Canada will work with the international community to build resilience to climate change in the Pacific region.
Announced by Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Jonathan Wilkinson, reiterated Canada’s commitment to working globally to support resilient coasts and coastal communities.
“For coastal communities, like those of the Pacific region and Small Island Developing States, the ocean and their fisheries play a fundamental role in the prosperity of their communities, their food security, and their overall well-being,” said Wilkinson.
These goals will be pursued by investing in the following efforts:
- $10 million to the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience. Funding for the joint initiative with the European Union, France, New Zealand, and Australia will support efforts in the Pacific region to adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve ocean and fisheries health.
- $20 million for capacity development and technical assistance in Small Island Developing States. This includes areas of public financial management, financial sector supervisory capacity, and fostering inclusive growth.
The @BlueEconomy2018 is just the beginning of our partnership on oceans. Looking forward to continue working together to protect #OurOceans for our kids and grandkids. #BlueEconomyKE ???? https://t.co/VLO4MQRtEA
— Jonathan Wilkinson (@JonathanWNV) November 26, 2018
Support in these areas are intended to complement Canada’s commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the marine conservation targets under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as the Charlevoix Blueprint for Health Oceans, Seas, and Resilient Coastal Communities Canada endorsed during the G7 Leaders’ Summit in June 2018.
“As a global community, we have the ability to slow down and even reverse the damage created by climate change,” said Wilkinson. “By working together through action-oriented collaborations like the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience, and through capacity building, we can build more resilient communities, protect biodiversity, improve the health of our oceans, and support sustainable fisheries.”
Wilkinson highlighted the funding during his statement of commitment to the sustainable blue economy, which he delivered on behalf of Canada during the opening day of the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. This first-ever global conference on the sustainable blue economy, which Canada is co-hosting, runs until November 28th.
