NORWAY: Norway, one of the world’s most important fishing countries, has announced it plans to make sustainable use of the seas and oceans a global priority. It is investing more than 100 million kroners to help combat the dumping of litter and plastic into the sea, which is causing grave concerns in fishing communities. This is the first time that the Oslo government has taken the strategically important step if presenting a white paper on the issue. Foreign Affairs Minister Børge Brende said the oceans offered huge potential for human development both in Norway and globally. ‘The world population is expected to increase by more than two billion by 2050, increasing our need to obtain resources such as food and energy from the oceans.
‘Norway has a long history as a maritime nation, and there are considerable opportunities for sustainable growth in ocean based industries in the time ahead. ‘However, there is also serious concern about environmental problems such as pollution and marine litter, climate change, and unsustainable uses of the oceans, such as overfishing.’ The white paper gives special priority to three areas: sustainable use and blue growth, clean and healthy oceans, and the role of the blue economy in development policy. The Minister added: ‘International cooperation is the key to tackling the challenges we are facing. Environmental problems such as plastic litter are threatening life in the sea. ‘Given the importance of the oceans for a large proportion of the world’s population, dealing with these problems should be a global priority.
‘Norway will play a leading role internationally in efforts to keep the world’s oceans clean and healthy. ‘The government will set aside NOK 100 million for a development programme to combat marine litter and microplastics. ‘The government will cooperate with international organisations and other countries to ensure that the funding is used effectively. ‘Norway has expertise, knowledge and technology that is in great demand internationally. The white paper makes it clear that marine research and marine management in developing countries is an area where efforts will be considerably intensified.’ The white paper highlights the Arctic seas as one of Norway’s important ocean interests. It also emphasises the importance of ensuring that the Law of the Sea is implemented effectively. The Law of the Sea is of crucial importance for international stability and predictability, and for marine management and commercial use of the oceans.
