GREENPEACE volunteers rode the blue wave with a campaign in the heart of the city which called on the Government to put its weight behind a Global Ocean Treaty to create a network of ocean sanctuaries protecting marine wildlife from destructive industries.
Half a dozen volunteers manned a stall in Pump Street on Saturday (June 22) as part of a nationwide call to arms which also saw them wear blue face paint and encourage passers-by to write personal messages which were delivered to Parliament.
Healthy oceans are one of our best allies against a changing climate, as marine life capture and store large amounts of carbon, but they are under threat from overfishing, deep sea mining and plastic pollution.
Currently less than five per cent of the world’s oceans are protected. Greenpeace is asking the Government to drive ambition at the next wave of negotiations at the United Nations in New York in August and make a strong Global Ocean Treaty a reality.
Greenpeace and independent scientists are calling for a network of ocean sanctuaries covering at least a third of the world’s oceans by 2030.
Following talks earlier this year, it’s hoped August’s summit will lead to a final round of negotiations next spring.
Volunteer John Allen said: “It’s fantastic a sea of people got together to show their support for a strong Global Ocean Treaty. We depend on our oceans for food, and to protect us from climate change.
“They are also a vital habitat for the sea creatures we know and love, such as whales and turtles.”
“Our Government must now surf this wave of support and push for a strong treaty at the upcoming UN negotiations. It’s vital that we protect at least 30 per cent of our oceans by 2030.”
More than 115,000 people in the UK, and half a million people worldwide, have already signed Greenpeace’s petition for a strong Global Ocean Treaty.
Visit www.act.gp/protectourocean for more.
