Dominica: Roosevelt Skerrit, the current Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, represented the nation in the ninth Our Ocean Conference. The conference was organised in Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, from 16 April to 17 April.
At the conference, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit discussed the plans to preserve the lives in the ocean and its rich biodiversity through the implementation of climate-friendly initiatives. Following the motive of the gathering the conference was organised under the theme of Our Ocean – An Ocean of Potential.
The leader of Dominica addressed the gathering of the governmental leading personalities from different nations in the opening ceremony. He shared his remarks and marked the potential of Dominica and their works. The conference also introduced the first Our Ocean Film Festival on the occasion.
The conference was attended by the heads of government of multiple nations working on the same initiative with the many experts in the field and members of academia. The conference was also a point of interest for civil society and non-governmental organisations whose works see impact by the decisions of the government bodies.
Dominica PM Roosevelt Skerrit also shared his views for the betterment of the ocean’s lives and expressed the necessity of protecting the health of the ocean around the world. PM Skerrit highlighted in his words the need for the nations to participate in the effort as it is not just an issue of a region but the world as a unit.
The focus of the conference remained around the blue economy, which is about economic development through the use of the ocean and its resources in a better way. The leader discussed about the threats seen to marine life and the impact of climate change with the need for a transition in the practices.
The conference took all the necessary issues faced and observed on the bench including marine pollution and unsustainable fishing practices to find a way to the solutions. The PM of Dominica used the platform and mentioned about their efforts in the sector by quoting the establishment of the world’s first Sperm Whale Reserve recently.
Roosevelt Skerrit also mentioned to the people of his nation about his meeting with Prince Albert II of Monaco during his visit to Our Ocean Conference in Athens, Greece. He disclosed that both had a conversation about the threats to our natural environment and matters of global concern. He expressed that both are committed to the betterment of the response by both nations to support the cause.