For economies that are dependent on the resources of the sea, protecting marine life and the ocean they live in is crucial, says Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna.

She made the statement while taking part virtually, at the IUCN World Conservation Congress High Level Dialogue current ongoing in Marseille, France.

She spoke of the importance of protecting 30 percent of the ocean at the conference, noting the importance for countries like Maldives who have a larger percentage of water than land. Thus, protecting the marine life and their habitat, is essential for such economies that depend on them, she stated.

Furthermore, she expressed concern over the decrease in fish stocks and increasing wastes in the ocean, citing them as major concerns. She also noted that the current administration’s policy is protect 20 percent of Maldivian waters and stressed the importance of international cooperation in the matter as it cannot be solved by one individual country.

Drawing attention to the fact that outside of Maldivian borders environmentally unethical methods of fishing, along with drastic changes to weather, the minister commented that countries who depend on the fisheries industry are negatively affected.

The minister urged all countries to work together to protect 30 percent of the ocean in accordance with the UN’s “Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction” by 2030.