06/10/2017 (Agence Europe) – The fourth global Our Ocean conference, hosted in Malta by the EU, came to an end in St Julian’s on Friday 6 October, successful in terms of definite commitments from international organisations, the governments of the 112 countries and private sector representatives on better governance of a global public good. More than €6 billion have been pledged to bring into effect the 400 commitments made to improve the cleanliness and safety of the oceans, manage aquatic resources equitably, mitigate the impact of global warming and promote sustainable blue growth. The creation of new marine protected areas, covering more than 2.5 million km2, is one of the commitments. The EU alone promised some €560 million to finance 36 firm initiatives (see EUROPE 11877). (AN)