Brussels, 09/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - On World Environment Day on Friday 5 June, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) affirmed its commitment to protecting the environment in an area which is reportedly more exposed to the threats of climate change.
“Poor in water resources and with an outlook of constantly increasing energy consumption” (a 70% increase is expected in 2030, according to the UfM), the Mediterranean region is said to be particularly exposed to the global risk weighing on the climate. Around 240 million people are apparently threatened by the deterioration in the environment.
The UfM states that it has been involved in this fight since a ministerial meeting on this in May 2014. While contributing to the regional efforts to address these challenges, the UfM gives assurances that the possibilities for cooperation have been taken - particularly by the private sector. The UfM announces that it will hold a ministerial meeting on the Blue Economy at the end of this year (an economy focused on the sea). The issues to be addressed at this meeting include marine research, the management of marine waste, and the tools for maritime governance. New concepts in tourism and maritime transport will be proposed in connection with new technologies. The meeting will also focus on energy from the ocean and on offshore wind energy. (Fathi B'Chir)