100 Governments Converge in Athens for Our Oceans Conference

More than 100 governments are poised to gather in the heart of Athens this week for the Our Oceans Conference, uniting in a concerted effort to address the formidable challenges confronting the world’s oceans.

Greenpeace’s call for enhanced ocean protection sets the stage for a pivotal conference unfolding in Athens, Greece, drawing attention to pressing issues such as corporate exploitation, deep sea mining, and the imperative for equitable treatment of coastal communities.

Projected messages like “Our Ocean is Not for Sale,” “Ratify the Global Ocean Treaty,” and “Stop Deep Sea Mining” illuminated iconic landmarks across the city, including Acropolis Hill and the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio. These projections converge on the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, the epicentre of the discussions.

At the core of the Our Oceans Conference agenda lies discourse on sustainable tourism along coastal regions, combatting marine plastic pollution, and navigating the green transition in the Mediterranean. With over 120 countries slated to participate, the conference heralds a collaborative endeavour to chart a course toward a more sustainable future for our seas.

In a testament to Greece’s commitment, Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis underscored the nation’s proactive stance, citing forthcoming commitments, including the establishment of marine parks in the Aegean and Ionian seas. Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis echoed sentiments of urgency, characterising ocean preservation as an “existential issue” for the country.

Nikos Charalambides, executive director of Greenpeace Greece, underscored the paramount need for concrete action, urging delegates to move beyond ceremonial speeches and embrace tangible commitments to stave off the looming threat posed by industrial fishing, pollution, and deep sea mining