Martinique is hybrid. It is part of France as a small island region, not interconnected to the mainland. The island is fragile and shares similar characteristics with Small Island Developing States such as:
- small land mass;
- high vulnerability to natural disasters;
- fragile ocean ecosystems;
- Importation challenges due to climate change and distance from markets.
These challenges are directly linked to global warming and climate change which results in rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes, coral bleaching and the destruction of the coastline due to the erosion of beaches.
Martinique is in the Caribbean which is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The population depends heavily on agriculture, fisheries and tourism sectors for survival. These sectors are at risk and can be destroyed with the harsh condition that comes with climate change. For example, and an increase in sea level can cause beaches to disappear which with can devastate the tourism product. Thus, the blue economy should ensure sustainable and balanced development in these sensitive areas.
The first World Ocean Conference to be held at the United Nations from June 5, 2017, will reinforce the ODD 14 (sustainable development objective) which aims to enrol the long-term management of marine resources (fishing, aquaculture) and related activities oceans (tourism).
Perfect union wants to work together to develop a positive, lasting blue economy for all, especially the most vulnerable, small non-interconnected island regions.
This action will focus on the screening of a video on the integration of the blue economy with a sustainable development vision for protection and enhancement of Oceans and small island regions not interconnected on a continent.
According to Nickson Barry, an environment youth advocate from the Caribbean and a student of MAPEX, who participated in the COP 21 negotiations. The earth must be preserved for future generations and should be done by the reduction of green house gases and more emphasis on renewable energy. Additionally, education and climate financing must also be made available to help developing countries build resilience.
Website: www.perfectunion.fr.
See more at: http://evenements.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/campagnes/evenement/8316
Progress reports
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
May 2017
