Taiwan Participates in the 9th "Our Ocean Conference" and Hosts the Forum on Marine Protected Areas Attracting International Attention

Taiwan participated in the 9th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) held in Athens, Greece, on April 16-17, 2024. Taiwan responded to the conference's 6 action areas with practical actions and concrete commitments, including climate change, marine protected areas, sustainable blue economy, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, and maritime security.

This year, the Taiwanese delegation was led by Chien-Hung Chen, the President of the National Academy of Marine Research, OAC. The delegation included representatives from various organizations, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Maritime Port Bureau (MOTC), the Tourism Administration, TaiwanICDF, and the National Taiwan University (NTU).

Chien-Hung Chen, the President of the National Academy of Marine Research, OAC

The Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), in collaboration with the Taipei Representative Office in Greece, hosted the "Global Collaboration Forum on Marine Protected Areas" in Athens on the day before the conference (April 15). The forum received enthusiastic responses from government officials, private sectors, and representatives of international non-governmental organizations from various countries.

Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of Palau, also attended and delivered a speech. President Whipps Jr. shared Palau's longstanding efforts and achievements in marine conservation, particularly the establishment of Palau's protected area network. He also emphasized Taiwan's contributions to international maritime affairs and reiterated support for Taiwan's consistent participation in important international marine activities.

(Left to right) Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of Palau｜Sherman S. Kuo, Ambassador of the Taipei Representative Office in Greece

Since 2015, Taiwan has participated in the OOC and proposed 33 marine action commitments with a budget totaling $528 million. This year, Taiwan once again proposed 10 marine action commitments, with $218 million allocated to the 6 action areas of concern to the OOC. These concrete marine action commitments have drawn significant attention from various countries, shaping Taiwan as an indispensable positive force in the international marine community.

Photo source: OAC