Brest, France: Marine pollution caused by man, climate change and their threat to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), were at the heart of the intervention of the President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan at the “One Ocean Summit”, which took place this Friday February 11 in Brest, France. 

It was the President of the France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, who opened this first edition of the "One Ocean Summit", which brought together a dozen of Heads of State and leaders of various international organizations. This Summit focused on several initiatives necessary for better governance of the oceans, the protection of marine ecosystems, the fight against pollution, particularly plastic, and the fight against climate change. 

President Ramkalawan said we have "One Ocean" which represents the heritage of all humanity and we must give it the respect it deserves. During his speech, he made reference to the plight of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the significance of strengthening international governance. 

"The prevalence of extreme weather conditions and the rising sea levels threaten our livelihoods and the very survival of our low-lying islands and valuable coastal plains.  In these circumstances, the climate change crisis remains and demands an urgent, coherent and global response. It also demands sustainable solutions" said President Ramkalawan 

President Ramkalawan also referred to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Aldabra which is not spared from the effects of marine pollution, as thousands of tons of plastic waste are washed ashore annually. The President further stressed upon implementing a proper structure of governance of the oceans and made an appeal for their sustainable use.  

 “We need a proper international governance structure – one that curbs irresponsible practices and policies that are at the core of a multitude of problems that we face today.  From our perspective as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), global ocean governance initiatives and existing institutions must be strengthened and financial mechanisms need to be leveraged to enhance capacity in developing coastal countries and SIDS to address the sustainable management of the ocean and coasts” said President Ramkalawan.

Following his intervention at the summit, President Ramkalawan also gave an interview to TV5 Monde where he further reiterated the plight of SIDS vis-à-vis marine pollution and the threat it poses to the existence of humanity, whilst also urging the international community to take action.

President Ramkalawan was accompanied by the Designated Minister, Mr Jean-Francois Ferrari, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde. Also present was Mr Ralph Agrippine, Chargé d’Affaires at the Seychelles embassy based in Paris, France.

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