“There is no economic and social prosperity if it is not in harmony with nature and the environment. And the dominant natural element was, is and will be water. In the age of the Climate Crisis, therefore, we protect it. In a Greece that is green, but also blue” emphasizes Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his article about the 9th international conference on the oceans “Our Oceans” (OOC-9), which will take place on April 16-17, 2024 at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.
Mr. Mitsotakis notes about the protection of our seas and waters that it is: “A priority that takes its equal place next to the other national goals”, while he characterizes this year’s “Our Ocean Conference” hosted by our country as “The most important annual international event for the protection of marine biodiversity and the safeguarding of the good of the waters in all fields”.
Specifically, the prime minister states in his article:
In the debate about protecting the environment, we often forget that 7/10 of the surface of our planet is covered by seas and oceans. As well as the fact that Greece with its islands has the 11th longest coastline in the world.
It is paradoxical, therefore, that, although we are a maritime country, in our nature policy we unequivocally prioritize mainly the protection of the “green”. No, however, equally the safeguarding of the “infinite blue” that surrounds us.
That is precisely why, next week, Greece is organizing this year’s “Our Ocean Conference”. The most important annual international event for the protection of marine biodiversity and the preservation of the good of the waters in all fields.
In its context, every year, delegations from dozens of states are invited to undertake specific commitments. Thus, Athens will host 120 government missions. In a meeting, where world leaders, operators of the so-called “blue economy”, as well as representatives of civil society will jointly examine the consequences of the Climate Crisis on the oceans and seas. So we all take action.
Already, our country is promoting 21 initiatives with a total budget of 780,000,000 euros as part of a now structured strategy: to protect the Greek marine biodiversity. For the cleaning of coasts and seas in the territory. And for the formation of two large marine parks, in the Ionian and the Aegean, which cover approximately 32% of our national waters.
At the same time, we are creating a new monitoring system for protected marine areas, prohibiting fishing practices that damage the seabed. We are also developing special campaigns for the removal of plastics. While the State finances the construction of charging infrastructures in 12 ports of the country, in order to strengthen electrified coastal navigation.
Quietly but methodically, therefore, Greece is leading the defense against the dramatic climate changes that are proven to affect every region and every activity. From agricultural production and tourism, to the safety and health of citizens. Based on a 4-pillar National Strategy.
The first is the acceleration of the green transition. We are, already, in fourth place in Europe in terms of the percentage of electricity production from the sun and wind. And, with European funds we are constantly promoting investments in RES which will gradually allow us to meet our electricity needs from natural sources. This year at a rate of 60% and in 2030 by 80%. With the aim, right after, not only to be autonomous with clean and cheap energy. But also to export it.
At the same time, we connect our islands to the continental network, promoting innovative solutions that change their image. And we are incentivizing the transition to a green economy in our industry, agriculture and livestock. These are measures that save energy and limit production costs without depriving these sectors of their competitiveness. The modernization of the economy thus meets the protection of the environment and the improvement of the quality of life.
Nothing, however, can rule out attacks of nature and omens like ‘Daniel’. More heatwaves, fires, droughts and floods. Therefore, the second pillar of our strategy concerns the resilience of the place and the state to catastrophic phenomena.
The effort made to organize, staff and equip Civil Protection with the most modern means is well known. As is well known, the State’s recent plan for clearing forests of fuel and its productive use. And, finally, the drawing up of a comprehensive water management program for Thessaly is now underway.
An effort that will be monitored by a new Independent Regulatory Authority in the many things that need to be done at many levels. For the most efficient watering and irrigation. To adapt crops, livestock and fisheries to the challenges of climate change. And, of course, to support farmers, breeders and fishermen to win the bets of the new era.
The third pillar is order in public space and the built environment. Because, indeed, arbitrariness does not only alter landscapes and deprive citizens of their rights. But it also creates additional problems that add to the disasters.
I remember that last year we fought the battle for the beaches, which this year has an organized form. We also instituted the “untouchable mountains” and “untouchable coasts”, excluding all economic activity in areas of special environmental value. And, now, a comprehensive plan for arbitrary construction is being promoted in the Parliament. With arrangements that will be accompanied by a serious monitoring and policing system, to put an end to the illegal and abusive. Public space will remain public. While the construction will now follow the rules set by the law.
I close with the pillar with which I started for the protection of our seas and waters. A priority that takes its place equally next to the other national goals. After all, there is no economic and social prosperity if it is not in harmony with nature and the environment. And the dominant natural element was, is and will be water. In the age of the Climate Crisis, therefore, we protect it.
In a Greece that is green, but also blue.
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