Commissioner for Environment Sinkevičius‘ opens the EU-China Blue Partnership Forum

EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius‘ opened the EU-China Blue Partnership Forum in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, on 23 September 2023. 

Below it is his speech - check against delivery.

Dear Vice-Ministers,

Dear Administrator, colleagues, friends,

It is a real pleasure to be here with you today for the second edition of the EU-China Blue Partnership Forum for the Ocean.

I warmly thank our hosts for welcoming us here in the vibrant city of Shenzhen.

The first edition of this Forum took place in Brussels in 2019. We are very happy to be finally able meet again. Because this Forum is a key part of our EU-China Blue Partnership for the Ocean. And it’s an opportunity for the EU and China to bring together stakeholders from both sides, including the business sector, academia, think tanks and the NGOs.

What is more, it comes at the right time to share our knowledge and experience to increase our common understanding. And to reiterate our commitment to our ocean.

Because despite our efforts, the latest scientific reports continue to paint a bleak picture of the status of the ocean, climate and biodiversity with negative or worsening trends.

This summer alone, we have seen extreme temperatures across the globe, raging wildfires and deadly floods devastating many lands.

These dire events are yet another signal that time is running out.

Improperly managed activities and insufficient progress towards a clean, healthy, productive and resilient ocean over recent years are our collective failure and responsibility. 

The challenges that our ocean faces today cannot be addressed alone. They are global in nature and so, too, our response must be global.

We must work together through international cooperation, strong partnerships and a rules-based global order. Our focus must be on improving the ocean governance framework, reducing pressures, using the ocean sustainably, and strengthening ocean research and data.

This is where ocean partnerships and dialogues are precious tools, as part of the EU's agenda to improve international ocean governance.

This forum is also timely because today we are meeting in a revamped ocean governance context. We have seen three milestones for the protection of the ocean adopted recently.

First, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted at CBD COP 15. This is a historic and transformational package. And an ambitious framework for action for all countries, all stakeholders and the entire UN system.

Second, the “BBNJ” Agreement is a key milestone for the protection of our ocean and a success for multilateralism. It’s ambitious, fair and equitable. And it’s an important step in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Third, the landmark Fisheries Subsidies Agreement on disciplining harmful fisheries subsidies worldwide, adopted at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference. It has a systemic importance in showing that WTO membership can deliver multilateral trade rules that address global sustainability challenges.

But now that we have these achievements, we need to quickly turn to follow-up and implementation. This is where blue partnerships are key.

Ocean Partnership with China

We appreciate the relationship we have built through our bilateral Blue Partnership for the Ocean. The dialogue between our teams has brought better mutual understanding and trust.

Our shared objective is to ensure effective ocean governance. Effective governance for the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, including sustainable fisheries and a thriving maritime economy.

With our Ocean Partnership, we agreed to join forces to protect our ocean by promoting sustainable fisheries, fighting IUU fishing, and conserving and sustainably using the Antarctic marine living resources, including the establishment of marine protected areas in the Antarctic Ocean.

So let me say a few words on what I see as key priorities for further cooperation in the context of our partnership as global ocean players.

International fisheries governance

China and the EU are among the few global ocean governance actors active in all international and regional organisations dealing with the ocean. As such, it is our shared responsibility on all levels - as leaders, administrations, economic operators, scientists - to use this influence to have a robust and transparent international fisheries governance.

Fisheries are facing many challenges, including transparency and sustainability.

Both the EU and China are responsible as flag, port and market states, and as members of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations to fight IUU fishing and, more generally, for sustainable fisheries and the sustainable development of the ocean.

This Forum is an opportunity to show that we remain steadfast in our resolve and to commit to strengthening our actions. Ratifying and implementing the Port State Measures Agreement is essential in this regard.

WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement

When it comes to the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, we would like to congratulate China on having deposited its instrument of acceptance on 27 June this year.

This is a great achievement that demonstrates a strong commitment to both the multilateral trading system and to sustainable fisheries.

The EU is calling on other WTO members to complete their ratification of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, so it can enter into force by the 13th Ministerial Conference.

As you know, the WTO membership agreed to continue negotiations for additional rules to effectively deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.6. Both China and the EU, as some of the largest fishing economies, must strive to ensure that sustainability is at the core of the new disciplines.

BBNJ

Second, there is no effective ocean governance without the protection of the High Seas.

It is important to take a step back and acknowledge and celebrate the historic achievement that is the adoption of the BBNJ Treaty after years of negotiations. This is a victory for our ocean.

However, now is not the time to rest on our laurels. For complacency. Given the worrying situation of fisheries resources and the marine environment, we have must take decisive steps to demonstrate our commitment to improving the situation.

The signature of the agreement took place just a few days ago and we are very happy to have China on board/ we encourage China to sign and ratify the Treaty.

We are very much looking forward to continuing working closely with China on the implementation of this agreement in order to fully seize the historic opportunity for the conservation and sustainable use of the high seas.

CCAMLR

Third, we have all agreed to conserve, by 2020, at least 10% of coastal and marine areas. But currently, only 3.4% of seas and oceans are covered by Marine Protected Areas. This is significantly below this target.

Achieving that target is the responsibility of the entire international community. Protecting the waters of the Southern Ocean is an opportunity for us to deliver on this promise.

There is no time to lose. Biodiversity loss and the climate emergency are outpacing us, moving faster than we had ever anticipated. If we want to conserve Antarctica’s rich and unique marine biodiversity and ecosystems, it is critical for us to act and to act now.

The creation of a network of MPAs in Antarctica is necessary to reach the 30x30 target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Let’s build on the positive momentum of the adoption of the BBNJ Agreement to make progress on MPAs in Antarctica.

The EU and its Member States have proposed the creation of two marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean, one in East Antarctica and another in the Weddell Sea.

These proposals have been under discussion for some time and are now ready for adoption.

I, therefore, count on China to make true on its international commitments and support the adoption of these proposals at the annual meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) next month.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me say, once again, how happy we are to be meeting in this forum again.

Today is an opportunity to discuss topics of common interest and to identify possible joint actions in these areas.

I am looking forward to getting your input. It will help us shape future actions and guide the next steps in the implementation of our Ocean Partnership.

China and the EU are major ocean players. We should use our joint influence to lead globally and to ensure a clean, healthy, productive and resilient ocean for today. And for the generations to come.

Thank you.

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