· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: NGOs launched the "Blue Manifesto" today, outlining demands for stronger EU marine protection policies as the new European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, prepares to implement a European Oceans Pact to safeguard marine ecosystems
🔭 The context: Environmental groups, including WWF and Oceana, call for better enforcement of marine protection laws, a dedicated EU Ocean Fund, and an end to destructive practices like bottom trawling in 90% of protected areas
• They also push for a carbon pricing mechanism for ocean polluters
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: With marine ecosystems at a tipping point, the NGOs emphasize that urgent action is needed to restore ocean health, curb pollution, and ban harmful activities like oil and gas exploration in European waters
⏭️ What's next: NGOs will push the EU to strengthen marine policies, including the Global Plastics Treaty, and lobby for greater funding and stricter enforcement under the new Oceans Pact
💬 One quote: "A law is only worth the paper it’s written on if it is properly enforced" — Anaïs Berthier, ClientEarth
📈 One stat: Bottom trawling continues in 90% of Marine Protected Areas in Europe
Click for more news covering the latest on environmental sustainability