portugal.
He said Timor-Leste is a Small Island Developing State (SIDS): “Our identity is anchored in the sea. The ocean has charted our past and is at the core of our vision for the future.”
“We want to add our voices, and especially our actions, to those who are committed to defending the ocean on which our lives depend on it. The ocean is getting sick and putting our planet and humanity in danger,” Gusmão emphasized.
He highlighted that the scientific reports have provided concrete and measurable data on the degradation of the seas and ocean: “In some countries in the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, we don’t need to read the reports because we can feel the impacts, the suffering, and the consequences.”
“Timor-Leste is located in the heart of the Coral Triangle. In fact, our sea has an area with the greatest biodiversity in the entire world. We also have one of the highest concentrations of cetaceans on the planet, and whale migration corridors, including the incredible blue whale, humpback whale, sperm whale, and dolphins.”
Gusmão said to better preserve Timor-Leste’s marine life, the country has planned to establish a Marine Education Center, with the support of international institutions, particularly academic ones.
“We are committed to a Blue Economy that protects and exploits the ocean in a balanced way,” he said.
Gusmão encouraged young people to develop innovative solutions based on science to contribute to minimizing problems facing the oceans: “The Youth and Innovation Forum will certainly contribute a lot. Thus, to ensure blue future is in the hands of the blue generation.”
On behalf of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Gusmão thanked the United Nations, as well as the Governments of the Republic of Portugal and the Republic of Kenya for organizing the second United Nations Oceans Conference.
According to SDG 14, saving the oceans must remain a priority. Marine biodiversity is critical to the health of people and the planet. Marine protected areas need to be effectively managed and well-resourced and regulations need to be put in place to reduce overfishing, marine pollution, and ocean acidification.
The overall theme of the 2022 UN Ocean Conference is: “Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of Goal 14: stocktaking, partnerships, and solutions.”
This high-level meeting will promote interaction among Patrons and members of the Ocean Decade Alliance and potential new members. It will include a presentation of the aspirations and plans of the Decade Alliance, and allow space for announcements from individual Alliance members or groups of members on new commitments or initiatives.
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAP), Pedro dos Reis, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MoFAC), Adaljiza Albertina Xavier Reis Magno were also presented at the 5-day conference.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sa
Editor: Nelia Borges
